More and more construction contractors are experiencing the value of mobile solutions in their operational workflows. We’ve listed a few benefits contractors obtain when using a mobile cloud based solutions to run their operations on.
1. Reduced project delays and errors
Reduce overall project delay by gathering real-time information on the job site. Capture real-time construction progress to determine whether you need to schedule extra workforce. Critical information like machine defects are captured in real-time, allowing operation staff to take appropriate actions faster. Machines will be repaired faster which decreases delays on site.
2. Improved communication with jobsite
Daily report at the job site can be done via mobile applications. Collated data gets sent to the right person in the head office. This allows accountability and easy collaboration, errors are reduced and issues requiring fixing can be addressed much faster.
3. Avoiding double data entry
By eliminating the use of paper and spreadsheets, construction companies can save hundreds of hours entering data twice. Collating information for reporting, or looking for paperwork that has been lost or filed away is something from the past. Workers fill out timesheets on their mobile devices, information gets sent straight into the project’s manager dashboard. The project manager approves the shifts and sends the data to the accounting department.
4. Better accountability of field staff
Staff travel times, GPS locations, and time spent on-site can all be monitored with mobile apps. This improves accountability and reduces labor costs.
5. More accurate project documentation
Using mobile apps to capture information at the job site improves accuracy and reduces issues that arise from poor handwriting, inconsistent data, and information gaps. dockets, GPS, time stamps and signatures captured on-site provide an accurate and indisputable audit trail for the project, delivering accountability to clients and improving invoicing and future project time estimating accuracy.
6. Better fleet maintenance management
Construction companies that use a database-driven mobile solution can maximize the use of their machinery through better management and tracking. Real-time information about maintenance schedules, availability, and equipment locations help contractors to improve inventory planning and use.
7. Real-time mobile access to manuals and site documentation.
With mobile cloud technology, workers have easy access to site specific information, project managers can send documents to the right workers. Machines that require pre start forms are automatically sent to the right operator. The operator can access the pre start form straight from his mobile device. This improves productivity and reduces the rate of errors.
What is the return on investment?
With any new process, the inevitable questions arises. “Why, and how much money do I save?” Typically, with a mobile application contractors reduce:
Printing cost
Because timesheets, logs, forms and documents are all stored and accessible form the mobile application you don’t have to print this out.
Fuel costs
Many contractors have set up their cloud systems in a way that their workers don’t need to visit the office anymore. Timesheets and forms get sent automatically, instead of being delivered in person to the headquarters. Their fuel bills have dropped significantly.
Maintenance costs
Because pre-start and defect forms are actioned in real-time, machines keep running for longer while being serviced better.
Project delay costs
Cloud-based operation software makes allocation easier, therefore contractors have a better insight of their asset and workforce utilization. Contractors are able to speed up projects because scheduling available workers and assets has become easier.
