The architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry have been slow to adopt digital technology. However, in recent years, a neaw trend of technological revolution can be seen across all AEC verticals, especially in managing processes through mobile technology. Construction apps have popped up on almost every modern-day construction site. Whether to manage time entries, fill out daily reports, or review plans or specs of the architecture, a construction app powered by construction management software is doing it all through a smartphone, tablet, or mobile device. Mobile technology is bound to be found on the job site.
Construction Project Management with Mobile Technology
Mobile technology and construction apps are fairly new concepts in the modern AEC landscape. Smartphones have just been around for over a decade, and third-party apps and tablets soon followed these inventions A few years down the road, we had 4G broadband, allowing companies to utilize faster internet speeds. There was no need for mobile construction project management solutions or construction apps since there was no way to use them on the job site or in-office effectively.
If we look at the AEC industry now, it heavily relies on construction project management software and construction apps. Mobile technology is part of almost all construction workflows. Your mobile devices have you ready for it all, from the office to job sites, online meetings with stakeholders, and virtual bidding conferences. Furthermore, a construction management company must have access to the right tools and information to get the job done right in the AEC industry.
Nowadays, multiple construction management solutions in the market help manage every aspect of a project. For example, BOLDBuild, one of the leading AEC project management firms based in California, handles pre-construction, construction, and post-construction with additional features such as scheduling, project management, back-office tasks, field reporting, etc. It also has a series of analytic apps that provide further control and visibility to AEC professionals. BOLDBuild is a construction management software that streamlines all processes and improves productivity.
Device Agnostic – Construction Project Management Software
Device agnosticism is an important component of all software services. When we talk about going mobile with construct apps, it also means that we opt for a construction project management software that is able to efficiently function on multiple devices and platforms. If you go into any construction management company, you will find that they use multiple tools for project management. These range from laptops to mobile devices, to tablets, etc. Furthermore, some users maybe using an IOS device, while some might be using Android. All these complexities can be easily avoided by opting for a device agnostic construction management software and apps.
Benefits Of Using Construction Applications
Record Keeping
Construction apps are helping bridge the gap between the job sites and the project managers working back at the office. This was previously a big challenge for construction companies. AEC professionals can easily access/submit timecards, RFIs, work orders, change orders, daily reports, and other related project information with construction management solutions.
These apps enable companies to have a real-time data flow documented with data and timestamps. Digital signatures and GPS location data are common features that allow better record keeping. AEC companies can save time and money in redundant data management through electronic record keeping.
Real-Time Collaboration
Communication and collaboration are critical components of any successful construction project. Construction project management software provides team members and stakeholders with accurate information in real-time through construction apps. This allows them to communicate with each other and be more productive effectively. With mobile technology, all project stakeholders can easily review and update documents, plans, specifications, etc.
If and when issues arise on the job site, the foreman can upload photos of the problem and create a report accordingly to be reviewed and resolved. Real-time collaboration thus saves the time that goes into waiting around for revised plan sheets; everything you need is on your phone or tablet.
Improved Efficiency and Productivity
Construction project management is now easier than ever, thanks to mobile technology. Processes and workflows are now managed with cloud-based solutions. These solutions significantly improve efficiency while saving time by allowing project managers to schedule labor and equipment, conduct field inspections, manage, and review change orders, document project progress, and review documentation from the comfort of their devices.
Construction apps allow project managers to access and analyze all the collected data and help reduce downtime, improve decision-making, and enhance productivity. The right construction project management solution can help avoid unforeseen issues and delays as quickly as they arise, allowing the construction management company to mitigate risks and prevent expensive rework.
Going Mobile
Mobile technology is at the forefront of the connected project experience. It has allowed AEC professionals to stay completely connected with each other, gain more visibility, and improve their own productivity by saving time, money, and effort.
By using the smartphone or tablet, AEC professionals can manage their projects on the go, from the job site to the vendor shops, to the back office. Every location is accessible. These apps have helped AEC professionals manage their projects and keep them moving regardless of time and location barriers.
Furthermore, mobile technology is not limited to construction management apps and software solutions on mobile/tablets. It also has helped reshape the AEC industry with advancements in telematics data from equipment, drone technology, smart hard hats, augmented reality, etc. These advancements have enabled construction companies to improve safety for their employees, increase overall productivity, and improve project management processes on the construction site.
Conclusion:
Mobile technology is expanding to all facets of the construction project management life cycle. All construction companies that want to stay competitive and cutting edge need to leverage efficient construction apps that can empower them with streamlined construction management software for continued success.
