Why Mobile Tech is Essential on the Jobsite
Mobile tech is becoming essential for the productivity on the construction jobsite. Currently, 70% of the time spent on the construction site is spent coordinating, rather than doing construction work. Mobile technology can lower this percentage of unproductive time by streamlining redundant and unnecessary processes to accomplish more in the workday.
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“The cloud” has become a buzzword for the concept of virtual data and information storage that most people don’t fully understand. However, the cloud is a necessity for implementing mobile tech on the jobsite as it is what bridges the gap between the field and the back office and provides real-time information to all parties. Without the cloud, mobile data would not be synchronized with other devices and data and information would be inconsistent.
In the rapidly changing landscape of the construction industry, mobile tech has become a necessity to stay competitive. Having smartphones, tablets, and laptops in the workplace has become a societal norm that most industries have been quick to adopt. Not only does technological innovations attract talent, but also improves productivity which impresses clients and allows your construction firm to continue to get referrals and take on more projects. Recent shifts in the construction industry have forced construction subcontractors to get creative in finding ways to do more with fewer resources; Mobile technology is one way that can accomplish this.
Software integration means having all of the capabilities to complete different tasks within one platform that can be shared by many users. This allows for consistency of information and more informed decision-making. Using an integrated project management solution will allow the subcontractor to view the entirety of a project from start to finish all in one place. Integration also allows for the transfer of information from one application or module to another. For example, information in the mobile timesheet can be used by the platform’s integrated accounting software for a more seamless transfer of information.
Before mobile technology, the back office was completely disconnected from the activities on the field. This disconnect of information leads to misinformed decision making, work stoppages, and a lack of project vision overall. Mobile tech allows all parties to be in constant communication no matter their geographical location. This means that subcontractors can immediately react to any problems that may occur on the field, and can make decisions based on the most current and accurate information. Not only does it improve the speed of communication, but also the quality. Mobile technology enables field workers to share pictures and/or videos of what they are working with to better explain the problems they are running into or the conditions of the jobsite.
Mobile tech allows the subcontractor and his team to complete more work in less time and with fewer resources. This is especially important in a time that the construction industry is struggling to find enough qualified workers to staff the growing demand for construction projects.
Rather than having to create reports on the field, mobile tech will allow workers and all other team members to create digital reports that are stored in a centralized and searchable database. Mobile solutions also stamp the report with relevant information such as time, date, and location.
Real-time information means that all parties are able to update and view the most current information as it occurs. This creates better workflow because field workers and the back office workers are spending less time waiting for information from the other party.
By combining the cloud with mobility, the construction industry will benefit from mobile capabilities in two major ways: increasing productivity by streamlining redundant processes allowing the subcontractor and his team to do more with fewer resources, and improved decision making by ensuring that data and information is always in the hands of the team members who need it at any given time.