4 Top Benefits of Cloud-Based Construction Management

The processes for cloud-based construction management involve a shift in strategy and mindset toward managing projects collaboratively in the cloud. This shift in focus helps companies make cloud-based construction projects run smoother. Following are four top benefits you could see by transitioning to cloud-based construction management:

1. Efficiency

It’s an age-old problem for construction team members: spending non-productive time searching for files and project information. Estimates have ranged from nine hours per worker per week searching for information (McKinsey report) to as much as a third of construction professionals’ time (FMI and Autodesk report) spent searching for project information, resolving conflicts and dealing with mistakes and rework.  Conversely, when processes include cloud–based construction management systems, teams can save significant time finding information, checking plans, reviewing work orders, and accessing documents from any location. The information they need is always available – no need for jobsite visits just to deliver plans or get questions answered.

---

Find out more about cloud-based construction management in the free Applied Software eBook: The Importance of a Common Data Environment.

---

2. Unity

The construction industry is well known for waiting – whether it’s design changes, resolving clashes, requests for information, or correcting errors. Traditionally, lines of communication are notoriously complex. The hit to productivity caused by waiting around for other teams can also cause animosity among team members.

However, cloud-based project management makes collaboration and communication easier and more efficient. Changes and progress can be tracked by teams and stakeholders, putting everyone on the same page. Everyone working on the project can be notified simultaneously of changes and vital project updates; thus problem resolution can begin at once, eliminating the waiting game. In addition, timelines and schedules can be adjusted to accommodate required and pending changes. 

3. Capacity

When you’re struggling with inefficiencies, communication challenges, busted schedules, or other project issues, it’s difficult to focus on taking on additional projects.

Fortunately, mobile cloud computing enables you to do just that. Your ability to stay abreast of opportunities, have conversations about projects, submit bids, monitor deadlines, and answer questions is multiplied when you can perform those activities from any location. When you have project information readily available and communicate details to customers promptly, it improves customer relationships and heightens the chances of additional work. 

4. Security

A feature of cloud computing that has been needed by construction companies for decades is document security. Not only can paper documents be lost, mixed up or damaged, digital files stored locally can be deleted, overwritten or even misplaced by employees working on them. The result costs the company hours, days or months of remedial work. On the other hand, files and information stored in the cloud are isolated from the risk of happenstance accidents involving your office or devices. They are accessible right away so your staff can get back to work.

Upgrading to Cloud–Based Construction Management 

For these reasons, the best scenario for your construction company may be combining mobile devices with the cloud. Cloud-based project management is a well-rounded solution to managing your project collaboratively and making construction projects run smoother. 

If you haven’t investigated cloud-based construction management using the Autodesk Construction Cloud platform, it might be time to check it out at the link below. The potential improvements to efficiency, unity, capacity, and security make it an investment that construction companies can earn back, no matter their type or size.

---

Learn more about Autodesk Construction Cloud in the free Applied Software eBook: The Importance of a Common Data Environment.