IT Solutions That Keep Construction Job Sites Connected and Productive

Historically, the construction industry has been directly impacted by external forces, such as the economy, labor market, interest rate levels, housing demand, commercial growth and price inflation. Another force having a dramatic impact on the construction industry is technology. Every day, construction businesses face challenges, such as working in remote locations, experiencing unreliable connectivity and dealing with fragmented communication.

While many external and internal factors affecting businesses are less controllable, various technology products offer companies a tangible and direct way to resolve common hurdles. For example, modernized IT solutions can solve connectivity and productivity challenges, increase efficiency, keep projects on schedule, lower costs, improve safety and reduce downtime. Solutions include, but are not limited to, rugged mobile devices, secure Wi-Fi/5G, cloud-based collaboration tools and IoT-enabled equipment tracking.

While solutions are available, it can be challenging for managerial decision makers to determine which products are the right fit and whether they will actually provide the best solution. Working with a knowledgeable and reliable partner can help ease some of those burdens. Red River has extensive experience with an array of technology solutions. We will help you identify the right products and assist you with integrating them into your existing systems.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at common connectivity and productivity challenges construction firms face, available core IT solutions, benefits of IT solutions, implementation tips and vendor considerations, the future of IT in construction and why managed IT services for construction can be a true asset to your business.

Common Connectivity and Productivity Challenges

Construction projects involve numerous stakeholders, such as owners, builders, engineers, architects, contractors and subcontractors, to name a few. Oftentimes, each party operates in its own silo because there is no comprehensive way to link everyone. Updating your tech can help resolve many of the following hurdles your company likely faces on a consistent basis.

Fragmented communication

Communication or sharing of information comes in a mix of phone calls, emails, texts and traditional mail. This can result in all stakeholders not having access to timely information, misinformation or an inadvertent lack of communication altogether. These days, mobile workforce IT support is a must to help keep a project flowing smoothly. Integrating newer IT solutions can easily resolve this problem.

Absence of streamlined technology

Many stakeholders working within the construction ecosystem are often not up to date with the latest technologies, possibly even using outdated manual processes. These technology gaps can be problematic.

For instance, documentation of the project might be housed in a variety of technologies, such as cloud databases, decentralized word documents or spreadsheets or even paper. This lack of standardization can slow down a project or result in all parties not having access to the same information or updates, having a negative impact.

Unreliable on-site connectivity

Construction takes place in many different locations, many of which are found in remote or developing areas. As a result, there may be no reliable way to connect to the internet or even have accessible mobile phones to communicate. The unreliability of a connection can hinder any use of digital tools. As a result, crews end up utilizing outdated or manual methods, slowing down progress in terms of productivity and efficiency. Having job site connectivity is an absolute essential these days.

Labor challenges

The construction industry is struggling to maintain a full workforce. According to statistics provided by The Construction Association, a whopping 88% of firms have difficulties finding workers to hire. The COVID-19 pandemic forced people into other types of jobs when everything came to a halt.

Other factors influencing this troublesome labor hiring trend include a retiring workforce, lack of skilled workers and a rising labor demand. While the construction lull didn’t last long at all, the lack of skilled workers continues to plague the industry.

On the upside, Deloitte suggests that integrating technology can mitigate labor issues. For example, AI-enabled automation and digital tools can help attract younger workers to the construction industry while reducing physical strain on older workers. The installation of modern tech has high potential to make construction-related jobs more appealing, along with enhancing safety for all.

Ineffective resource management

Most productivity pipelines rely on technology to help desegregate and streamline operations. However, since many companies rely on antiquated processes, this leads to poor coordination, incomplete data, underutilized assets and ineffective resource management. It can also create conditions for significant project delays or even cause necessary rework if design errors, poor QA or missed communications occur.

Core IT Solutions

Fortunately, there are many tools construction firms can leverage to help them reduce connectivity and productivity problems, along with siloed information.

Construction teams often operate in remote or developing locations and, as a result, are out of touch with the main office, partners and other stakeholders they need to coordinate with on a project. Integrating core IT solutions can help alleviate these and other problems. Tools that can be utilized include:

• Rugged hardware and mobile devices
• Reliable site-wide internet (Wi-Fi/5G)
• IoT-enabled tracking and monitoring (e.g. GPS trackers and sensors)
• Cloud-based project management tools
• Forecasting and planning tools (e.g., data analytics)
• Cybersecurity tools and methodologies

These tools can go a long way toward alleviating the obstacles associated with physical proximity and location by improving real-time communication, improving coordination efforts, bettering information sharing and achieving full integration. Overall, IT solutions provide tools to help streamline projects and aid centralization of the workflow.

