Turner Arms Entire Workforce with ChatGPT Enterprise

In a major move to embed artificial intelligence into its core operations, New York-based Turner Construction Company has rolled out ChatGPT Enterprise to every single one of its employees. This strategic partnership with OpenAI, the creator of the popular AI tool, signals a significant shift in how the construction industry is leveraging technology to boost efficiency and innovation.

A Company-Wide Leap into AI

Turner's decision to provide universal access to ChatGPT Enterprise is part of a broader strategy to empower its teams with advanced AI tools. The company aims for its staff to work smarter, accelerate decision-making, and discover new opportunities on projects. This initiative places powerful generative AI capabilities directly into the hands of the entire workforce, from project managers to on-site personnel.

The Tangible Impact on Productivity

The results of this AI adoption are already clear and quantifiable. According to a statement from the company, the initiative has unlocked an estimated 70,000 hours in annual productivity gains. Turner employees have been quick to innovate, creating over 400 customized AI applications tailored to their specific needs. These custom-built tools are designed to streamline complex tasks such as contract reviews, improve site safety protocols, and more effectively evaluate design and constructability options.

Turner employees have so far created more than 400 customised AI applications for streamlining contract reviews, enhancing safety protocols, and evaluating design and constructability options (Courtesy of Turner Construction Company)

Examples of these applications include AI-powered assistants, photo-analysis tools that strengthen site safety and planning, and sophisticated digital tracking systems.

A People-Centric Innovation Strategy

Jim Barrett, Turner's vice president and chief innovation officer, emphasized that the company's approach to technology is fundamentally about its people. “Turner is committed to equipping our people with the tools, skills, and confidence to solve challenges and transform how they work,” Barrett stated. He later reiterated this philosophy, saying, “Innovation at Turner is people-centric, helping people make progress in their work by reducing friction so they can focus on what truly matters.”

Broader Investments in Construction Tech

This AI rollout is not an isolated event but a component of Turner's wider commitment to technological advancement. Through its corporate investment arm, Turner Ventures, the company backs promising start-ups that aim to improve construction productivity. In a recent move, Turner Ventures announced a collaboration with Clearstory, a software start-up. This partnership will provide Turner's project teams with Clearstory’s cloud-based platform to digitize and streamline the traditionally manual process of managing change orders.