Technology has transformed the way that we build. AEC firms are increasingly turning to technologies such as building information modeling, artificial intelligence, drones, and virtual and augmented reality to take on exceedingly difficult projects. It’s a significant shift for an industry that has historically been slower to adopt new technologies.
OVERCOMING STAGNANT PRODUCTIVITY
While the industry has made great strides in technology adoption over the years, productivity has remained largely stagnant. This is in great part because of the widespread use of unintegrated point solutions.
While point solutions can seem like an easy fix, they can leave you with disparate systems that don’t talk to each other, so if you enter data in one system it isn’t updated across your technology platform. This leads to double (or triple or more!) data entry. The lack of digitalization hinders not only the efficiency of individual team members, but it can slow down an entire project and open your business up to costly errors and increased risk.
EXPLORE THE BENEFITS
Fortunately, there’s a better way. Integrated cloud solutions connect all project stakeholders, processes, and data in one integrated platform, delivering full project control, cost transparency, and real-time intelligent data. The industry is beginning to catch on to these advantages. A recent Deloitte study found that 76% of E&C decision-makers are putting more money into digital technologies (and the connected data that comes with them). Let’s take a closer look at some of the top benefits of cloud platforms:
1. STREAMLINED WORKFLOWS
With a cloud platform, you can create custom workflows at the project or enterprise level to ensure your teams are on the same page. Plus, automated, customizable alerts can take the guesswork out of when each task is to be completed, while intuitive and robust dashboards mean you always know where you stand on a project.
2. ACTIONABLE DATA
A cloud platform can effectively store and refine your data throughout the project lifecycle so you can learn from past projects to establish better processes for future workflows. And with real-time access to information, you always have a single version of the truth to help turn your data into actionable insights.
3. DOCUMENT MANAGEMENT
Top cloud platforms can automatically categorize files by project level, making it easy to find the documents you need, when you need them. They can provide one central location for all stakeholders to manage and share forms and documents across the entire asset lifecycle, ensuring a well-documented paper trail.
4. STAKEHOLDER MANAGEMENT
A cloud platform encourages greater collaboration and helps ensure all stakeholders are engaged throughout a project. It also allows you to keep track of project contracts and execution performance of every business partner to help ensure you’re maintaining good business partnerships. You can also create customized evaluation reports for future project reference.
5. FLEXIBILITY AND SCALABILITY
Cloud platforms are highly configurable so you can address your individual business needs and adjust as your needs change. You can easily add (or subtract) users and modules as needed. You can also set up role-based views so system administrators can determine the level of access each project stakeholder requires, from full access to only viewing rights on relevant projects. Plus, you can easily grant or retract a user’s view of any module or layer of the platform, at any time.
6. RISK MANAGEMENT
Technology can help contractors proactively identify and manage potential risks. An integrated cloud platform can store and analyze historical project data, allowing contractors to identify patterns, anticipate challenges, and implement preventive measures. Dashboards and alerts can also quickly notify the right people when a potential issue arises so they can course correct before it’s too late.
7. SUSTAINABILITY
An integrated cloud platform supports more effective planning by connecting your 3D BIM design to project time and cost to create a 5D plan that facilitates optimized collaboration to reduce waste and rework. Connecting all people, processes, and data throughout the project lifecycle can further support sustainability efforts by increasing building efficiency, creating environmental impact awareness, and enabling circular construction. The impact is even greater when paired with new digital sustainability solutions such as the EC3 calculator, which provides an estimate of a project’s carbon footprint, and a smart digital material passport, which links to a 3D model to track components over a building’s lifecycle and provides insights into which materials can be reused.
SOFTWAREONE COMMITMENT
SoftwareONE has been a leading global technology provider since 1985, and is redefining how companies build, buy, and manage everything in the cloud. SoftwareONE entered the construction technology space through its unique partnership with industry powerhouse Schneider Electric and its subsidiary RIB Software, creator of MTWO Construction Cloud, to become the global distribution and service provider of MTWO.
The MTWO construction cloud platform connects all project stakeholders, processes, and data and addresses every phase of the building lifecycle. The robust solution is highly configurable with 100+ modules and an open API that seamlessly integrates with other business critical solutions, providing unparalleled collaboration and efficiency and boosting productivity up to 30%. MTWO empowers AEC firms to digitally transform their business while winning work, increasing efficiencies, mitigating risk, and reducing their environmental impact.
At SoftwareOne, customers are supported every step of the way. SoftwareOne’s team of consultants have deep AEC industry roots—with professional backgrounds as engineers, architects, project managers, and other industry roles, the team understands the ins and outs of efficiently managing construction projects and how technology can play a pivotal role.
CLOSING THOUGHT
Connected cloud platforms such as MTWO are game changers in the industry. They provide both short-term gains and long-term benefits. A connected cloud platform is a solid investment in your digital transformation and can set your business up for sustainable long-term growth.
About the Author:
Dustin Anderson is the global head of the AEC business for SoftwareOne. He is a dynamic construction software executive with more than 25 years of success in sales and operations. He is passionate about the construction and real estate sector and exploring “beyond ERP” initiatives such as Internet of Things, Machine Learning, and Intelligent Buildings. For more, visit SoftwareOne.com/construction.
Modern Contractor Solutions, July 2023
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