Historically, construction has been slow to adopt new technologies and has remained one of the least digitised industries. It also struggles with productivity.
Until recently, technologies have not been geared towards the unique needs of the construction industry. But one of the key ways a construction firm can now increase productivity is through innovative technology, such as cloud-based construction management software that’s designed specifically to meet the needs of the construction business.
More and more construction firms are beginning to tap into the power of cloud-based software to improve their productivity, collaboration and bottom line. According to Statista, 62% of construction enterprises in the UK bought cloud computing software in 2020. That’s up from only 30% in 2016.
So what types of cloud-based construction solution are available, what are their benefits and are they worth investing in?
Cloud-Based Software Options for Construction Industry Professionals
Cloud-based software can be specifically designed for the construction industry. Examples include construction project management (CPM), enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems and project collaboration systems, as well as customer relationship management (CRM) software.
All use a variety of tools and features to help you manage your projects, people and company more efficiently. For example, they may promise to take the legwork out of some or all of the following tasks::
- Cost estimating
- Accounting
- Streamlined collaboration
- Project management
- Management of bids, contracts and material, plant and subcontractor orders
- Oversight of reports, documents and workflows
- Optimisation of supply chain management
- HR, timesheets and payroll management
- Management of owned plant assets and external hired-in plant and equipment
- Monitoring of productivity and performance
- Forecasting for revenue, projects and cash flow
- Process and planning.
Many cloud-based construction softwares are within a third party platform. There are many benefits for having all of those features all-in-one solution. That’s where a cloud-based construction platform comes into play, allowing for full integration of the tools and features you need most to benefit your construction firm.
6 Benefits of Cloud-Based Construction Software
With many tools and functions available in cloud-based construction management platforms, there are added benefits. With cloud solutions, you get real-time access to data from anywhere at any time. This real-time visibility will enable you and your team to make better decisions, enhance your communication and collaborate more effectively. Ultimately, this will improve productivity and support talent acquisition.
1. Real-time Access to Data
With cloud-based construction management software, all team members involved in a project (from the QS and site manager to the project manager) can access important data, documents and information any time, anywhere, from any device connected to the internet. They can be confident that they are accessing the most up-to-date information, which helps mitigate risks and errors.
2. Single Source of Truth
What exactly is a single source of truth? Information Week defines it as “one source [of data] that everyone in a company agrees is the real, trusted number for some operating data”.
For the construction industry, this means storing all information such as design, document, images and correspondence in a single, shared location — in this case, the cloud.
When your data lives in the cloud, changes made in the office are automatically updated for all users, no matter where they are based. Your office and field teams, project managers and stakeholders are all working from the same, current information, which greatly reduces risks.
3. Streamlined Collaboration and Communication
The construction industry relies on effective communication and collaboration between office-based staff, site workers, project managers and key stakeholders to keep projects on task and on budget.
Poor communication can have a significant impact on a construction project, causing project overruns that affect the budget. Cloud-based construction software enables your teams to communicate in real time, which greatly enhances collaboration because everyone is ‘on the same page’.
4. Improve Productivity
When productivity falls, it inevitably affects the bottom line. Cloud-based management software can help increase productivity across teams, which enabling clear, consistent communications and streamlined processes.
Team members have easy access to automated workflows. They can keep track of materials and control costs throughout the lifecycle of projects and work collaboratively across teams. This approach introduces new efficiencies that save time and money.
5. Enhanced Security
Using cloud-based construction management software enhances data security. When your data and information are stored securely in the cloud, there’s no need to worry about paper documents and excel spreadsheets being lost, misplaced, destroyed — or being viewed by unauthorised parties.
6. Talent Acquisition and Company Growth
To grow your construction company you need to be able to attract top talent. Investing in new technology and digitisation can help you to attract new recruits and retain experienced team members.
Construction firms often struggle to bring on and keep top talent as the younger generations turn more towards technology-based careers. But when you demonstrate that you use cutting-edge technology, you’ll be more likely to attract high-calibre employees.
Investing in Cloud-Based Software for Your Construction Business
Tapping into the power of a cloud-based software platform will enhance and streamline communication and collaboration across your organisation, while also boosting productivity and improving overall project management.
RedSky’s ERP system is designed specifically for the construction industry. It’s a cloud-based platform that puts the power of data at your fingertips — any time, anywhere. Our fully integrated and user-friendly construction software solution will improve your company’s operational efficiencies, productivity and profitability.
When it comes to ERP solutions it’s important to find the one that meets the unique needs of your construction business. RedSky’s ERP is designed specifically for the construction industry. It gives you the power to streamline your processes, improve decision-making and communication, which in turn will help you to control your costs.
Learn more about how RedSky’s construction ERP solution can improve your profitability by requesting a demo. You can also get in touch through our contact form or by giving us a call on +44 020 3002 8600.
Request a Demo
