Workflow management is often a source of frustration for AEC firms. Projects have so many moving parts and generate so much data that it can be difficult to get the right information to the right people at the right time. The good news is that technology, particularly connected technologies, can help ease this frustration. A recent Deloitte study found that 76% of E&C decision-makers are putting more money into connected technologies because the connected data that comes with them, is a game changer for many businesses. Are you ready to begin seeing your data as the asset that it is? Let’s take a look at how you can begin taking advantage of the streamlined workflows and improved efficiency that connected data delivers.
Turn to an Integrated Platform
If your business is still relying on spreadsheets and other manual processes, it is time to stop. Manual data entry is a large time waste and a notoriously error-prone process. While many firms have moved away from these manual processes, they are not necessarily taking advantage of optimized workflows. It is common for teams to turn to point solutions to help streamline workflows at the project or department level. While these tools can help teams collaborate and improve project management, they don’t necessarily establish a strong digital foundation that is sustainable. Point solutions although typically feature rich are often disparate and lack the level of integration required to support a company’s growth. Businesses can find themselves with information silos and unintegrated workflows, struggling to extract and connect information from multiple systems to make informed business decisions.
Organizations with a clearly defined long-term digital transformation roadmap are more likely to adopt an enterprise-level strategy for utilizing connected data and improving workflows. This centers around investing in an end-to-end integrated cloud platform that is scalable to address both current and future business needs. Integrated cloud platforms are equipped with comprehensive functionality and customizable workflows. Plus, with an open API, they are highly versatile, allowing enterprises to integrate different functions and data from existing standalone systems. This ensures that everything is easy to navigate, and all data is kept in sync. And since information is stored in one place, there is no need to look through multiple spreadsheets or systems to find a particular piece of information.
Benefits of an Enterprise-Level Cloud Platform
Automated
A unified cloud platform automates processes through consistent workflow integrations such as authorization and approval activities. The platform can link workflows to project events which are triggered automatically so that project status is always clear, helping to avoid delays and risks. For example, when the system detects a delayed process or certain predetermined conditions are met, alerts are automatically sent to the right stakeholders, so they can act quickly.
Connected
An enterprise-level platform serves as the digital foundation of a business. It connects the entire construction lifecycle – from initial plans all the way to building maintenance – in the cloud. Quantity takeoff, estimation, project timelines, and procurement schedules can all be connected with BIM models. Having real-time access at an enterprise level also fosters greater communication and collaboration across a business. Teams are no longer working in silos and can share data and best practices, driving more efficient task management and approval.
Configurable
A cloud platform also delivers great flexibility and customization. Workflows can be configured based on enterprise management standards and working methods so that teams are equipped with workflows designed specifically for how they work. Each workflow ensures users have all essential project information at their fingertips. The collaborative environment encourages interaction and data sharing among stakeholders, ensuring everyone is kept well-informed throughout the project.
Conclusion
Integrated cloud platforms, and the connected data and streamlined workflows that come with them, deliver a host of advantages, including improved collaboration, increased efficiencies, reduced redundancies and errors, and greater insight into project and business processes. Investing in your digital foundation today will not only lead to more productive teams and better decision-making now, but it will have a lasting impact on your long-term business health.
