The Role of IT Support in Helping Construction Businesses Thrive

Construction firms increasingly integrate technology into traditional workflows; 44% of these companies now have dedicated IT departments. Price estimating, scheduling and project management all benefit from using IT support for construction tasks. However, companies that lack these internal resources may fall behind larger competitors.

Scaling these resources to meet business expansion demands can also be problematic for companies with in-house construction IT support. NPR calls the construction talent shortage “dire,” and finding specialized IT talent in cybersecurity or robotics is nearly insurmountable. Today, there are nearly one million tech jobs that remain unfilled.

As construction companies strive to meet increasing demands, adhere to stringent timelines and enhance overall efficiency, the role of IT managed services support has emerged as a crucial factor in overcoming these obstacles. This article explores how IT managed services can contribute to the prosperity of construction businesses by addressing challenges, optimizing operations and fostering innovation.

Current Challenges in the Construction Industry

The construction sector is notorious for its complexity, marked by intricate project management, resource-intensive processes and the need for seamless collaboration among various stakeholders. The industry contends with tight deadlines, fluctuating material costs and a labor force often operating in diverse locations. Supply chain uncertainties have persisted since the pandemic and the talent shortage is ongoing.

Technology can offer an anecdote to some of these problems, but without construction IT services support, it can also create challenges.

According to surveys, the top 10 IT challenges construction companies face include:

• Workload (28%)
• Out-of-date software (25%)
• Integration issues (25%)
• Software updates (22%)
• Understanding new capabilities of systems (19%)
• Processing speed (17%)
• Cybersecurity privacy (17%)
• Frustrated users (14%)
• System controls (14%)
• Technology skills gaps (14%)

Many construction firms lag in adopting new technology. Could better technology solve some of the challenges facing the construction field? What resources does the industry need to support digital transformation?

How Tech and Construction IT Services Solves Industry Challenges

The construction industry stands to benefit significantly from the transformative power of technology. Technological solutions have the potential to address and resolve long-standing industry issues, ushering in a new era of efficiency and innovation.

One of the primary problems that technology can tackle in the construction sector is the issue of project delays. Advanced project management software allows for real-time collaboration and communication. Better collaboration streamlines workflows and minimizes delays caused by miscommunication or lack of coordination among stakeholders. Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology provides a comprehensive digital representation of a construction project, enabling teams to anticipate and address potential issues before they manifest on the construction site.

Another critical challenge in construction is cost overruns. Technology aids in accurate project cost estimation through data analytics and predictive modeling. These tools allow better budget planning, risk management and the identification of cost-saving opportunities. Drones and Internet of Things (IoT) devices can deploy for remote monitoring of construction sites, providing real-time data on progress, resource utilization and potential areas of concern, contributing to proactive decision-making and risk mitigation.

Technology can help alleviate safety concerns within the construction industry. Wearable sensors can monitor worker health and safety conditions, alerting supervisors to potential risks or emergencies. Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies offer immersive training experiences, allowing workers to simulate hazardous scenarios and practice safety protocols in a controlled environment.

Technology has the potential to revolutionize the construction industry by addressing these key challenges. Embracing innovative solutions not only enhances operational efficiency but also positions construction businesses to thrive in an increasingly digital landscape.

With that said, one-quarter of construction firms say out-of-date software causes consistent problems in their organizations. 30% of construction firms say their software doesn’t integrate well, causing repetition, inefficiencies and human error from manual tasks. While each construction project generates substantial amounts of data, 96% is unused, and construction firms spend 13% of staff time looking through that data for the information they need.

Most of these companies understand the need to digitally transform. But 40% of construction firms say even if they adopt updated technology, it’s difficult to find the time to train on these new tools. Other firms say they simply aren’t aware of the technology that’s out there to improve their business efficiency. Of the 44% of construction firms that have in-house IT support for construction, over half employ just one to five employees. Procore’s Jobsite says: “This is a concern because tech adoption requires knowledgeable personnel who can champion new products, answer questions and encourage internal usage. They can also act as a liaison between software support teams and internal teams to avoid double work and confusion. With dedicated departments and personnel, the digital transformation of any given organization is given a fighting chance.”

Amidst these challenges, managed IT support for construction emerges as a transformative solution.

Understanding IT Support for Construction

Approximately 90% of Fortune 1000 companies rely on managed service providers to support their IT departments. In construction, managed IT providers are outsourced resources that design, deploy and manage an information technology infrastructure and services. These construction IT services enhance the efficiency, security and overall performance of a construction company’s IT environment, allowing the business to focus on its core competencies without the burden of day-to-day IT management.

Some of the services offered to construction companies include:

• Infrastructure management, ensuring reliable connectivity and optimal performance.
• Cloud computing for storage, collaboration tools and scalable computing resources.
• Cybersecurity threat monitoring, data protection and training.
• 24/7/365 IT help desk services.
• Desktop support and equipment onboarding.
• Data backup and recovery to prevent critical losses and system downtime.
• Disaster recovery to minimize downtime and data recovery.
• Resource scaling, ensuring the IT infrastructure adapts to changing project requirements.
• Routine maintenance, updates and patches.
• Regulatory compliance, avoiding potential legal and financial repercussions.

How Can Managed Construction IT Support Help Contractors Digitally Transform?

One of the primary benefits of IT managed services in the construction industry lies in enhancing operational efficiency. Construction projects involve numerous tasks that require precise coordination and timely execution. IT solutions, when managed effectively, streamline these processes, minimizing delays and optimizing resource utilization.

One example is cloud-based project management tools that enable real-time collaboration, allowing teams to work concurrently on different aspects of a project regardless of their physical locations. Incorporating the flexibility of cloud architectures accelerate project timelines ultimately contributing to improved project outcomes. What other areas of the construction industry can these third-party managed service providers impact?

