Constructors are notoriously slow to embrace new technology. Cloud computing is now being utilized at a record-breaking rate. In fact, the cloud is being used more and more frequently by construction companies. In addition to worker orientation and onboarding, these companies are using cloud-based solutions to overcome various business challenges. These solutions are also helping construction companies increase their output, efficiency, and safety. Those are all good things.

How widespread is the use of the cloud in construction? Over 1500 construction firms were surveyed for AGC’s 2016 Business Outlook report, which found that nearly 60% of companies currently use or plan to use the Cloud, a percentage expected to rise in 2017 and beyond. The Cloud allows these companies to cut capital expenditures and lower operating costs while reducing the administrative burden on internal IT resources.

In addition, the use of the cloud ensures a higher level of security and better protection of sensitive data than the typical construction company. This is since cloud service providers place a higher priority on security. Outcome Health’s Executive Vice President, Provider Solutions Vivek Kundra says cloud computing is often more secure than traditional computing because companies like Google and Amazon can attract and retain cyber-security personnel of a higher quality than many governmental agencies.

The difficulties of working with a contract workforce

Construction companies are drawn to the cloud because it provides them with the ability to adapt to an ever-changing environment. Recruiting new contractors and temporary workers for a project is a major challenge for construction companies. Even though temporary workers have different skill sets, perform specialized work, and work for a company for a shorter period than permanent employees, they must be onboarded as quickly as possible to ensure their productivity and safety.

The administrative side of things is also a problem. Contracted workers are often added to construction projects without proper tracking of their details or paperwork, exposing the company to liability in the event of an accident. Contract workers, on the other hand, are more prone to accidents due to their lack of familiarity with the environment. Consequently, contractors and temporary employees need to be educated on potential hazards by construction companies.

These challenges can be overcome by savvy construction companies using technology such as the cloud. The following are some of the benefits that the cloud can provide to construction companies to better manage their contractor relationships:

It enhances the management of employees.

Those who work in the construction industry are highly mobile and flexible. It’s a mess for project managers in this situation. This can be remedied by using contractor field service apps that are hosted in the cloud. Using these apps, construction companies can streamline their workflows, better manage their mobile workers, and reduce their cost per dollar of sales. Many of these systems also can schedule, dispatch, track, and report.

Scalability and customizability are increased.

The size of a construction company can fluctuate, as it does with many other businesses. They could add contract workers to their full-time workforce at any time. By utilizing the free storage provided by the provider and third-party storage services like Google Drive, iCloud, and Dropbox, these companies can easily scale up or down to meet the requirements of a project. It also gives them the flexibility to tailor their management processes to their unique requirements.

boosts the productivity and efficiency of employees.

Productivity can be a challenge when trying to integrate contract workers into an employee family. Using a cloud-based HR solution, you can access workforce management tools from any location, on any device, at any time. Managers can now manage their teams on the go with this solution. It also improves the efficiency of the workforce by allowing employees to access information and complete tasks without the intervention of HR. As a result, construction companies are able to accomplish more in the same amount of time thanks to the cloud.

boosts collaboration

Onboarding and orientation software can help you better measure the cost and effectiveness of contract workers, as well as forecast future needs. It also gives you the opportunity to reward and recognize top-performing agencies, full-time employees, and contractors. Cloud-based onboarding software enables construction companies to quickly and easily retrieve vital information in the event of an accident or audit. On their first day on the job, contractors don’t have to waste time filling out paperwork; they can get right to work.

Time and money are saved as a result.

It has been found that 80 percent of Cloud users have saved money through their use of the service. Project managers can make better use of their time and money by utilizing cloud-based project management software. Project completion and budgetary constraints are guaranteed as a result of this. Any delays or inefficient use of material resources can also have a negative impact on the project’s financial status, but the software eliminates both of these issues. Cloud-based accounting and billing systems, on the other hand, allow workers to enter financial data from any location at any time using any device.

enhances the quality of documentation.

Onboarding and orientation software can help you better measure the cost and effectiveness of contract workers, as well as forecast future needs. It also gives you the opportunity to reward and recognize top-performing agencies, full-time employees, and contractors. Cloud-based onboarding software enables construction companies to retrieve vital information quickly and easily in the event of an accident or audit. On their first day on the job, contractors don’t have to waste time filling out paperwork; they can get right to work.

places a greater emphasis on critical business processes.

A major benefit of cloud computing is that construction companies no longer need to manage their IT systems, allowing their employees to focus on their core business processes instead. You can also create custom data storage and management workflows in the cloud, and it will automatically back up all your data at the end of each day.

Strengthening the Security of Contractors

Construction companies of all sizes can benefit from using the cloud. Wearables and augmented reality can greatly enhance the safety of Cloud-based solutions when combined with other technologies. Wearable technology like bionic exoskeleton suits and wearable smart helmets allows companies to treat contract workers the same way they treat full-time employees. Wearables, for example, provide managers with real-time dashboards showing how many employees are currently working in high-risk areas.

Virtualization and design analysis are just two of the many uses of augmented reality in building design and construction. A good example of this is the overlaying of a BIM model over a real-life project site visualization using cloud-based BIM platforms in conjunction with augmented reality technology. Aside from saving money, speeding up production, and improving quality, this means that construction companies can eliminate design errors before they occur rather than after they do.

Conclusion

Organizations in the construction industry are making the switch to the cloud to improve productivity, efficiency, and safety, and this trend is expected to continue. Safety training, project control, upfront capital expenditure reductions, and the burden on internal IT resources are just a few of the benefits it provides to businesses.

The Cloud can give a construction company a competitive edge and make it a market leader when used in conjunction with wearables and augmented reality. The Cloud is a game changer because of its ability to not only improve the management of contract workers but also completely transform landscapes.