The majority of construction companies currently aren't using cloud software, and fewer than two-fifths plan to move their takeoff, estimating, or project management functions onto the cloud within the next four years, according to a survey of estimators, executives, and project managers conducted by Houston-based On Center Software, which provides technology solutions to construction professionals.
Among the survey’s 921 respondents, 42% were estimators, 22% managers or chief estimators, 22% project managers, and 13% executives.
Being able to communicate using a single source of data is the most important factor to all respondents when they are evaluating different software providers. More than 60% of each respondent group indicates that being able to integrate their systems—particularly estimating, takeoffs, and project management—is a requirement when evaluating providers.
The respondents are also looking for solutions that minimize costly errors and rework.
Yet, about 70% of those polled say their companies aren’t using cloud software today. However, 15% plan to move their processes to the cloud this year, 16% within the next two years, and 5% within the next four years.
Nearly half of the respondents—47%—aren’t planning to move their processes to the cloud within this time period.
Angelo Castelli, On Center Software’s Chief Operating Officer, points out the irony of this resistance, in that a significant portion of the industry “doesn’t realize” yet that the kind of broad collaboration companies are seeking, which would allow them to communicate about projects in real time using a single data source, can only be provided by the cloud.
The survey’s findings, though, do seem to reflect the construction’s industry’s basic conservatism when it comes to technology. Laptops still dominate as the preferred mobile device among the respondent groups. Less than half of the respondents are currently using smartphones. Android is the most widely used smartphone among respondents whose companies plan to move to the cloud within the next two years.
Related Stories
Sponsored | BIM and Information Technology | Nov 25, 2015
Contractor leverages dynamic site logistic plan as BIM deliverable
I recently sat down with two Architects-Turned-VDC-Process-Managers to discuss the ways in which they are leveraging technology to bring the value of BIM downstream
BIM and Information Technology | Nov 24, 2015
Solving the data conundrum with better tools to capture, share, and analyze information
At a recent Thornton Tomasetti symposium, experts showed how designs and projects can be improved by granular information that’s accessible to more users.
Modular Building | Nov 19, 2015
AECOM and Project Frog form partnership for building modular data centers
The Rapid Deployment Team will provide solutions for data centers both small (1 MW) and large (50+ MW).
BIM and Information Technology | Nov 18, 2015
AIA: Energy modeling key to reaching carbon neutrality in buildings
Energy modeling allows architects to be more ambitious with energy-saving in their design projects.
Green | Nov 17, 2015
DOE launches new data collaborative to help cities and states boost building efficiency
The SEED Standard will help manage, standardize, share performance data.
Sponsored | BIM and Information Technology | Nov 12, 2015
Is the PDF revolution advancing BIM workflows?
Many project teams who struggle to get everyone up to speed with BIM, find PDFs a useful tool to bridge the gap between the BIM world and the paper world
BIM and Information Technology | Nov 3, 2015
How virtual and augmented reality can shape architecture and design
Gensler's Alan Robles examines a few ways VR and AR could create value for architecture and design professionals.
BIM and Information Technology | Oct 29, 2015
MIT develops ‘river of 3D pixels’ to assemble objects
The Kinetic Blocks can manipulate objects into shapes without human interference.
BIM and Information Technology | Oct 27, 2015
Magic Leap's breakthrough augmented reality project continues to generate support
The company is developing the Dynamic Digitized Lightfield Signal. It projects images onto the retina, giving users an interactive 3D experience.
BIM and Information Technology | Oct 26, 2015
Tableau’s new app, Vizable, converts spreadsheets into charts and graphs
Everyday users can simplify large amounts of data and sift through it interactively.