Research

We are committed to assisting our clients bring about creative and positive change grounded in fact-based market intelligence. We assist construction industry clients with the most comprehensive and in-depth business information available. Our focus is placed on true market information as opposed to simple data points. All information is developed, interpreted, and validated by FMI's internal staff of industry-experienced consultants, analysts, and economists. In this way, clients strongly benefit from FMI's total industry perspective, immediate access to market leaders, and unique understanding of market behavior.

FMI provides:

Accuracy
FMI economists have developed econometric models to forecast construction volumes in 5 residential, 15 nonresidential, and 2 non-building categories. Our econometric modeling of put-in-place construction values has been independently verified as more accurate than the permits-based approach.

Information, not data
FMI's consulting team possesses the industry experience to interpret primary and secondary research data, providing greater insight to important underlying drivers and perceptions. Examples of these interpretive skills can be found in FMI's annual publication of the award winning U.S. Markets Construction Overview and the quarterly First Look series that senior executives rely on worldwide.

Immediate market access
Clients benefit from FMI's extensive network of industry contacts and thought leaders. FMI's internal databases include over 100,000 records representing manufacturers, producers, distributors, contractors, trade associations, engineers, design firms, environmental firms, utilities, and owners. Our contacts allow FMI researchers to access difficult information in a timely manner.

Research value
FMI's construction industry experience and focus allows our clients to invest in true research, not in teaching the consultant about the business.

As the construction industry has become increasingly competitive, complete, and reliable market intelligence is of greater importance. Our experience has been that the most successful companies are constantly evolving, questioning, and challenging themselves. FMI's Research Group provides actionable information (not just data) to support effective decision-making. In today's markets, key drivers for information needs have included:

• Changing market conditions (e.g. e-commerce)
• Acquisition strategies
• Market expansion strategies
• Product expansion opportunities.

In response to these informational needs, the Market Information Group develops a scope of research work using both primary and secondary research techniques, which are customized to suit the client's specific needs. Example research issues include:

Custom Construction Market Forecasts
Application of economic and demographic databases to assess historical and forecast construction volumes to a national, regional, state, or county level.

Market Size Modeling
Custom econometric models are developed for specific products, materials, or equipment; typically presenting a refinement to construction market forecasts based on specific primary and secondary research.

Customer Buying Practices
FMI applies a variety of primary research techniques to develop understanding of how products and services are purchased including the relative importance of selection criteria, influencers to the process, and stages of selection and influence.

Customer Performance Evaluation Surveys & Image Surveys
Effective strategic planning typically demands an understanding of customer perceptions, determining perceived performance against critical supplier selection criteria, and assuring that limited resources are aligned with customer needs.

Channel Performance Analyses
FMI provides thorough analysis of current channel performance, value add, and skill sets; as well as assessment of potential alternative approaches to achieve what is right for the business, for channel partners, and for customers.

Sales Performance Evaluation
Independent third party review based on input from customers, sales representatives, sales and marketing managers, and senior management provides detailed analysis of performance characteristics, improvement opportunities, and skill gaps as a basis for coaching and counseling.

Competitive Analysis
This analysis provides an assessment of competitive strengths and weaknesses through the eyes of their markets including business composition, market position, organization, management capabilities, facilities, capacity utilization, financial position, and perceived strategies.