Construction firms that fail to digitise will fall behind and lose out to competitors. If you want to make your business more efficient, reduce error, boost profits, and scale, you need cloud-based software in your corner.

Here are ten reasons to make that change today.

1. Bigger cost savings

Are you worried about the cost of digitising? Then you’re not alone. Construction companies worldwide put off adopting a cloud-based strategy because of concerns about the price tag. But it’s just as important to consider the costs of not upgrading your systems.

Most cloud systems offer a pay-as-you-go option – giving you total control over your costs. A digital system will also empower your teams to access the data they need 24/7, from any location, on any device – making projects easier to set up and run.

It’s also important to stay competitive. If your rivals are doing it, you should be too. Otherwise, your business will become less agile – meaning customers could leave and go elsewhere.

2. Stronger security 

Protecting company data is your priority. That’s why the thought of storing important information in ‘the cloud’ probably fills you with dread. What’s to stop a savvy hacker from accessing and stealing client lists, employee records, and other data your business relies on?

Cloud-based systems aren’t easy to hack into. Providers invest in robust security measures designed to minimise the risk of cyber theft to almost zero. It’s also the way forward. 60% of workloads now run cloud-based systems which have been adopted by some of the world’s largest organisations – including Amazon.

Fortunately, cloud software is safe to use. But it’s not infallible. Breaches do occur. But physical records can be stolen too – so it’s important to put the concerns you have into perspective.

3. Greater mobility

Your construction team has to juggle many responsibilities, including tracking site activity, estimating, and keeping its financial records in working order. Completing these tasks manually is less than ideal – because it ties up human resources, eats into productivity, and makes your business less efficient.

Instead of migrating directly to a cloud-based system, think about your aims and objectives. The software you use will need to work across all platforms (MAC and PC) and let your teams share and view data on any device. That way, everyone will have access – improving your operational agility and enabling you to deliver results up to ten times faster.

With a cloud-based system, your construction teams can work from anywhere too. Remote access will therefore give employees greater flexibility – providing a better work-life balance that translates into better company loyalty. Are you ready to embrace the benefits of digitisation? 

4. Improved collaboration

Even small construction businesses should prioritise collaboration. Your teams should be able to share information quickly, wherever they are – so that time-critical decisions can be made to ensure the success of their projects.

Cloud software streamlines the communication process, preventing frustrating and costly delays that could even affect customer relationships. Digitisation is the way forward if you want to turn projects around faster and retain and win more clients.

5. Automatic software updates 

Time spent waiting for systems to update is time you’re not spending on more profitable exercises.

Cloud systems refresh automatically, taking pressure off your already overstretched IT teams – while reducing departmental costs and removing the need to hire consultants to streamline internal processes.

6. Get the competitive edge

Who would your prospective customers rather work with – a construction firm that had invested in the latest technology, or one still relying on outdated manual processes to manage its projects? By making cloud-based software part of your digital strategy, you’ll be able to lead the curve and leave your slower competitors for dust.

7. Cloud computing is scalable

There are three ways in which you can measure cloud-based software:

1. Administrative – how easy is it to share information across multiple organisations?
2. Geographical – does the system remain stable and functional, even if users are far away?
3. Load – is the program flexible enough to let you flex your resources by scaling up or down as required?

Some cloud systems can even auto-scale. Choosing the right software isn’t a process you should rush – so take your time to compare.

8. No need to install anything

Digitising your construction business by investing in a cloud system couldn’t be easier. That’s because there’s no need to install anything. The software is hosted over the internet (not your computer) and can be accessed from anywhere and via any connected device.

9. Unlimited storage & reduced carbon footprint

There’s no limit as to how much data you can store on the cloud – so you won’t have to worry about important company documents stored in a vault that’s vulnerable to theft or fire. 

By reducing your reliance on manual paper systems, you’ll also be reducing your carbon footprint. Documents will no longer need to be printed, scanned, or physically transported to far locations.

10. Increased accuracy and quality

Creating manuals from scratch takes time and leaves room for error. Despite your best efforts, each document will vary in look and layout – introducing inconsistencies that look unprofessional. 

Then there’s the issue of values. Do you really want to enter customer information, stock numbers, or other important data manually each time you create a document?  Especially when there’s an easier way.

With a cloud-based system like Dokkit, you:

1. only need to set up your company data once (values will be added to future manuals automatically);
2. can create specific types of templates – from O&M manuals and health and safety files through to  handover guides and technical submissions;
3. import customer or stock data at the beginning, or later on when your project commences.

Your professionally branded documents will impress clients too – who’ll be more likely to choose you over your competitors.

Dokkit helps construction businesses work faster, smarter, and cost-effectively. Contact us to learn more or book a free demo.