Tony Peleska, CIO and Head of Digital Transformation at Kraus-Anderson, speaks with Thiago Da Costa, CEO of Toric, in a video interview about the usage of data, the application of AI and machine learning, data hand-off in the construction space, and the first graduate degree in generative AI in the U.S.
Founded in 1897, Kraus-Anderson Construction is among the top 20 construction firms in the U.S. Midwest. Toric specializes in data movement and data ingestion pipelines for all major construction data sources.
Speaking about the usage of data, Peleska says that it is mostly in the precon (pre-construction) space where value is at the beginning of a project. He says that he sees valuable insight going into historic data from the precon space apart from the financials.
He adds that the data strategy includes looking at the data collection, fine-tuning it, understanding the life cycle for customers, and engaging the organization.
Additionally, Peleska highlights the need to look at the points of friction and opportunity and understand how customers use the data. He describes it as an outside-in and inside-out mapping exercise that involves marrying the customer and data team input to find areas to add value.
He further adds that the construction industry as a whole needs to define the data hand-off, which could include various aspects such as data points to be included, in line with the physical handover.
When asked about his approach to AI, GPT, and machine learning Peleska says that the task at hand is to define AI for the company as a whole, be clear about uses, and ensure policy and governance. He reveals that it is already being used at the marketing level.
He also mentions looking at existing analytics tools like Microsoft Fabric and understanding how AI is integrated into the company’s environment.
Speaking about the development of AI talent, Peleska mentions that he is on the strategic advisory board of the University of St. Thomas Graduate School of Software Engineering and that the institution working on the curriculum to create the first graduate degree in generative AI in the U.S.
CDO Magazine appreciates Tony Peleska for sharing his insights with our global community.
