Billy Beane of Moneyball fame spoke at Connect & Construct Summit , the opening day of Autodesk University 2019. For those of you who are not baseball fans, Billy was the general manager of the Oakland A’s in the early 2000s. With the help of a data scientist, he created what would be come to be known as sabermetrics. He used data and algorithms to find undervalued players and developed a data- based decision making system to play the games.
The A’s went on to make the playoffs with the lowest cost team in the MLB and forever changed the game.
The A’s were constrained by budget and found a way to win. MEP construction firms are constrained by the lack of skilled labor. However, most firms are simply doing what they’ve always done. Our eVolve MEP clients tend to be the leaders in the industry who recognize they have two choices: adapt or die. We at eVolve MEP will solve the technical side of the skilled labor shortage in MEP by leveraging A.I. and other cutting edge technologies.
In the coming months, we will be rolling out the first iteration of these exciting tools that will take advantage of the work our clients have already performed. Through our applications, we will ensure that our clients will be making ever- improving data-based decisions.
That being said, technology is only part of the solution. One of the best parts of Michael Lewis’ book, “Moneyball: The Art of Winning an Unfair Game,” and its namesake movie involves Billy’s conclusion that he has to change the A’s culture. He has to teach them to win using the new metrics. Technology does not replace the need for leadership and culture focused on continuous improvement. Humans get things done. Computers only enhance.
Towards the end of the movie, the owner of the Boston Red Sox says to Billy, “Anybody who is not tearing their team down right now and rebuilding it using your model…they’re dinosaurs. They’ll be sitting on the sofa on their asses in October watching the Boston Red Sox win the World Series.”
Are you a dinosaur? Do you want to eVolve? We’re ready to do our part. Contact eVolve MEP today to talk to an industry expert and learn how technology can enhance your MEP firm’s leadership, culture and continuous improvement.