Canada’s construction industry plays a vital role in the national economy, contributing more than 7.5% of GDP and employing 1.6 million people. But the sector is at a turning point. While industries like manufacturing have steadily increased productivity over the past two decades, new research from KPMG and the Canadian Construction Association (CCA) shows that construction has lagged behind—averaging just 0.4% annual growth and recently falling below 1997 levels.

At the same time, firms are navigating mounting pressures: 78% report labour shortages, while rising material costs, shifting global trade patterns, and supply chain disruptions are stretching budgets and timelines thin. Regional differences in building codes and procurement processes only add to the complexity, making it harder to scale innovative solutions.

Yet amid these challenges, a clear path forward is emerging—and it’s powered by technology. To stay competitive and meet rising demand, construction leaders are turning to digital tools that help them move faster, operate more efficiently, and make smarter decisions in real time.

Digital tools take centre stage

Many firms are already embracing digital solutions to boost visibility and productivity. KPMG’s study found that 87% of industry leaders believe technologies are essential to meet the sector’s evolving demands.

Among the technologies gaining traction are:

• AI-powered analytics to improve forecasting and decision-making

• Building Information Modelling (BIM) for precise 3D planning and better collaboration

• Digital twins for real-time system modelling—like Estes’ shipment lifecycle twin, used to boost efficiency

• Drones, robotics, and sensors to enhance safety and productivity on job sites

• Generative AI, with 68% of firms using or planning to use it to accelerate design, improve safety, and streamline workflows

• Prefabrication and modular construction to reduce timelines and control costs

Digital platforms that combine telematics, sensor data, and predictive analytics are helping construction teams move faster, minimize downtime, and improve job site safety. These capabilities are no longer optional—they’re quickly becoming core to how the industry works.

Moving from paper trails to productivity

The shift toward digital isn’t just about adopting new tools, it’s about replacing outdated ones. KPMG found that 58% of construction firms still use paper forms or spreadsheets to manage operational data, a practice that slows decisions, increases errors, and makes it harder to share information across sites.

Forward-looking companies are shifting to digital workflows that capture real-time data right from job sites. Tools like Samsara's Connected Workflows replace paper checklists, inspections, and work orders with digital forms that integrate photos, GPS locations, and e-signatures—all accessible instantly across teams.

The impact can be transformative. Sterling Crane Canada digitized inspections and safety checklists across 16 branches and for more than 600 employees. As a result, they streamlined operations, reduced errors, and improved communication. The shift saved the company CA$1.6 million in driver downtime, boosted driver satisfaction, and enhanced Hours of Service (HOS) compliance.

Digital transformation is no longer just an efficiency play—it’s a strategic lever for meeting client expectations and staying ahead.

Clients are driving the digital shift

The move from paper to digital isn’t just about internal improvements—it’s also driven by evolving client demands. According to KPMG, 43% of firms implement digital tools specifically to meet client contract requirements. Buyers now expect greater transparency, sustainability reporting, and reliable delivery timelines. Firms that can demonstrate operational visibility and real-time data are gaining a competitive edge—and winning more work.

DeSilvaGates is a prime example. By using Samsara Connected Workflows to digitize safety inspections and equipment maintenance, they eliminated paperwork bottlenecks that used to delay job starts. The result: $2.34 million saved annually by preventing job delays. For DeSilvaGates, this shift didn’t just improve operations—it made them a more reliable partner and helped position their bids as lower-risk and more attractive.

In today’s market, data-driven accountability isn’t a nice-to-have—it’s becoming the price of admission for firms that want to stay competitive and grow.

Ready to explore how you can optimize your construction fleet? Schedule a demo to see how connected operations can drive real impact—or log in to unlock more value from your existing Samsara platform.