5 Ways Construction Cloud Technology Will Make Your Firm More Productive
OpEd – Andrew Tucker (Product Manager APAC, Trimble Viewpoint)
The Australian construction industry is historically known for its slow uptake of technology and limited productivity. However, this presents an opportunity for smart construction leaders, who can set their firm on the path to greater success by embracing the productivity benefits of construction cloud technology.
By implementing cloud and mobile technology in construction, firms can enjoy successful project and business outcomes. With the right technology, you can increase scalability, access real-time performance metrics, enhance security, improve collaboration and information sharing, and reduce errors. Read on for more detail.
Increase scalability
Cloud-based systems enable construction firms to scale operations as they change and grow. Rather than investing in on-premise infrastructure that requires significant and ongoing capital investment, firms can subscribe to a flexible, cloud-based solution that allows for scalability of users, data storage, and computing power. This facilitates operation growth without the worry of high costs typically associated with traditional IT infrastructure.
Access real-time performance metrics
Construction cloud technology can also grant firms access to performance metrics in real-time. According to a report by Deloitte Access Economics, data analytics costs have, until recently, been a barrier for Australian businesses. Cloud services have lowered these costs significantly and offer a range of benefits to construction firms.
With project data stored in the cloud, stakeholders can view and track important project information such as plans, budgets, and schedules in real-time. This eliminates the need for team members to be onsite to access project data, allowing for more efficient collaboration and decision making.
Enhance security
With cyber risks on the rise for the Australian construction industry, security is rightly top-of-mind for many firms. Cloud and mobile technology is often more secure than on-premise solutions, with data stored on secure servers protected by advanced security protocols.
Cloud solutions are also typically managed by experienced IT professionals, with the resources and expertise to implement robust security measures. This ensures that project data is safe from theft, loss, or damage, reducing the risk of project delays and increasing productivity.
Improve collaboration and information sharing
The project-based nature of construction involves the creation of large amounts of data, much of which must be shared between internal and external stakeholders. Cloud technology solves this challenge by streamlining workflows and communication for improved collaboration.
With cloud-based project management software, teams working in the office and the field can easily share documents, collaborate on designs and plans, and communicate in real-time. With communications and information stored in a central location, this eliminates the need for traditional or paper-based communication, ensures stakeholders are all on the same page, and reduces the potential for project errors and delays.
Reduce errors
Cloud technology can significantly reduce errors in construction projects. Reputable solutions can automate manual processes like data entry and validation to reduce common errors. Many solutions also offer built-in error checking and validation features that can help prevent mistakes before they occur.
As a result of increased automation and reduced errors, construction firms can save additional time and resources. Effective software can accurately track and manage project costs, minimising human error, to help ensure they are completed within budget. It can also help create and manage project schedules to ensure the project is completed on time.
Set your firm up for success
Construction cloud technology can help firms in many ways. When implemented correctly, it can help businesses achieve successful project and business outcomes, such as increased scalability, improved collaboration and information sharing, enhanced security, access to real-time performance metrics, and fewer errors. Construction leaders willing to invest in cloud-based technology will be well-positioned to drive their firms to greater success in the years ahead.