Breaking Ground Digitally: How Technology is Transforming Construction at Sierra Construction Group

If there’s one thing we know for sure, it’s that construction is no longer defined solely by concrete, rebar, and heavy equipment. It is constantly evolving through the power of precision, agility, and innovation! At Sierra Construction, we believe that building smarter starts with embracing the right tools. Across all our divisions, technology is playing a critical role in how we plan, execute, and deliver projects throughout Southwestern Ontario.

Whether we’re coordinating the replacement of a bridge, modernizing a community’s infrastructure, or developing a new building space, digital tools are helping us deliver efficient, high-quality work across Southwestern Ontario. Here’s a look at how we’re doing it.

Safety First, Always: Smarter Site Safety with Salus

Keeping people safe is the most important thing we do. That’s why we use Salus, a digital safety management platform that puts safety information in the hands of everyone on site, from trades and supervisors to project owners.

Salus provides direct access to Sierra’s safety forms, policies, training resources, and procedures, all in one place. Anyone on site, whether they are part of our team, a subcontractor, or a project owner, can quickly review protocols, submit inspections, or complete daily hazard assessments from a mobile device. Everything is available in one place, in real time. This removes the barriers that come with paper-based systems and helps ensure that important safety tasks are not overlooked or delayed.

This tool also makes onboarding new team members easier and more consistent, helping everyone get up to speed quickly and safely. By having a consistent system for safety orientation and documentation, we can ensure every person starts their workday with the knowledge and support they need to stay safe.

Our goal is not only to meet regulatory standards but to create job sites where safety is actively maintained by everyone, every day. Tools like Salus help make that goal a reality. They give us a better way to manage safety, promote accountability, and build a culture where people look out for one another.

Keeping Projects on Track: Digital Tools That Keep Everyone Connected

We know that strong communication is the backbone of every successful project. To make sure our teams are always aligned, we rely on a suite of digital tools like Fieldwire and Viewpoint to bridge the gap between the field, the office and our stakeholders.

These platforms help us manage documents, share updates in real time, track changes to schedules, and submit RFIs or change orders without delay. With Fieldwire, crews can upload photos tied to specific tasks, giving us a clear picture of what’s happening on site. Viewpoint, meanwhile, streamlines our billing and financial workflows so that project progress is matched with smooth administration.

With everyone working from the same up-to-date information, we reduce miscommunication, improve coordination, and make better decisions faster. The result? Fewer delays and a more efficient project from start to finish!

Designing with Detail: Digital Design and Coordination in Pre-Construction

Before the first shovel hits the ground, our pre-construction division is hard at work laying the groundwork for success. We use a combination of AutoCAD, Revit, Lumion, BIM 360, and 3D laser scanning to bring our projects to life long before they’re built.

Using 3D scanning, we capture highly accurate site data that feeds directly into our design platforms. With Revit and AutoCAD, we can develop detailed models that help us plan out every stage. Lumion helps us create realistic visual renderings so clients and stakeholders can see the full picture, and with BIM 360, we keep all teams on the same page, tracking design changes and identifying any issues before they show up on site!

This approach allows us to coordinate more effectively and reduce risks early. By combining these tools with our team's technical expertise, we can deliver thoughtful, well-planned projects that are ready for smooth execution in the field. Digital coordination is no longer a luxury. It is a key part of how we deliver quality, reduce risk, and keep our projects on track from day one!

A Bird’s Eye View: Using Drones to Showcase and Track Our Work

Sometimes, the best way to understand a project is to see it from above. At Sierra, drone technology has become an important tool for telling the stories behind our work and communicating progress in a clear and engaging way. We use drones to capture high resolution aerial images and videos of our active sites, providing a unique perspective that helps tell the story of each project.

This drone footage is a valuable part of our internal progress tracking and external marketing. It helps project teams monitor complex job sites more effectively and gives stakeholders a clear view of progress over time. It also allows us to share the scale and craftsmanship of our projects in a way that words alone can’t capture.

We are also exploring how drone technology can take on a more technical role within our operations. As we look to the future, we are interested in using drones for digital surveying and terrain modeling. This could help us streamline planning, improve accuracy, and reduce time spent on traditional survey methods.

As this tech continues to evolve, we see opportunities to use drones not just for documentation, but for data-driven planning that makes our job sites even more efficient!

Guided by Precision: How GPS Equipment Helps Us Get It Right

Precision matters in construction, especially when it comes to earthworks, grading, and foundation preparation. While not every piece of Sierra equipment has this feature, some of our CAT machinery we use is equipped with GPS technology!

Using GPS guided equipment is especially valuable during early project stages, where precision in grading and excavation lays the foundation for everything that follows. With Infrastructure projects, for example, accurate trenching ensures that underground pipes and utilities are installed exactly where they need to be. On Bridge projects, GPS helps guide excavation and structural placement so that key elements like foundations and supports are built in the right location and at the right depth. And for General Contracting, it supports layout and site prep for large builds, reducing the need for costly rework later.

These machines help our operators follow exact site models and maintain consistent elevations, reducing the guesswork that used to slow things down. Updated designs can be uploaded directly to the equipment, reducing unexpected delays and ensuring crews are always working from the latest plans. The benefits go beyond the equipment itself and is one more way we give our teams the tools they need to build smarter, faster, and safer!

Building What Works, with the Right Tools and the Right People

At Sierra, we don’t adopt technology just because it’s new. We choose tools that solve problems, improve outcomes, and make life better for the people who use them. Every platform we implement is selected with intention, based on how it supports our teams and brings value to our projects.

That mindset goes hand in hand with how we empower our people. Technology is most effective when it's backed by strong training, open communication, and a culture that encourages learning. From the office to the job site, we make sure our teams are equipped not just with tools, but with the knowledge and confidence to use them well.

For us, innovation is never about flash. It’s about building smarter, working safer, and creating lasting results for our clients and communities. The construction industry is evolving quickly, and we’re proud to be part of that evolution by staying focused on what truly matters!

As Ontario’s infrastructure grows and expectations rise, we’re ready to meet those demands with purpose-built solutions, skilled teams, and a commitment to excellence.