Construction, as you may have known, is a very project/job-centric and relationship-based industry that requires a combination of people using equipment to execute services meticulously and in a timely fashion.
Cloud-based software aligns well with these dynamics because of its exceptional features such as flexibility, security, reliability, and affordability.
However, what are the do’s and don’ts of using cloud computing solutions in construction? In this article, we will discuss what you can do and what you should avoid when using cloud-based software.
What are the do’s of using cloud-based software?
Do analyze your pain points
Before diving into cloud-based software, it is vital for you to have a migration strategy. Test the waters and carry out extensive research to ascertain whether migrating to the cloud would be a pragmatic solution for your construction company.
Write down a list of all your construction pain points and what you hope to accomplish by moving to the cloud. By so doing, you won’t be caught unaware by unexpected events.
Do get the services of a professional
Having cloud-based software integrated into your construction company can be easy only when you seek the advice and help of an experienced IT professional.
While cloud-based software does not require the installation of any hardware, having an expert is definitely go a long way in helping your construction company.
Do research on reliable cloud vendors
Not all cloud hosting providers are created equal. Hence, it is imperative to hire a credible cloud provider as there can be reliability issues with performance, connectivity, and security.
While there are several recommendations out there, take them with a pinch of salt and do your homework to understand the historical performance of the services you are considering. After all, you cannot fully trust them not until you have personally tried and tested them.
Do cloud-based automated testing
This is an important aspect that shouldn’t be overlooked. Although cloud-based software has many benefits, it comes with its own unique set of challenges.
So before deploying your software to the cloud, it is crucial to check their performance, security, test actions, and their outcomes through an automated testing process. Using automation tools results in better productivity and shorter test cycles, followed by quick setup and deployment.
Do get trained and train your staff too
The purpose of moving to the cloud is to make things easier and better. However, the goal will be defeated and things would get further complicated if you and your team are not properly trained.
To avoid making the cloud solution seem like a burden, it is important for everyone in your construction team to have cloud training to meet your customers’ demands.
General contractors along with superintendents present on the jobsite and construction managers are going to be the ones using the software most actively.
Therefore, you need to make sure that they are familiar with the software you intend to use. Learn about differences between general contractors and construction managers in this article by Procore.
It is worthy of note that many cloud vendors provide great training programs that can improve your cloud skills and that of your employees.
Do evaluate the costs before migrating
Money saving is one of the advantages of cloud computing services since you only pay for the features that you use. Nevertheless, before switching to the cloud, it is necessary for you to review the initial cost of implementing a cloud-based software.
This involves checking into your company’s data consumption, software maintenance, hiring of IT team, and so on. These costs should be compared with that of moving to the cloud. While this may seem expensive in the beginning, you will definitely enjoy the benefits in the long run.
Having said that, what are the things you should avoid when using cloud-based software in construction? Read on!
What are the don’ts of using cloud-based software?
Don’t forget about security
Security concerns are an integral part of switching to cloud-based software. However, do not conclude that the cloud provider will manage it all. Hence, you need to ensure that the security tools provided by the cloud vendor will protect your company’s data from theft. Encrypting your data being transmitted over networks and stored in databases makes them less vulnerable to hackers.
Don’t move a lot of data at once
Your construction company may have hundreds of data and documents to move to the cloud and it may be tempting to move them all at once. However, it is prudent to move them gradually otherwise, migration would be very expensive.
Don’t transfer everything to the cloud
It can be exciting to have a new operational database for your construction company. But then, you do not have to move all your company’s documents to the cloud storage. For security reasons or perhaps for better efficiency, you can retain certain important files.
Conclusion
Like many others, the construction industry has now fully awakened to the cloud-based movement as it is the future of everything digital. This trend will strengthen going forward as construction companies continue to experience tangible success with cloud storage.