How can your construction business become smarter today?

Posted on January 5, 2017 |

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How can your construction business become smarter today?

The ability to take advantage of technology to communicate and collaborate while in the field is essential for “making your subcontractor business smarter today.”

However, construction professionals have traditionally been slow to adopt new technologies that can improve communications and streamline document sharing and project management tasks. Instead, they’ve relied on hard-copy documentation, slow virtual private networks (VPNs), fax machines, and email chains to access and share information.

As more mobile devices enter the job site, forward-thinking contractors are finding that they no longer have to waste valuable time running from the site to the office to the trailer to repeatedly update, print, and distribute plans and documents that are vital to a project’s success. What’s more, they’ve found that sharing critical project information with team members can be done in real time via mobile devices and well-chosen software and apps. It’s time to consider ditching the spiral notebook and begin investing in the following technologies.

Cloud-Based Construction Management & Document Control Software

Cloud computing is fast becoming a critical component of enterprise software that enable project teams to collaborate with ease while in the field. Cloud-based software allows users to immediately access and share the most current data (e.g., documents, spreadsheets, requests for information (RFIs), plans drawings and photos. There’s no longer the need to store the software on a computer hard drive or run an in-house file server back at the office. And because the data resides in the cloud, and not on a hard drive, employees don’t need to be in front of a desktop computer to access it.
For subcontractor project team members, the ability to stay connected to stakeholders and each other while on a job site can shave minutes and even hours from the work schedule. And by not having to chase down contracts, insurance documents, RFIs, change orders and the most current project plans, employees can keep the project moving forward while working in the field.

Mobile Construction Apps

Native applications allow access to vital information stored in the software platform on any mobile device. With a tap of a finger, employees can easily access and share data from anywhere, at any time. Most importantly, apps are optimized for viewing information on the small screens of mobile devices, and work with the device’s built-in features. In essence, they make the experience fast, easy and convenient.

Certain apps also allow employees to work offline, and automatically sync updates when back online. This is ideal for construction professionals who find themselves on remote job sites without access to an Internet connection.

Mobile Devices – Smartphones and Tablets

Tablets are portable, lighter than laptop computers, and most are equipped with WiFi, GPS, cameras and microphones. Contractors are discovering that they no longer need to keep a box of files in their trucks or carry around an armload of plans. Instead, they can just tap the screen of their tablets to review, mark up and share project information.

As with smartphones, today’s tablet computers have more computing power than their predecessors, and many manufacturers offer more rugged versions—and protective cases—for contractors, so they can go onto a job site without fear of damaging them.

Key Takeaways

Investing in cloud-based construction management software and mobile technology empowers each team member with real-time access to project information so they can make informed decisions and keep the project moving forward at all times.

New technology virtually eliminates the need to:

1. Print and distribute documents and drawings; constantly make phone calls and send emails to chase down needed information;

2. Mail documents through the postal system or delivery services;

3. Spend valuable work-stoppage time waiting for project changes and RFI responses.