As the world begins to embrace a “new normal” in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the construction industry is also embracing something “new” at an accelerated rate: technology. Construction technology seemed like a contradiction of terms when first introduced –with the construction industry being renowned for its hesitation when it came to adopting new technologies.

With productivity output rates in construction falling by 4.6% over the past year, and the current climate of economic uncertainty, construction businesses are now being compelled to make the switch to digital and technology-based solutions.

Drones, AI and machine learning, virtual reality, 3D modelling and printing - ideas once limited to the pages of science fiction novels - are now being utilised daily on construction projects across the globe, and are having a dramatic effect on productivity, profitability, and overall industry capabilities and performance.

Get your head out of the clouds and put your business operations into them

To achieve the most benefit from emerging technology, construction companies must lay a solid data foundation. Rather than relying on multiple systems and processes to manage more and more projects, this information can be captured using cloud-based construction software . By integrating data across key workflows, and being able to connect site to office, construction businesses can gain the visibility they need to make the most of emerging technology.

Tailored to assist construction businesses with their everyday project management, there is now a large range of software platforms available through a multitude of suppliers to help streamline this process, including MYOB here in Australia.

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Construction project management software like MYOB’s cloud ERP (enterprise resource planning) now gives project team members across the board - from the estimators, contractors, and consultants right through to maintenance staff - user-friendly access to the critical information that will help them effectively conduct their duties on a day-to-day basis, as well as enabling them to provide live progress updates and reporting. For project managers, cloud-based construction software can allow you to manage clients, teams, subcontractors, budgets, schedules, and more all from a single platform. With real-time visibility across project stage completions and up to date costing reports, cloud-based construction software can ensure that projects under your care remain on track and within budget.

What does real time visibility mean?

The term real-time visibility essentially refers to the receipt of live information and data. In relation to construction projects, this means that key parties can keep on top of on-site changes as they occur, receive live progress updates from teams, and effectively flag any issues that may arise so you can address them before they become a major productivity or finance issue. By switching to a cloud-based construction software, your own personal real-time visibility will be able to incorporate everything outlined above and much more.

Cloud-based construction software is not just for the heavy-hitters

If you’re a smaller scale construction business owner thinking that you’re not going to benefit from utilising a construction ERP - guess again! For starters, cloud-based construction software can simplify your invoice generation and management, as well as provide a consolidation point for all business documents and data, including email chains. Digital platforms, like MYOB’s cloud ERP, also allow for accurate, enhanced cost forecasting on both a day-to-day basis as well as when you need to compile quotes or contracting bids. This helps you to not only secure more work but increase the potential for winning larger project contracts.

If the scale of your projects is growing, there’s a cloud-based construction software that can cater

It’s safe to say that the future of construction has well and truly landed, and the time has never been more right to consider switching to a cloud-based construction software platform. Developed to optimise your productivity, improve invoicing and document tracking, and to provide a through day-to-day lens across your entire operation in real-time, the benefits are all heavily weighted in your favour.

For those that are not overly tech-savvy and tend to follow the old construction hesitation cliche, there are well known partners such as MYOB who have developed cloud-based construction software that is tailored to the construction industry in Australia. If you would like more information on MYOB’s cloud ERP you can get in touch with them via their website.