To all the AEC/Proptech startups out there laughing at the UK Excel covid19 story - let this be a reminder to us all that the biggest challenges we face as technology businesses continues to be adoption. Not generative algorithms, not web graphics or application of ML... ADOPTION

This is obviously a massive failing. But it's not because they are too stupid to know a database is better than a bunch of Excel files. It's because they struggle to develop the right type of database and have it deployed and adopted in the ways required

I've designed 500m tall skyscrapers with some of the best minds in construction using spreadsheets. I would have liked to use databases to store those life safety critical seismic calculations - but it wasn't just me that had to interact with or vet the data

In China we had to print out analysis models (yes, you heard that right) to submit for seismic approval from government authorities. Every x,y,z coordinate, every internal shear force and moment. That was a lot of trees worth of paper...

There is a lot of low hanging fruit in our industry. Startups that focus on getting adoption right will succeed with even the simplest underlying technology if it adds value. It might not be the most glamorous work, but it's what our industry needs!