The construction industry added 34,000 jobs in August and saw unemployment fall to a monthly record low of 3.2%. Kojo CEO Maria Davidson joins Asking for a Trend to break down the state of the industry and how Kojo helps construction firms manage their supply chains.

Kojo is the largest materials management platform in the US. The software company helps more than 500 of the largest contractors process more than $3 billion each year in materials to ensure they receive not only the best price, but also get the delivery on time.

She notes that construction backlogs are at all-time highs as there is a significant shortage of construction workers. This shortage is caused by a lack of young people entering a field that is technologically "outdated." In addition, she highlights that only 11% of the workforce is made up of women. Thus, she emphasizes the importance of investing in a diverse workforce by tackling issues like the gender wage gap and encouraging high school students to explore careers in construction.

Technology can help construction firms become more efficient, and Davidson explains that knowing what these companies need to order and when labor should be scheduled are key ways Kojo helps. By tracking shipments, construction companies will be able to avoid any last-minute delays that have the potential to throw entire projects off.

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This post was written by Melanie Riehl