Cloud and Mobile Technology in Construction — A Merging Trend

What is “The Cloud”?

“The Cloud” comprises of servers connected to the internet, along with the software and databases that run on those servers.
It’s storage is a virtual locker where you can remotely store any of your data, allowing you can access the same files and applications on any internet capable device, because the computing and storage takes place on servers in a remote data center instead of on the users device.

Virtually all organizations use cloud in one ay or another, so chances are very high that you are already utilizing it too. For example, if you use services such as G-mail, which connects to Google Drive.

This personally was my life saver for many Civil Engineering class projects, and I’m very sure that many students can attest to the same.

Benefits of Cloud in the Construction Industry

Real Time Collaboration
Effective communication is significant for any project, and when sudden changes are made, poor communication can be especially time and cost consuming. As team members and stakeholders are able collaborate in real-time through cloud, any new documents, generating purchase orders, approvals, issues arising on the jobsite, reports, plans, and other important information, can be uploaded and immediately reviewed by all necessary parties on any devices compatible with internet, improving efficiency and increasing productivity. This collaboration also results in the ability to store and share safety protocols to communicating important information regarding issues such as weather or other conditions, in which managers can provide to workers, so that they can perform their jobs safely and effectively.

Better Recordkeeping
Reports and flash drives can easily get lost or filed incorrectly, and by hard copy can be a very slow way to get critical data and information like daily reports in the hands of the quick decision-makers on the team who rely on that information to keep a project on track of schedule and within budget. In relations to cloud safety, hacks typically stem from human errors, not system failures, reassures Unearth, hence storing data in the cloud also increases security by eliminating physical theft, loss, or destruction of data.

Mobile Office
With all of the project information at your fingertips while on the go, or in any location with a internet compatible device, your office essentially becomes mobile. No more driving all the way back to the office to collect your papers!
But mobile technology isn’t just limited to apps and software on a smartphone or tablet, but is also currently used with telematics data from heavy equipment, drones, smart hard hats, and virtual and augmented reality, to improve safety, increase productivity, and improve project management processes on the construction site.

“Cloud computing offers construction numerous benefits, but if there’s one resounding reason to adopt a cloud platform, it’s that it covers your ass.”~Unearth

References

Jones, K. (2018, December 14). Going Mobile: The Benefits of Mobile Construction Technology. shorturl.at/nEGIO

Unearth. Construction Tech: Why is cloud computing critical in the construction industry?. shorturl.at/hDRT6