Are you about to invest in new software… but not 100% clear on the problem you're solving?

In this episode of Site Story, Colin Tomlinson sits down with James Dixon to unpack a common (and costly) mistake across construction and project delivery: buying technology before truly understanding the need.

With over a decade of experience across tier one contractors, SMEs, and client-side roles, James shares why even the best platforms fail... and what leaders should be doing first. More importantly than tools, this conversation is about clarity, culture, and making better decisions before the investment is made.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why most software fails before it’s even implemented
• What a “tech stack” actually means (without the jargon)
• The hidden cost of duplication and rekeying data across systems
• Why “show, don’t tell” should guide every software decision
• How unclear processes lead to poor tech outcomes
• The role of leadership in driving successful adoption
• Why fear of failure and culture matter more than the platform itself
• How to bring visibility and structure into the design phase
• Practical ways project managers can challenge and improve systems
• Why starting with the problem—not the software—is the only way to succeed

If you’re considering new tools, platforms, or digital solutions, this episode will help you avoid expensive mistakes and make smarter decisions from the start. Because the wrong question isn’t “what software should we buy?”, it’s “what problem are we solving?”

🔗 About The Guest:

James Dixon is a construction technology and process improvement specialist with experience across design, delivery, and client-side environments. He works with organisations to connect their systems, reduce inefficiencies, and ensure technology genuinely supports project delivery.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-dixon-mciob-63a22023/

Resources Mentioned

– Common Data Environments (CDEs)

– Workflow mapping and process design

– Digital construction tools and system integration

Want to make better decisions before your next tech investment? 👉 Discover how we help leaders and project teams improve performance at 150CLD—explore our training and resources today.