Traffic congestion and Web 2.0

When construction project teams implement collaboration solutions - from web-based conferencing to centralised document repositories - one of the benefits is a reduction (albeit usually modest) in the length, number and frequency of meetings that people have to attend to keep the project on track. Another benefit is the reduction in the number of paper-based drawings and other documents (or CDs holding electronic versions of them) that need to be delivered to multiple locations.

However, we haven't yet reached the stage (and perhaps we never should - as I often repeat: people collaborate, not technologies) of eliminating face-to-face meetings altogether (though we might one day reach the stage of eradicating physical document deliveries). Travel to client briefings, planning meetings, design team meetings, presentations, site meetings, etc, are still an important part of most construction professionals' work, and as the roads get ever more crowded it is almost inevitable that people will be late for meetings.

I have just read (on Webware.com) about a great application of technology for the late-running traveller, called Oops, I'm late! It runs on GPS-equipped Windows smartphones, and once you have given it access to your calendar, it will automatically fire off text messages to your meeting contacts when it detects that you can't possibly make the appointment in time. Or it can also tell people how far away you are and your ETA. Web 2.0 savvy, the latest version also works with Twitter and Facebook to send both public and private messages. Great idea! (Shame I don't have a GPS 'phone - but I know a few people who do.)