Physical stationing methods like stakes and rovers have been the standard for decades, but technology is evolving, and digital stationing is changing the game. By eliminating the need for physical markers, digital stationing simplifies workflows, reduces errors, and enhances accessibility for teams in the field. 👷

While the benefits are clear, embracing new technology in your company can feel daunting, with hurdles that might make you pause before taking the leap. Onboarding any new technology requires careful decision-making, from evaluating accuracy to managing costs and ensuring seamless implementation. These concerns can slow adoption, even when the long-term benefits are undeniable.

So, what’s standing in the way? Let’s cover these five onboarding hurdles you may face—and how to overcome them.

1. Understanding and Trusting the Technology

We all can’t hide from the fact that the civil engineering and heavy highways industry are pretty archaic. Switching from physical stakes to digital stationing is a big change, but it follows the same path as other industry advancements—just like GPS replaced paper maps. At first, it may seem unfamiliar, but teams adopting digital stationing report smoother workflows and fewer errors. Physical stakes have been a trusted tool for decades because they work. But they can also be misplaced, require setup, and depend on weather conditions. Digital stationing enhances what crews are already doing, providing instant access to stationing data without these risks.

Like any technology, digital stationing depends on factors such as connectivity, battery life, and screen visibility. Poor internet access, device glare, or power limitations on a job site can create obstacles that companies must plan for. Knowing how to pivot when technical limitations arise—whether by using offline capabilities, backup power solutions, or alternative workflows—helps teams maintain efficiency in any environment. Limited Wi-Fi access is one of the biggest concerns, but with proper planning, crews can still access the stationing data they need without disruption.

Many companies have been burned by bad technology in the past. There’s a common perception that if a product worked in one area—like vertical construction—it should work everywhere. But that’s not always the case. This skepticism makes it difficult for companies to trust new solutions, especially if they’ve already had a bad experience. The key is demonstrating how digital stationing is built specifically for infrastructure projects, addressing past concerns with improved accuracy, usability, and real-world testing. Overcoming hesitation takes time, but as more field teams experience the benefits firsthand, trust in digital stationing continues to grow.

How can you overcome this?

2. Changing Established Workflows

Construction crews rely on well-established workflows using physical stationing methods, trucks, and survey equipment. Traditionally, if a GPS unit isn’t available, workers use station/off-set information on paper plans, locate physical station lathes, and measure distances manually with a measuring wheel—just to identify a location. Transitioning to digital stationing requires companies to adopt new software, adjust processes, and train workers, which can create resistance. However, when integrated effectively, digital stationing can streamline tasks like QC/QA and materials testing by digitally recording locations and test results, reducing reliance on paper and minimizing human error.

How can you overcome this?

3. Perceived Burden and Training

How can you teach your dad that pressing every button at once won’t make the TV work faster? (It's not a game of Whac-A-Mole)

The same challenge applies to the construction industry, where many professionals worry about “app fatigue” and technology overload. They are already responsible for building safe and durable roads—adding another software requirement can feel unnecessary. Some leaders hesitate to ask their teams to adopt yet another platform, fearing it will slow them down rather than help them work faster.

One major concern is the perceived administrative burden and training involved. Many teams assume that adopting digital stationing will require extensive effort to learn new software, adjust workflows, and ensure proper implementation. The thought of adding another layer of complexity can make companies hesitant to move forward, as they worry it will take too much time away from their core responsibilities.

The key to overcoming this resistance is providing the right information and quick, effective training materials. Hands-on demonstrations, streamlined onboarding processes, and real-world examples of how digital stationing simplifies—not complicates—daily tasks can help shift perspectives. When teams see firsthand how the technology enhances efficiency and eliminates common frustrations, they are more likely to embrace the change.

How can you overcome this?

4. Decision-Making Challenges and Ownership Uncertainty

One common challenge with adopting digital stationing is that the people who would benefit from it the most often feel they lack the authority to implement it. Many field workers and project managers see themselves as the "low guy on the totem pole" and believe they need approval from upper management, the Department of Transportation (DOT), or other stakeholders before they can even try it. This hesitation slows adoption, as potential users feel powerless to advocate for change.

Another major barrier is uncertainty around who should be responsible for purchasing and hosting the solution. Many assume that contractors would benefit the most, yet adoption among smaller contractors and projects remains low. As a result, other stakeholders, such as project owners, feel pressured to take on the cost to ensure its availability. This lack of clarity on ownership increases costs and creates communication gaps, making it difficult to standardize adoption across projects. Without a clear decision-making process and defined responsibility, digital stationing struggles to gain traction industry-wide.

How can you overcome this?

5. Addressing Compatibility and Accuracy Concerns

Another concern is compatibility with existing tools. With multiple digital platforms available, companies must decide whether digital stationing will integrate smoothly with their current systems. Additionally, some worry about accuracy. While digital stationing is precise within a few feet, workers accustomed to exact rover readings may question whether it's "good enough" for their needs.

One common concern voiced by users is that while the app is great for finding stations, it may not be precise enough for measurement-based reporting. While some worry about accuracy, digital stationing is precise within a few feet, often well within tolerance for most project needs. Plus, it reduces human errors that come with stake misplacement or misread rovers.

For more of a detailed look at explaining the accuracy of digital stationing and why it matters, take a look at this article!

How can you overcome this?

Moving Forward → with Digital Stationing 

The transition to digital stationing isn’t just about replacing stakes—it’s about making construction more efficient, accurate, and adaptable for the future. Companies that adopt digital stationing now will gain a competitive edge, reducing time spent on manual processes and improving field collaboration.

Yes, change comes with challenges, but the long-term benefits far outweigh the temporary hurdles. The industry is moving toward digital solutions, and those who embrace the shift will find themselves ahead of the curve.

If you’re still unsure, the best way to see the value of digital stationing is to try it firsthand.

Teams that embrace digital stationing today aren’t just keeping up with the industry; they’re leading it.📱