Making Technology Investments that Pay Off
HDR’s Keyur Shah Discusses How Asset-Intensive Agencies Can Smartly Navigate AI and Digital Transformation
When state departments of transportation or transit agencies need to make new technology investments, it can be tempting to assume a new piece of software will be transformative, solving all problems and data inconsistencies. But technology is often only part of the equation.
In the latest from HDR’s Experts Talk interview series, Keyur Shah explains how finding the right software helps, but without the right processes it can just as easily become a hindrance. Shah explains that by understanding how organizations operate, not just which tools they use, technology and data can go from a drag on an organization to a strategic enabler.
Shah leads HDR’s digital advisory practice and has helped more than 80 public agencies across North America align their people, processes, data and technology. His team’s work includes technology strategy, road mapping through software procurement and implementation oversight and AI strategy and data governance.
“Unlike most of what an agency spends money on, technology is largely invisible,” Shah said. “Agencies are constantly making tradeoffs. Do we invest in a data system, or do we pave more roads or buy new buses? If you build a road, people can see it. If you improve a data system, the benefit is just as real but far less visible. That makes it harder to justify, even though better data and systems behind the scenes mean fewer outages, faster permitting, more accurate management of assets, and safer infrastructure.”
For more, read the whole interview with Shah on making effective technology investments leading to meaningful, lasting change.
HDR’s Experts Talk interview series shines a light on various aspects of transportation infrastructure design and delivery. Each subject matter expert offers unique expertise and insights about new and ongoing trends, emerging technologies and the human side of infrastructure.
About HDR
HDR is a 100% employee-owned professional services firm. Founded over a century ago to bring electricity to a changing world, we are now a global company specializing in architecture, engineering, environmental and construction services. Our success in built and natural environments continues as we collaborate to solve our clients’ and communities’ most complex challenges.
