Material producers and testing labs alike are leaning into digital tools to get more done with fewer errors. But before any new tech becomes part of the standard workflow, it has to earn its place. In this blog, we share helpful tips for running a successful CMT software pilot.
Material testing is a critical workflow that validates the quality of construction materials throughout a project. Whether you’re a ready-mix producer or precaster QA/QC testing your product, or a third-party lab verifying concrete on-site, material testing is an involved process with many moving parts and stakeholders. Because of this, the material testing process is an ideal candidate for tools like construction materials testing (CMT) software that can connect everything, helping you work faster and reduce errors.
RELATED: 5 Signs Your Material Testing Workflow Is Disconnected
CMT software like ForneyVault presents opportunity for improvements in accuracy and productivity, but technology is only as good as it is usable. While learning curves are inevitable for any new tool or process, there are ways to get ahead of the questions and resistance to ensure the technology delivers on the transformation it promises.
A tech pilot gives you the opportunity to see how well CMT software works in your process before you broaden the rollout across your organization. Here are four ways you can make the most of a tech pilot.
4 Tips for a Successful CMT Software Pilot
Tip #1. Identify a Champion
A CMT software pilot is not actually about process or technology. It’s about people—getting them on board, excited, and motivated to make a change.
To do that, find an implementation lead who’s not just willing but eager to test new tools.
The most successful pilots happen when there’s a clear champion at the helm: someone who understands the current workflow, sees the value in upgrading it, and is motivated to help the team improve. When that person is engaged, the tech and process change is much more likely to stick.
“The more we share with others in our industry, the better off we are all going to be. Platforms like binni and ForneyVault are truly helping to make the construction industry come out of the dark ages.”
– Lee Yowell, Director of Construction Management at engineering firm RK&K, champion of new tech in Maryland Transportation Authority’s New Nice-Middleton Bridge Project
Tip #2. Define Success From the Beginning
You have a point person on board that’s ready to rally their team with the CMT software pilot. The next step is to define what success looks like so you know how to evaluate it.
Is success purely about ROI from productivity gains, or are you also looking at the day-to-day wins that make lab life easier? Think fewer delays tracking down specimens, reduced time spent correcting data entry errors, and clearer visibility into testing status across the lab.
By establishing clear goals from the start, you’ll be able to measure both the direct and indirect impacts of the new tech, ensuring the pilot delivers value beyond just the obvious improvements.
Tip #3. Discuss Integration Needs Early
Most organizations leverage other digital tools for different parts of their workflow, including project management systems, accounting software, QC platforms, and more. CMT software can act as the connective tissue between all of these systems, ensuring smooth data flow and a more efficient, accurate process.
If integrating with other existing systems is part of the plan, make sure you bring all parties into the conversation from the start. When working together, you (the subscriber), ForneyVault, and integration partner can help with the tech stack to ensure a smooth implementation and true evaluation of the tech.
Tip #4. Define a Reasonable Timeline for a Tech Pilot
While it’s tempting to move quickly—especially when there’s momentum and interest from other facilities—a successful pilot needs enough time to capture a true picture of performance. Rushing through it can lead to implementation hiccups, missed insights, and user frustration.
For most ForneyVault implementations, a 3–6 month pilot window is ideal. This allows time for hardware installation, integration setup, and hands-on training for your pilot team. It also gives you space to observe how the system performs under real-world conditions, using the metrics and goals you defined at the start.
A thoughtfully paced pilot builds confidence and creates a strong foundation for broader rollout.
Conclusion
Running a successful CMT software pilot is all about preparation and communication, led by a champion who believes in the benefits the tech will provide. With the right support, you’ll be well on your way to transforming your material testing process with CMT software.
To help you get the most out of your pilot implementation, ForneyVault offers comprehensive onboarding support—including extended onboarding training, workflow consultations, and technical guidance tailored to your needs. Get in touch to get started.