Everyone’s Talking About Prefab and Barcoding
Trimble Dimensions 2025 brought together some of the largest and most innovative construction organizations in the industry. Across dozens of conversations with Viewpoint users, a clear pattern emerged: construction leaders are looking for better ways to close the loop between field activity and ERP visibility.
Even with strong digital infrastructure in place, gaps remain, especially around the receiving, tracking, and consumption of physical assets. These gaps create delays, inefficiencies, and data discrepancies that erode both productivity and profitability. Conversations throughout the conference made it clear that real-time accountability, powered by technologies like barcode scanning, is becoming a top priority.
Prefab Traceability Is a Growing Challenge
As prefabrication programs scale, many firms are struggling to maintain visibility across the lifecycle of preassembled materials and components. Traditional receiving processes often lack the structure needed to tie prefab deliveries directly to jobs or cost codes in Viewpoint.
- Job-specific traceability was noted as critical
- Receiving mismatches and staging delays remain common
- Teams want barcode-based systems that feed directly into Viewpoint
Tool Tracking Must Be Simpler to Scale
Lost tools continue to be a significant cost driver, yet tool tracking systems are often too complex or disconnected from daily field workflows. Simplicity and mobile usability came up repeatedly in conversations about tool accountability.
- Barcode check-in/check-out workflows are highly favored
- Field teams need zero-friction systems to drive adoption
- Integration with Vista is considered essential
Material Consumption Visibility Remains Limited
Many large contractors are seeking better ways to track the consumption of raw materials into finished goods, particularly in fabrication and staging environments. This visibility is crucial for cost control, inventory management, and project reporting.
- Barcode-driven consumption logging was widely discussed
- Teams want to connect inventory usage directly to Viewpoint jobs
- Reducing waste and over-ordering are key motivators
Barcode-Based Time Tracking Is Gaining Attention
Time tracking emerged as another promising area for barcode automation. Several organizations are evaluating scannable badge systems to clock in/out or log labor against tasks, which aims to improve accuracy and reduce administrative overhead.
- Warehouses and prefab shops are ideal starting points
- Time tracking data must tie directly into existing Viewpoint workflows
- There is growing interest in eliminating manual entry altogether
Accountability Through Real-Time ERP Connection
The central theme of these discussions went beyond barcodes or prefab workflows. It came down to accountability. Construction leaders are looking for ways to ensure the work being done in the field is reflected in their systems immediately and accurately. Real-time data capture, automated job association, and reduced reliance on paperwork are no longer viewed as “nice-to-haves.” They have become operational necessities.
Jason Palmer, President of Nobious, reflected on these recurring themes during the show:
“We’re having a great time at the [Trimble Dimensions] conference. Over and over we’re hearing from Viewpoint users who say they have been looking for a solution like ours for years. It seems the time may finally be here for organizations to take control of the parts and materials tracking processes, especially with today’s advanced technologies that make it easy.”
The feedback from construction leaders implies a readiness across the industry to move past manual tracking and adopt systems that integrate directly into ERP environments like Viewpoint Vista. Barcode automation is no longer experimental. For many, it represents the next logical step toward operational transparency, efficiency, and control.
