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
| May 22, 2014
7 ways it pays to use BIM for data centers
Here’s where AEC firms and owners are getting the most bang for the buck when using BIM/VDC to coordinate data center projects.
| May 22, 2014
Big Data meets data centers – What the coming DCIM boom means to owners and Building Teams
The demand for sophisticated facility monitoring solutions has spurred a new market segment—data center infrastructure management (DCIM)—that is likely to impact the way data center projects are planned, designed, built, and operated.
| May 14, 2014
Prefab payback: Mortenson quantifies cost and schedule savings from prefabrication techniques
Value-based cost-benefit analysis of prefab approaches on the firm's 360-bed Exempla Saint Joseph Heritage Project shows significant savings for the Building Team.
| May 12, 2014
Defining BIM – What do owners really want?
Given the complexities of the building process, it can be difficult for building owners to effectively communicate what they want and need with BIM. The response to the question usually is, “Give me everything.”
| May 8, 2014
Perfecting prefab: 8 tips for healthcare construction projects
Leading AEC firms offer helpful advice for using BIM to pull off prefab for everything from MEP infrastructure to whole bathrooms.
| May 6, 2014
BIM Forum Boston recap: Gilbane inspires with collaboration challenge
Key question from BIM Forum: How do you leverage technology by finding trade partners that are up to speed?
| May 3, 2014
4 easy steps to being a great project manager
Managing a team of people, especially creative people, is a task that not everyone is up for. Keeping your team on the same page while maintaining a schedule and budget that can keep your corporation happy will take confidence and bountiful people skills. Here are some tips for effectively managing a project. SPONSORED CONTENT
| May 1, 2014
Super BIM: 7 award-winning BIM/VDC-driven projects
Thom Mayne's Perot Museum of Nature and Science and Anaheim's new intermodal center are among the 2014 AIA TAP BIM Award winners.
| Apr 23, 2014
Ahead of the crowd: How architects can utilize crowdsourcing for project planning
Advanced methods of data collection, applied both prior to design and after opening, are bringing a new focus to the entire planning process.
Sponsored | | Apr 17, 2014
Technology enables state transportation agency to make the leap to digital design review
Earlier this month, my colleague and I presented a session to a group of civil engineers and transportation agencies about the tech trends in the AEC space. Along with advice on how to prepare your plan for controlled collaboration, we also talked through some practical use cases. One such use case was especially interesting, as it outlined a challenge not unfamiliar to government agencies who are contemplating the leap from paper to digital processes: how to securely migrate workflows.
