Being “in the cloud” is the latest catchphrase in technology discussions, but the term has many definitions. According to some, it refers to virtual servers that allow users access to stored data via an Internet connection. Providing access in this manner is referred to as cloud-based or web-based services.
Others expand the cloud to include applications used outside a company’s firewall. As InfoWorld has noted, moving to the cloud can mean anything from increasing data capacity without having to invest in additional infrastructure to licensing new cloud-based software.
Cloud computing and the construction industry
But how does this relate to the construction industry?
The construction industry balances back office functions—billing, paying invoices, running financial reports, payroll, planning logistics—with the physical presence needed on the jobsite or in a client’s office. Today’s technological solutions must be able to serve users in both work settings.
As a result, making mission critical business applications available remotely is a hot topic these days. Remote access allows staff to work from any location without being tied to a specific physical location. With the amount of consolidation, decentralization of offices, travel-based positions, and project work being done in different regions of the country or even internationally, being able to offer solid remote access technology to employees is critical for a construction company’s success.
For many companies, solving this challenge means moving some of its applications to the cloud. One construction company, True Value Homes (TVH), is able to give any employee with proper credentials access to these applications through a secure, web-based environment.
Before the move, TVH was running operations on 17 sites, and employees could only work in the office so all papers needed to be brought into the central office for processing and approval. Whereas TVH once had 100 personal computers for 100 employees, now 500 users can access its web-based applications. “We want to make sure that our employees get the best out of their workplace,” Arun Nehru, TVH’s director, said. “What we are telling employees is that [wherever you need to work], the applications are available from office, home or outside. They need not come to [the] office to work.”
Collaboration between contractors, owners/clients
Leveraging cloud-based services also extends beyond the workings of a single construction company. As Constructech’s 2011 IT survey notes, “today’s construction professional also needs to be highly collaborative. The word ‘team’ has taken on a whole new meaning in the construction industry. Every team needs to obtain a high level of transparency and accountability for the property owner. Overall, construction companies will be more collaborative, using technology to connect all project team members- from subs to general contractors to owners- in one central location.”
Yet, it is highly unlikely that each of the project team members utilizes the same back office business management applications. So, as general contractors, subcontractors and owners individually look to the web to leverage its capabilities, it will be critical to look at ways that technology can ensure the secure and timely exchange of project information between them.
Mobility
As noted by Constructech’s 2011 IT survey, contractors will then take project information “to the jobsite with mobile devices and applying a host of applications.” As the survey reports, construction companies are “carrying out project management, scheduling, punchlists, and time tracking tasks in the field today.”
This is evidenced by the growing momentum in the use of mobile technologies in the construction industry. Yet, the type of device varies. According to the survey, “the smart phone is still one of the most commonly used devices at the jobsite (81% of survey respondents). Laptops (69%) and tablets (26%) also receive a significant response.” Given the advances in and adoption of tablets over the past few years, growth is anticipated in the use of the tablet in the construction industry as well.
Given the fast moving area of mobility, today’s business solutions need to support the highly mobile workforce of the construction industry.
Leveraging today’s technology for the future
Does that mean that your construction company needs to scrap everything it’s using today for cloud-based applications? In today’s economy, companies are looking towards extending the applications they are using today into the cloud where it makes sense.
Jon Witty is the Vice President and General Manager for Sage Construction and Real Estate, which is a division of Sage Business Solutions (SBS). A former Microsoft executive with more than 25 years of experience in the technology and ERP markets including the construction and project management vertical, Mr. Witty is responsible for driving Sage’s business strategy and initiatives in the construction and real estate market.
Prior to joining Sage, Mr. Witty was with Microsoft as Regional Leader for Dynamics, accountable for partner strategy, group management, business development, marketing, and sales. Previously, he was Microsoft’s GM for the Northern California Area where he led sales, marketing, and services for all products and partner channels. Before working at Microsoft, Mr. Witty gained extensive experience and knowledge in software for the construction and project management industry and in business software with KPMG, SDG, Solomon, and Great Plains in roles including product marketing, pre-sales, sales, marketing, consulting services, and general management.