8 Ways The Cloud Can Take Your Construction Company To The Next Level
Construction companies aren't like they were years ago where everything was managed and stored in paper documents and files. Everything today is digitized. But rather than processing and storing their critical data with onsite solutions, forward-thinking construction businesses are benefitting from the Cloud.
What Are The Key Benefits Of Using Cloud Technology In The Construction Industry?
The construction industry is one of the most information-intensive industries today. To complete a project requires an extensive exchange of data between you, your managers, subcontractors, architects, engineers, building inspectors, and others.
Consequently, on-premise computing solutions for storing and deploying data and applications are no longer practical for construction companies like yours. From mobile solution to in-office invoicing software, cloud-based solutions can streamline and simplify your daily tasks.
The benefits of using the Cloud in construction are numerous. If you're looking to gain a competitive edge, investing in cloud solutions can get you there. It provides the potential to improve every part of your work processes.
How Can The Cloud Benefit Your Construction Company?
1. The Cloud Promotes Mobility. Even though reliable internet services aren't available at all of your construction sites, when you combine mobile connectivity with today's cloud solutions, your workforce can use the applications and data they need from virtually anywhere–even for sites that are highly remote.
2. Keep Your Files Secure. When you digitize your workflow and store your data in the Cloud, it eliminates the need for your workers to haul documents and files from site to site. This not only provides easy access, but ensures your files are secure and won't get lost or ruined on a project site, or when being taken from one place to another.
3. Your Files Will Be Accessible From Anywhere. Your project and customer data will always be available to you and your authorized staff no matter where you are. This includes information on job sites no matter where in the world they are located. The 24/7 access and connectivity offered by the Cloud creates a highly accessible digital paper trail.
4. Using The Cloud Can Improve Workflows. No more relying on traditional paper-based workflows. The Cloud provides opportunities for workflows to be partially or entirely digitized. This allows for paper-free and instant communication between your headquarters, field offices, managers, contractors, vendors and partners.
- Your contractors can track work by the location, day and hour.
- Material shipment information is available in real-time and at a moment's notice.
- Invoicing software in the Cloud that syncs with accounting software avoids duplication of efforts.
5. You Can Automate Processes. Automation with machine learning plays an enormous role in optimizing workflows and predicting problems before they occur. With workflows based in the Cloud, you can automate or semi-automate many processes.
- Use analytics to predict problems before they arise and optimize your workflows.
- Automate and monitor work and maintenance schedules.
- Optimize your logistics and prevent equipment and resource losses by tracking them in real-time via the Cloud.
- Track and optimize work-in-progress on sites using sensors that monitor downtime.
- Monitor and track staff performance.
- Detect safety issues on sites.
- Increase productivity and cut costs with IoT autonomous vehicles.
- Order equipment, fuel and other materials to be delivered on worksites.
All of this can be managed digitally to reduce downtime caused by inefficient planning.
6. Make Use Of Big Data. During the lifecycle of any project, you must process and share massive amounts of information like architectural and engineering drawings, production schedules, time and materials inventories, and more. The Cloud provides the ability to store and process big data that's needed for this.
7. BIM Can Be Accessed Via The Cloud. You can also assess and monitor projects with Building Information Modeling (BIM) to manage and create 3D building data during the course of a project. BIM software is now geared towards all construction professionals, not just architects. It provides a digital representation of a building for construction documentation production, planning, performance predictions and cost estimates. You can use it to demonstrate the entire building life cycle, processes of construction and facility operations.
8. Exceed Your Customer Expectations Using Cloud CRM Software. This is an essential tool for today's construction companies. Why? Because over the long course of a construction process it's important that you carefully manage your relationship with clients. You need a cloud-based system that you can access from anywhere to keep track of contact information, communications and ensure that their requests are being addressed. This provides your managers, sales reps, and marketers quick access to essential client data to ensure requirements are being met. You can use CRM software in the Cloud to:
- Track interactions with clients and prospects.
- Retain detailed records of each interaction.
- Gain insight into the success of your marketing and sales efforts.
- Enable collaboration across your multiple job sites.