Benefits of Integrating IT Solutions

Do the above challenges sound familiar? If so, now might be the time to consider the many benefits your construction business can gain by integrating IT solutions. For instance, your company will be able to:

• Make faster decisions
• Streamline the workflow process
• Experience reduced downtime
• Provide improved safety
• Access real-time data to make informed decisions
• Gain remote construction IT support
• Enjoy better communication and collaboration
• Reduce delays in the project, helping keep to timelines
• Avoid budget overruns by accurately predicting costs through data analysis

These – and other benefits – can help your company become stronger and be positioned to have a better competitive advantage, avoiding falling too far behind in the industry and failing to keep up with competitors.

Vendor Considerations and Implementation Tips

While there is no one-size-fits-all solution for technology, having an expert evaluation and experienced planner can make the difference between success and failure in integrating new IT into your workflow. It is vital that your managed services IT partner is reliable.

Vendor considerations

You’ll quickly discover there are a lot of options when it comes to vendors who can manage your IT solutions. The following are attributes you should seek in a partner.

• Experience in the construction industry space and industry-specific software
• Well-versed in mobile and cloud support services
• Proven track record of success with construction firms
• Willingness to provide clear, consistent communication
• Prepared to offer continuous, 24/7 round-the-clock technical support
• Ability to provide proactive monitoring and perform system maintenance
• Equipped to provide customizable solutions, not off-the-shelf, standardized solutions
• Ability to offer flexibility and scalability with solutions, adjusting them as your business grows or changes
• Experience in data backup and recovery
• Transparent plans and pricing
• Be a good cultural fit

Before choosing, it is a good idea to research reviews, ask the vendor for references and take advantage of a one-on-one consultation to get a better idea of which vendor will be the right fit.

Implementation tips

The following are helpful implementation tips to allow for a smoother transition when installing or adapting new technologies.

• Be meticulous in identifying pain points to empower your business to obtain accurate solutions to address specific challenges (a good vendor can help with this!)
• Evaluate to determine if new technologies being looked at can effectively align with existing systems or, if not, identify ways to phase out legacy software
• Translate business objectives into specific IT requirements to more accurately identify solutions
• Create a centralized implementation plan to ensure your partner can deliver and help you phase out from the old to the new
• Gain access to training for workers, subcontractors or any other relevant users

The ideal partner can provide suggestions, solutions and other implementation tips – your company’s decision makers shouldn’t have to do this all on their own – good vendors are typically more than willing to assist.

Future Outlook of IT in Construction

Historically, the construction industry has been slow to adapt to new technologies. McKinsey reports that previously, less than a mere 1% of revenues have been spent on IT. This is steadily changing, but the industry has a way to go in successfully integrating the right technologies to bolster productivity.

The bottom line is, realistically, technology isn’t going to remain static. It’s going to continue to progress, expand and evolve. As innovations affecting the industry, such as robots, augmented reality, virtual reality and artificial intelligence, continue to come to fruition and become more mainstream. As this occurs, construction businesses will need to adapt.

IT managed services can play a pivotal role in helping businesses working within the scope of construction remain competitive in the industry. Connecting with the right partner can have a substantial impact and position your company to be stronger and more profitable.

Construction Firms are Embracing Tech Solutions and Managed IT Solutions

The good news is that construction firms are beginning to better embrace technology solutions, with 44% having dedicated IT departments. This will go a long way towards helping them eliminate issues with connectivity, productivity, efficiency and keeping to important build timelines.

Construction companies that are not equipped to internally handle IT tasks also have options. For instance, they can opt to partner with a trusted managed IT services provider to assist with technology. This way, they can focus on their core competencies and keep their construction projects on track while letting the experts handle the “nuts and bolts” of technology.

Connecting with an IT managed services vendor can aid construction firms in getting access to the tools they need to facilitate real-time needs, such as communication, project tracking and document sharing. Much like other industries embracing managed IT services, construction firms can also find themselves with a cost-effective solution. No more expenses associated with maintaining an in-house IT team.

Is Your Construction Firm Ready to Modernize? Red River Can Help!

Red River is a leading IT solutions provider and can lend its expertise to your construction firm. Our team of experts is knowledgeable, experienced and understands the unique challenges the construction industry faces. We are fully prepared to offer your company customized construction IT solutions.

Many companies in the industry lack an in-house IT team. The tech industry is very fast-paced and it’s challenging to keep up, even if you have access to an internal IT department. We can help fill gaps. Our IT service providers can offer your construction company the most up-to-date solutions and strategies – that is our core competency – freeing up your teams to focus on their specific responsibilities.

The Red River team is prepared to offer a comprehensive and customized suite of solutions to help your company gain better productivity, efficient project management, stronger security and enhanced communications. Should you select us as your trusted partner, we can help you stay organized, productive and connected.

Ready to get the conversation started and learn how we can help you transform your technology ecosystem to be current and competitive? Contact Red River today to schedule your consultation.