How one Canadian contractor committed to a digital transformation that turns data into decisions

At Tomlinson, change isn't a challenge. It's a competitive strategy. While some construction companies are still debating the cost and complexity of going digital, Ottawa-based R.W. Tomlinson Limited has already embedded technology adoption into the DNA of its operations. With a fleet of over 700 machines reporting into Caterpillar's VisionLink platform, a cloud-based telematics and productivity system, Tomlinson has full visibility into real-time operations across its construction, aggregates, and recycling businesses. With integrated dashboards at job sites and a workforce trained in telematics and data-driven decision-making, this third-generation, family-owned business has demonstrated a consistent commitment to digital transformation. Ryan Downing, vice president of materials and operations, doesn't describe Tomlinson as a tech company, but he might as well. Tomlinson has embedded AI functionality within its IT department, where AI specialists and a dedicated research analyst focus on applying intelligent tools to streamline operations. Their work includes developing chatbots for faster data access and exploring AI-based analysis of downtime reports. "We embrace AI here. So yeah, we're construction, but we're a little bit more than that. We attract a lot of different talent in our market here because of our ability to change and adapt to that technology." This embrace of technology stems from leadership that doesn't just accommodate innovation, they expect it.

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Sep 26, 2025 - 13:55
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How one Canadian contractor committed to a digital transformation that turns data into decisions
At Tomlinson, change isn't a challenge. It's a competitive strategy. While some construction companies are still debating the cost and complexity of going digital, Ottawa-based R.W. Tomlinson Limited has already embedded technology adoption into the DNA of its operations. With a fleet of over 700 machines reporting into Caterpillar's VisionLink platform, a cloud-based telematics and productivity system, Tomlinson has full visibility into real-time operations across its construction, aggregates, and recycling businesses. With integrated dashboards at job sites and a workforce trained in telematics and data-driven decision-making, this third-generation, family-owned business has demonstrated a consistent commitment to digital transformation. Ryan Downing, vice president of materials and operations, doesn't describe Tomlinson as a tech company, but he might as well. Tomlinson has embedded AI functionality within its IT department, where AI specialists and a dedicated research analyst focus on applying intelligent tools to streamline operations. Their work includes developing chatbots for faster data access and exploring AI-based analysis of downtime reports. "We embrace AI here. So yeah, we're construction, but we're a little bit more than that. We attract a lot of different talent in our market here because of our ability to change and adapt to that technology." This embrace of technology stems from leadership that doesn't just accommodate innovation, they expect it.
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