How cloud computing is revolutionizing the construction industry

By Paul Wallett, Regional Director of Trimble Solutions, Middle East and India

As the construction industry grows, each project accumulates diversified data requiring integrated and systematic project coordination. In the past, the data collected during various project phases were stored in separate locations such as company servers, individual laptops, and smartphones, among others. This is a challenge as the lack of access to crucial information and data can impact decision-making, potentially delaying the project, impacting performance, and eventually affecting revenues.

With modern innovations, more and more companies are adopting cloud-based technology to simplify project processes, increase efficiency, and streamline data for better collaboration among stakeholders. Cloud technology, commonly called cloud computing, is not a new concept, but its integration in the construction industry has grown significantly. This is attributed to the growing market demand, and the increasing role technology plays, particularly in the UAE, where the construction sector is highly competitive.

To meet the growing market demand and address the challenges in construction projects, technology solution providers have introduced cloud-based connected platform which is fully enabled for 3D constructible models. This platform will reduce risks, drive speed, ensure better coordination and collaboration and increase efficiency and accuracy across the entire construction project lifecycle. Industry professionals and stakeholders can access faster and more flexible resources through the cloud’s storage, database, servers, software, analytics, and networking.

One of the most obvious benefits of cloud computing is enhanced efficiency in construction projects. In the past, information had to be called in, noted, or communicated physically, which is time-consuming and prone to data errors and miscommunication. Almost every construction project involves several stakeholders, so sharing data consumes longer time. Further, the old way to inspect a project status is through a physical or in-person site visit, another time-consuming task that could lead to project delays and additional costs. These are now things of the past, thanks to cloud computing technologies such as Software as a Service (SaaS).

SaaS significantly reduces industry mishaps, data errors, miscommunication while increasing productivity and time savings. It allows stakeholders faster access to crucial project information at any location using any device connected to the internet. SaaS can also store and organize site activities automatically and provide real-time updates without physical inspection. This makes it easier for stakeholders to supervise and monitor projects from various locations.

One technology that complements cloud computing in construction is Building Information Modeling (BIM). Cloud computing makes it possible to use BIM with mobile devices, facilitating seamless collaborations, one important aspect of construction projects. To address project complexity, there is a need for a better coordination between project owners, designers, engineers, and contractors. For instance, construction teams can provide engineers and architects with on-site suggestions, or updates using mark-up construction documents on site. They can also enter, upload, and share measurements, plans, images and videos that can be accessed by various stakeholders, improving project management through collaboration.

When efficiency and productivity increase, so do cost-savings and revenue. There is a notable relation between faster project completion and monetary resources. A project completed quicker means fewer working hours that the company has to pay. Further, if companies finish projects with speed and efficiency, it gives them more time to accomplish more work. This is both cost-saving and potentially profitable.

Regardless of the size of the project or the construction firm, cloud technology presents a wide array of benefits such as increased efficiency, reduced costs, safe and secured data, unlimited and seamless access to data, collaborations, and better project management. It is high time to unlock these rewards and deliver better results in this constantly evolving and competitive industry.