Kick starting on a digital path can be quite overwhelming for AEC firms. Continuous efforts, bold steps, and good resource management are what it takes to convince stakeholders to take the digital route. Both, back office and field teams can be resistant to change based on a myriad of reasons viz. lack of technology trust, high cost, complex integration, etc. This is where firms like iFieldSmart Technologies play a vital role in transforming the AEC sector by fueling greater digital adoption.
The good news is, it’s not too late for your AEC firm to embrace a data-driven approach based on complete construction automation. This includes construction management, cloud storage, and virtual collaboration. Through comprehensive automation, construction firms can influence greater project control, better workflows, enhanced productivity, fewer delays, and reduced rework.
Onsite construction covers a myriad of activities, and working on a construction project is never easy. A vast number of stakeholders and project teams need to store, access, and share data on the go. It is also vital for back office and on-site teams to collaborate on a perpetual basis.
- Build a strong focus on project standardization.
Standardizing processes and systems should always be considered a top priority. Even before selecting a digital solution for your project, your teams on-site must be well trained and ready to do their job based on specifications and standards.
Defining a workflow makes it easier for you and the field teams to understand the value of new tools like construction management software, cloud storage, and virtual meetings. It is crucial to deploy standardized processes that can be duplicated. These standardized processes can be improved based on regular feedback by on-site teams.
Top construction management software integrated with cloud storage and collaboration tools reduces construction delays. Leveraging digitization and automation from iFieldSmart Technologies helps embrace a data-driven and transparent way of working.
- Create a robust digital approach
Once a project has been streamlined, and various project phases have been defined, it is time to work on a robust digital approach. The most crucial step is providing field teams with information on new cloud-based construction digital tools, and how the software will help them work faster and quicker. Explaining the long-term value of implementing software in your project means less time spent on-site and more time for other efficient project activities. This helps people adopt new ways of work and save effort and time.
Onsite construction software from iFieldSmart Technologies bridges the gap between the back-office and on-site construction, and personnel work smarter, better, and effectively.
- Learn quickly with smaller steps
When working on a new digital roll-out, it’s important to begin using small steps. Giving members time to get acclimated with construction software helps reduce the risks of costly mistakes. After the first roll-out, project stakeholders can analyze how processes can be optimized for the next stage and proceed more effectively
- Get your software fundamentals correct
Before exploring the advanced features and functions of the software, it is an excellent idea to get the basics right. Gradual exploration of the software gives teams on-site the necessary time to be comfortable using construction software to add value. By avoiding putting much pressure on on-site personnel, it allows them to test the software on their own.
- Encourage group collaboration
There are various types of construction software, yet there is one thing that needs to be present i.e. collaboration or interaction. Allowing field teams to exchange documents, updates, and tasks in real-time help project teams engage more and use more advanced features.
- Set a training schedule for your project teams
Training is a vital part of the onboarding process, and it is one of the most important parameters for your construction software. A detailed training plan concerning teams on-site and off-site helps teams become more productive and efficient.
- Assign key tasks and responsibilities for every team
Narrow down the tasks and responsibilities of each field team member. To avoid chaos, teams need to leverage solid guidance on how they need to use the software, and how frequently. By outlining key tasks and responsibilities field personnel is more comfortable with the work routine, and leverage the value of this digital shift much faster.
- Communicate with your field teams on a perpetual basis
When all your systems are up and running, it is important to collaborate with your field teams to make sure offsite personnel use new software without problems. Offsite and onsite collaboration regularly helps garner feedback on how the use of the construction tool can be improved. Examining the level of engagement with your team helps answer key questions viz. Is the app used frequently and according to roles and responsibilities? This site analysis helps stakeholders leverage on-site data to improve the complete experience.
- Build deep data analysis
Data is the most important ally. Analyzing this source of truth helps leverage an accurate overview of the construction software. It also shows how well the software has been adopted in the organization and used by on-site teams. Measuring the level of engagement, and analyzing its impact on-site enhances productivity, reduces rework, and boosts productivity.
- Adopt game-changing processes and systems
The importance of standardization has already been mentioned. For on-site personnel to drive better productivity and efficiency, the processes need to be repeated. Moving from project to project, even other members on the field team can experience these processes. This will help adjust quicker and better with these new tools. Learning by design and repetition helps on-site personnel become digitally enhanced
Conclusion.
Implementing new digital software solutions to your project in construction can be overwhelming. It’s not easy to keep people in the office and on-site on the same page. With iFieldSmart Technologies, we understand the true importance of establishing a strong foundation for holistic digital transformation. That’s why the adoption of a digital tool at an early stage is highly recommended. If you want to read more on how iFieldSmart Technologies helps AEC companies embark on a digital journey,
Coming back to you! What makes implementing cloud-based automation overwhelming for your project? Do you have tips on how on-site teams can adopt construction management software?