Construction Cybersecurity

As construction businesses increasingly rely on digital technologies, the importance of cybersecurity can’t be overstated. The construction industry, like any other business, faces the constant threat of cyberattacks. Even one attack can compromise sensitive data, disrupt operations and lead to significant financial losses.

Managed construction IT services play a pivotal role in fortifying the digital infrastructure of these firms. This service can include implementing robust cybersecurity measures, conducting regular vulnerability assessments and ensuring compliance with industry-specific regulations. By safeguarding your digital assets, IT managed services give construction businesses the confidence to embrace technology without compromising security.

Business Scalability

The dynamic nature of construction projects often necessitates scalability and flexibility in an IT infrastructure. Traditional on-premises IT setups may struggle to adapt to the fluctuating demands of construction projects. IT managed services, particularly those offered through cloud computing, allow construction businesses to scale their IT resources up or down based on project requirements. This flexibility ensures optimal resource utilization. It also allows construction firms to pay only for services they use, avoiding unnecessary capital expenditures.

Construction Data

IT support for construction also plays a significant role in data management. Construction projects generate vast amounts of data, from project plans and specifications to financial records and progress reports. Effectively managing and leveraging this data is critical for making informed decisions and optimizing future projects. IT managed services enable construction businesses to implement robust data management systems, ensuring the secure storage, retrieval and analysis of project-related information. Advanced analytics tools further empower construction firms to derive valuable insights from the data, facilitating data-driven decision-making and enhancing overall project performance.

Remote Collaboration and Mobile Solutions

Construction work often requires teams to operate in diverse locations, making seamless communication and collaboration essential. IT support for construction can facilitate remote collaboration by implementing communication tools, project management platforms and mobile solutions. These technologies enable construction teams to stay connected in real-time, share updates and coordinate tasks regardless of physical proximity. Empowering these tools improves overall project efficiency, enhancing the agility of construction businesses in responding to changes and unforeseen challenges.

Cost Optimization

Cost management is a perpetual concern in the construction industry, where projects are often subject to budget constraints and the risk of cost overruns. IT managed services contribute significantly to cost optimization by offering scalable solutions, reducing the need for substantial upfront investments in hardware and infrastructure. The efficiency gains achieved through streamlined operations and enhanced collaboration translate into tangible cost savings. By leveraging IT managed services, construction businesses can allocate resources more judiciously, ensuring that capital directly contributes to project success.

Innovation and Technology Integration

Embracing innovation is pivotal for construction businesses seeking a competitive edge in the market. IT managed services facilitate the seamless integration of cutting-edge technologies into construction processes. Whether adopting BIM software, IoT devices for real-time monitoring or implementing artificial intelligence (AI) for predictive analytics, IT managed services play a central role in driving technological innovation within the construction sector. These services enhance the efficiency and accuracy of construction processes while positioning businesses as industry leaders.

Support and Maintenance

The reliability of your IT infrastructure is paramount for construction businesses. Any downtime can have cascading effects on project timelines and overall productivity. IT managed services provide continuous support and maintenance, ensuring that digital systems underpinning construction projects remain operational and secure. This IT support for construction includes proactive monitoring, prompt issue resolution and regular updates to mitigate vulnerabilities. By entrusting IT support to managed service providers, construction businesses can focus on their core competencies, confident their digital infrastructure is in capable hands.

Future Trends and Emerging Technologies

The role of IT managed services in the construction industry is not static; it evolves with technology advancements. As the industry witnesses the rise of innovative solutions such as augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR) and blockchain technologies, IT managed services will play a crucial role in facilitating integration and optimal utilization of these technologies. The ability to adapt to emerging trends positions construction businesses for sustained success in an ever-changing technological landscape.

Red River Offers IT Support for Construction

Red River, a leading IT solutions provider, extends its expertise to offer tailored support services specifically designed for the construction industry. Recognizing the unique challenges of construction companies when managing their IT infrastructure, we bring a comprehensive suite of solutions to enhance efficiency, security and overall project success.

Our managed service offering helps shape the success and sustainability of our clients in the construction industry every day. From enhancing operational efficiency and ensuring cybersecurity to enabling scalability and fostering innovation, the contributions of our IT managed services teams are diverse and impactful. Call on us. We can help your business.

Q&A

What is IT support for construction companies?

Managed IT support involves outsourcing the management and maintenance of their information technology infrastructure to a specialized service provider. It’s a strategy that allows construction firms to focus on core business activities while leveraging the expertise of IT professionals to ensure a robust and efficient technology environment.

Key components of managed IT support for construction companies include proactive monitoring, system maintenance and technical support. Service providers continuously monitor the construction firm’s IT systems, identifying and addressing potential issues before they escalate. Regular maintenance, such as software updates and security patches, enhances system performance and protects against vulnerabilities. Technical support provides construction companies with a dedicated team of IT professionals ready to address any technology-related issues. Additionally, managed IT support often includes data backup and recovery solutions, cybersecurity measures and scalability options to adapt to the changing IT needs of construction projects.

Why do construction firms need managed IT?

Construction firms need managed IT to improve how technology enhances project management and collaboration. Managed IT services provide construction companies with tools and platforms that facilitate real-time communication, document sharing and project tracking.

Security is another critical aspect that underscores the importance of managed IT for construction firms. Managed IT services offer robust cybersecurity measures, including firewalls, antivirus software and data encryption, safeguarding against potential cyber threats and unauthorized access.

By outsourcing IT management, construction firms can avoid the expenses of maintaining an in-house IT department, including hiring, training and infrastructure costs.