Why Mobile Tech is Essential on the Jobsite
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.
Table of Contents
The Cloud
“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.
Mobility Has Become a Necessity
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.
Here are some reasons why mobile tech is essential on the jobsite:
Mobile Integration
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.
Better Communication
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.
Improve Productivity
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.
Centralized Data Storage
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
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.
What to look for in mobile technology:
- Offline data storage and data transfer: mobile technology should have the ability to save information that in entered offline and automatically transfer it to the cloud when the device in online again.
- Easily integrates: Mobile technology should be able to easily integrate with applications in order for the subcontractor to be able to complete all project tasks within one platform.
- Easy to implement: Mobile technology must be user-friendly and should be just as easy to use as any mobile application.
Conclusion
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.
