IT for Construction Companies: A Guide to Staying Connected, Secure and Efficient
Have you ever considered whether your construction company could operate more smoothly, more efficiently, or with less technological obstacles? From project management and cloud-based documentation to communication, accounting and site connectivity, the options out there to optimise your business feel endless, and it may be difficult to know where to begin.
And for many construction businesses across Yorkshire, tech headaches and inefficiencies are commonplace; it can be hard to know where to begin when it comes to an overhaul of your technology, particularly when your business’ focus is on-site.
Whether you work with small-scale residential properties or large corporate projects, in this article, we’ll guide you through solutions to common technological problems that the construction industry faces, as well as some major opportunities that can modernise your business, saving you time and money.
Why IT Matters for Construction Companies
Essentially, whether you’re running on broken systems or passing up on opportunities to streamline your technologies, you could very well be leaving money on the table that should be in your pocket. It’s these fixes that can boost productivity, speed up decision making, and make the construction process more cost and time efficient.
Poor technological infrastructure for your construction business can lead to:
- Lost productivity
- Duplicated admin
- Delays accessing documentation
- Communication problems between site and office
- Security incidents
- Inaccurate records
- Unplanned equipment maintenance
- Unnecessary manual work
Some of the biggest IT problems in Construction and potential solutions:
Remote-site working and construction site connectivity
If you’ve ever tried accessing critical project files on a site that feels far from civilisation, you’ll understand the frustration, and financial cost of downtime, of unreliable internet connectivity. When you can’t access the systems and data when you need them, project deadlines, costs (labour, idling machinery, replanning), and your reputation can fall behind.
So, when it comes to internet for construction sites, what are your options (aside from hoping that a tether to your mobile phone can get you through the work day).
Of course, popular options such as 4G and 5G routers offer quick set up and portability, with multi-sim bonded routers for reliability – however, these options depend on suitable mobile network coverage at the site. And for more long-term construction sites, many construction businesses will opt for temporary fixed lines for consistent connectivity.
Many construction companies that we work with that previously relied on mobile data have mitigated this risk through the use of satellite internet services such as Starlink.
A low latency service designed to be available in bad weather, remote locations such as farms, rural and even mountains, Starlink utilises a network of low-orbit satellites to keep you connected where mobile data plans (or even fibre for established remote sites) won’t.
Cybersecurity and device management
If you’re a construction company that has grown from the ground up, you might still be operating on the assumption that antivirus software, trust in employees, and a little bit of common sense is still enough to navigate business operations that utilise technology and the internet. However, with advancements in technology and AI, cyberattacks are more sophisticated and more commonplace than ever – it’s crucial for businesses in the construction industry to have the appropriate cybersecurity measures in place.
With that being said, a survey conducted by insurer Beazley found that construction and property firms said they felt the least prepared for the risks that cyberattacks pose from the nine industries that were consulted.
Cybercriminals have a plethora of options in their methods of attack, including phishing, compromised accounts, ransomware, and insecure personal devices - so what can be done to keep your construction business safe?
At its most basic, Flyford would recommend:
- Managed devices for employees to ensure blocked sites, downloads, and apps are made unavailable
- A good firewall to protect your business network
- Staff training to keep your team vigilant
- Endpoint protection to detect and block malware, suspicious activity and other threats
- Backup and disaster recovery options in case of a breach
- Multifactor authentication
If you’re looking for consultation on implementing these protections or are looking for a provider to manage all of this for you, get in touch for a no-obligation chat.
System Integrations
For growing businesses, the amount of software you rely on day-to-day can sneak up on you. What might have started with Microsoft 365, project management software, and an accounting tool quickly turns into a CRM, job management tools, documentation management, HR software – and the list goes on.
Of course, while it’s normal for a business to make the most of all the tools available to them, the problem lies with software systems that don’t connect with each other effectively. This can cost your business time and money when data is lost or not distributed properly, has to be duplicated, or updated manually.
What’s the solution? We’d recommend a full audit of your processes and workflows to uncover where there is opportunity for integration across platforms. For example, a new project could automatically create the relevant records in your CRM, project management and document management systems, reducing the need for your team to enter the same information multiple times.It’s these small time-saving measures that compound throughout your business so that you can focus on the things that drive your business forward.
Some of the major opportunities for technology implementation within the construction industry
AI and Automation
AI has the potential to be one of the most revolutionary advancements in technology that we’ll ever see, and it’s more than just chatbots – it’s accessible to businesses of all sizes, and it can turbocharge your team into being more productive than ever.
AI can automate routine tasks; taking care of routine emails, creating reports, processing invoices, and updating documentation – when implemented correctly within your existing workflows, this could mean a form your project manager completes on site triggers an updated project record, an email back to the office, and store the relevant documentation on the cloud. The goal is not to overhaul your current systems or replace your people with technology but make both as efficient as they can be and all the while removing human error in repetitive tasks that are prone to mistakes.
If you’re looking to integrate AI and automation into your construction business, get in touch – Flyford can provide both consultation and implementation of AI solutions to make your business operate efficiently.
Digitalisation
One of the simpler opportunities for construction businesses, but one of the most effective.
If your business still relies on paper for:
- Site inspection forms
- RAMS documentation
- Timesheets
- Vehicle checks
- Equipment inspections
- Health and safety records
- Delivery records
- Snagging lists
- Incident reports
then making these digital is one of the first things you could be doing as a business to make your workflows more efficient.
Moving these processes into secure cloud-based systems can give your team access to the information they need from the office, home or construction site, while also making it easier to keep documents organised and up to date. It makes sharing instantaneous and improves collaboration between teams and subcontractors, as well as keeping records better organised and more easily accessible.
Asset and Fleet Management
Asset and fleet management is a vital part of ensuring that your construction business runs smoothly; you have to know that all your equipment is functional, compliant, and available to use at any given time.
With the likes of a centralised register, your business can implement an all-in-one management system, with automated maintenance reminders based on mileage, hours of use or scheduled service intervals, GPS tracking on vehicles, booking systems for equipment, fuel monitoring, compliance records and more. The overarching theme being that having all this information readily available to anyone that needs it, consistently updated, and automated so you know exactly what you need to do and when, makes for a far smoother operation of your construction business.
To conclude…
Ultimately, for many construction businesses, the biggest gains won't come from adopting the latest technology overnight. They’ll come from building strong digital foundations that are consistently configured across all elements of your business - reliable connectivity, secure systems, cloud collaboration and integrated workflows and more, building a culture of adopting efficiencies and optimisation.
If your business is looking to transform operations digitally, get in touch!