Have you ever seen a project manager walk into an architect’s office? What follows is oftentimes chaotic. Seeing a project manager walk into an architect’s office with measurements written on a piece of 2×4 isn’t uncommon.
Estimating is the foundation of any construction project. Fortunes are made and lost based on accurate or inaccurate take-offs, and today’s technology can narrow the gap between budgeted vs. actual dollars. Collaboration closes the gap, but how does technology make it easier to collaborate and increase bid wins?
The best way to understand how to benefit from technological advances is to understand where we have come from and how those at the top of the construction world have embraced change. In the past, estimates in the field were mostly paper and pencil operations and, on occasion, a carpenter’s pencil and piece of lumber. When computers first started to show up in the (AEC) space, the biggest innovation occurred on the design side, with the introduction of AutoCAD (1982). Compasses, scale rulers, and paper would soon be replaced by computers and software. The software was installed on computer hard drives in a painstaking series of “insert next disc” commands that, if not followed precisely, would result in a crash. If the installation was completed successfully, an architect or draftsperson could still expect crashes to occur routinely, and while they would slow down the project, they provided a great excuse for a coffee break.
SAAS AND THE CLOUD
In the 1990’s, the term Software as a Service (SaaS) emerged and represented a concept that had been around for years: remote access to software installed in one location via a network. While this was a fantastic advancement, there were some limitations imposed by the provider and their servers. Fortunately, some very smart people began to think of methodologies that would remove the limitations and open the software up so it would be available seamlessly and without interruption, in real time. Voila, the cloud!
It helps to think of the cloud as having three layers, like a 3-layered cake. The first layer—the infrastructure—is made up of all the web hosting servers and networks that support the Internet. The second layer of the cloud is the platform layer with rented space on servers where web developers and programmers create applications and programs. The infrastructure layer and platform layer provide the foundation for the software as a service (SaaS) layer, which is where the user actually interacts with the cloud. The three layers are constantly interacting to provide the best and most efficient experience possible.
The cloud’s benefit to the building industry is a platform to tie project managers and tradesmen in the field together with architects and engineers in their offices with instantaneous sharing and updates. Cloud computing gives you access to an environment that you can customize to suit your individual needs and limits mistakes; turning chaos to collaboration.
Cloud computing offers elasticity, meaning your resources and costs can increase or decrease with your demands. SaaS involves a set fee per user, per month where costs and the functionality offered tend to be fixed. Cloud computing is highly customizable, whereas SaaS offers various levels of functionality into packages or tiers.
Take-offs, estimating, and project management are currently being combined in a single arena of data where the players and spectators can contribute and analyze for maximum efficiency—securely, accurately, and seamlessly in the cloud.
THE DREADED “C” WORD
The most offensive and feared word on any jobsite is “change” because changes represent a clear and present opportunity for costly mistakes. For example, a person in the field notes that a column will need to be moved 2 inches closer to a wall. This “minor” event can snowball into beams that are now too short, pipes that can’t connect to drains, and a stairwell that will protrude into a closet. Changes must be communicated up and down the line to everyone and time is of the essence. Accuracy is paramount.
Cloud-based construction software, especially at the estimating or “take-off” stage of construction, permits the accurate and immediate transmission of data across the range of trades and designers who earn their living based on accurate and timely adherence to a schedule and a commitment to zero mistakes.
And speaking of “permits”—cloud-based take-off software can facilitate the communication between builders and inspectors.
OTHER BENEFITS
Cloud software systems currently available for take-offs and project management include:
- Integration: Communicates with accounting software for cost analysis and ordering materials.
- Compatibility: Works with all trades from foundation to roofing.
- Portability: Works on tablets and mobile phones.
- Security: The Admin can onboard and delete users as necessary in real time.
- Training: The platforms are easy to use.
- Choices: The most advanced cloud systems can output drawings in a variety of file formats.
- Updates: Cloud-based software is constantly updated with the most recent cost values.
ARCHITECTURE—ENGINEERING—CONSTRUCTION: ONE INDUSTRY
From the first vision, a developer or future homeowner has his or her mind on the finished structure. A lot of talents, money, and hard work is expended and merged into the dream. Yet, the primary, intangible element that makes every project a success or a failure is collaboration. From the first rendering to the estimators, to the tradesmen and the bean-counters, everyone must remain “in the loop” and work together. Technology through the cloud enables a higher level of collaboration than ever before, and it’s available now in a package that all companies can afford, regardless of size. ■
About the Author: Donald Hobson, director of engineering, On Center Software, has 21 years of experience in testing, developing, and managing technology organizations. His expertise in technology, leadership, team building, and creating innovative software adds value to the company. Mr. Hobson most recently worked as director of global support and services at ITinvolve, Inc. He also held management positions at BMC Software and NetIQ for the Application and Systems Monitoring product lines.
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Modern Contractor Solutions – January 2016
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