You've probably heard about one of the newest developments in IT – the cloud. Rather than hosting software and storage locally, construction companies are now moving their IT functionality to third-parties who handle the day-to-day management of these services.
The benefits for construction companies are considerable. Not only does it mean that they don't have to invest in building and maintaining their own IT infrastructure, but all it takes to access this functionality is an internet connection.
Many companies have already invested in these services, but the cloud is only now starting to make its presence felt in the construction sector. Despite this, new cloud-based solutions are expected to transform the industry in coming years, with health and safety at work just one area that is undergoing this transformation.
Cloudy outlook for construction
Perhaps the biggest advantage cloud services are offering for those in the electrical sector is the ability to access the same information from any location through the internet. For a construction business, this makes it easy for remote teams to access the same services they would be able to at the head office, all through the convenience of the internet.
Cloud-based software also has the advantage of being instantly updated once a worker uploads information. For managers, this means having instant oversight of teams on site and the work they are completing.
81 per cent of companies were using smartphones on site to streamline their performance.
Cloud technology on the mobile construction site
The cloud isn't just popular because of the functionality it can offer as a stand-alone technology. In industries like construction, the real benefit is when it is combined with mobile devices. This means that workers can now access a full range of tools, all from the screen in their pocket or the tablet in the back of their truck.
The rise of the smartphone on construction sites was tracked by Constructech, which revealed that, even in 2011, 81 per cent of companies were using smartphones on site to streamline their performance. Field reporting, project management and safety reporting were all cited as areas where staff are making the most of mobile solutions.
In the future, cloud-based services are only going to increase in use, driven by the ease of access and the popularity of mobile apps like SiteApp. This software is specifically designed to give construction companies a comprehensive, cloud-based app solution to their health and safety compliance needs.
As construction firms become increasingly reliant on cloud technology, those companies that keep up with this trend will also be the ones who are able to keep staff safe on site, all while streamlining their workflow.