Author: Ron Carlson
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Embracing New Tech in Heavy Building Materials: Justifying the ROI
Hey folks — after 30 years in the heavy building materials business, I’ve seen this industry evolve from basic plants to today’s high-tech operations delivering precision products. I’m as fired up about heavy building materials as ever, and I’m thrilled to share how new technologies can take our businesses to the next level. Investing in…
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How Batch Plant Operators Have More Control Than Ever
I’ve been in your shoes, and I can tell you this with certainty: batch operators who embrace these changes will become some of the most valued professionals in construction. You’re not just making concrete—you’re orchestrating a sophisticated process that builds our world. Your role is evolving from running a plant to being a key decision-maker…
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Mastering Materials Inventory Management
Why Command Akon’s Material Supply Solution Has Me Excited for the Future As a former Ready-Mix Executive with decades of experience navigating the complexities of the heavy building materials industry, I’ve seen firsthand the challenges of managing raw material supply chains. From juggling paper tickets to wrestling with outdated inventory spreadsheets, the inefficiencies were a…
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Rethinking Driver Retention in Ready Mix
If you’ve been in the ready-mix business for any length of time, you already know the truth: mixer drivers are the heartbeat of our industry. Without them, the concrete doesn’t move. At the same time, finding and keeping great drivers is harder than ever. The labor pool is shrinking, the demand for CDL talent is…
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Real-Time KPIs & The End of “Data Hunting”
After 34 years in the ready mix industry, I’ve seen just about everything — from clipboards and CB radios to automated dispatch and digital tickets. But nothing has transformed our ability to manage operations like real-time KPIs (key performance indicators) delivered through cloud-based SaaS platforms. Let me be clear: this isn’t a luxury anymore —…
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Command Cloud Dispatch: Not a Legacy Dispatch Replacement but an Operational Transformation
As a 30-year leader in ready mix operations now energized to serve as Industry Advisor and Customer Advocate, I’ve spent over a decade managing the complexities of our industry with legacy on-premises systems like COMMANDseries and Integra. Now with the emergence of SaaS (cloud) I have witnessed the extraordinary impact of cloud-based technology on businesses…
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Leading the Next Generation of Ready Mix and Asphalt Businesses with Excitement
For 30 years, I’ve had a front-row seat to the thrilling transformation of the ready mix and aggregate industry, watching technological advancements spark incredible growth and opportunity. The previous generation built thriving companies through sheer determination and hands on hustle, relying on pen and paper ledgers, phone calls, and sweat equity. Their success, achieved without…
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Sustainability and Innovation: Welcoming the Future of the RMC Industry
Having spent over 30 years in the ready mix concrete (RMC) industry, I’ve witnessed remarkable growth, adaptation, and transformation. Reflecting on my technical expertise and executive management experience, I can confidently say that the next decade holds tremendous promise for our field. By 2030, we’ll be at the forefront of global sustainability and technological innovation,…