We all know the digital revolution is here to stay, especially after seeing the effects of remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic. Even reluctant construction leaders are realizing that harnessing the speed and accuracy of digital workflows is not only worthwhile, but critical to growth and competitive advantage.
But technology isn’t only about accomplishing manual processes faster and eliminating paper waste (although those are important benefits). It’s also about what it empowers teams to do together – even when physically apart.
So, is your team using the best technology for collaboration? Now is the time to ask hard questions like:
– Are data silos affecting your budget?
– Could better communication improve your timelines?
– Could increased collaboration reduce safety incidents on the jobsite?
Let’s take a look at how effective communication during the construction phase of a project can result in benefits to your budget, safety, sanity, and timeline.
The Problem with Inaccessible Data and Your Budget
When there’s only one person on your team with access to job site data, communication is slow at best and that isolation causes unnecessary obstacles. Waiting for a project manager to access plans at a job trailer or back at the office can lead to major productivity delays. This work halt causes loss of profitability and affects your future job schedule.
Construction projects are also constantly evolving. Revisions and change orders can occur multiple times during the scope of a project. If data is only accessible from one location or person, the risk of working from old plans and requiring rework increases.
For example, an electrician working off an old print has wired in a bathroom with recessed lighting and GFI outlets, as well as the GFCI breaker on the main panel. What they didn’t know is that bathroom was eliminated from the plans completely. Not only do they have to take time to undo the work, they also lose money on labor and material.
Better Communication Equals Fast-Tracked Timelines
1. Focus on the plans you need access to.
If you’re a roofer, you don’t need to be working off of the full 100+ pages of plans for a project. Get access to what’s specific to your trade and save time focusing on relevant data only.
2. Organize all your data in one place.
If you’re not using technology to organize your data, you are playing a constant game of search. Searching through emails for photos, your computer for plan files, playing phone tag with the general contractor to get updates on revisions. One source of data means better communication and no delays.
3. Stay connected, even when you’re not in service.
Construction sites frequently have no cell service or very poor internet access making technology like pure cloud-based solutions useless. Have your data accessible at anytime, anywhere.
4. Streamline your approval process.
The job does not go on without a signed permit. When all the stakeholders in a project don’t communicate or have the same information at hand, the approval process slows down exponentially.
From subcontractors to general contractors to owners, everyone needs to be on the same page to complete each phase. Make sure you can share your job documents outside of the organization as well.