Why the Construction Industry Needs Managed Services
Construction is among the world’s oldest human activities, dating to the Stone Age when our earliest ancestors used stones, wooden poles, straw and animal skins to build shelters. However, 21st-century construction is a decidedly high-tech endeavor.
Construction processes today are heavily dependent on a wide array of IT systems and solutions, ranging from project management software and mobile communications to 3-D modeling programs and remote sensing applications. Two-thirds of construction professionals in a new survey say increased use of technology is high on their agenda, with nearly half reporting they plan to purchase new digital solutions this year.
Construction Firms Turning to MSPs
Effectively implementing and managing that technology can be a challenge, however. Typically, only the largest companies have dedicated IT teams to manage their technology environment. Smaller companies with resource limitations often experience technical issues that impact productivity and performance.
As construction firms of all sizes become increasingly dependent on technology, more are turning to managed services providers (MSPs) to address some of their top challenges. Here a just a few of the ways construction companies can benefit from a managed services arrangement:
Network connectivity. Construction sites are often located in remote areas with little or no network connectivity, which hinders the use of cloud-based applications, real-time collaboration tools and other online services. MSPs with dedicated network services practices can help ensure reliable connectivity with various Internet access options, including cable, fiber, DSL, cellular, Wi-Fi and satellite. The MSP will monitor the network and respond rapidly to address performance issues.
Security and privacy. Construction companies handle a great deal of sensitive data, including personal client information, financial data, project plans, intellectual property and proprietary designs. MSPs help safeguard this data by implementing and managing measures such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, data encryption and multifactor authentication. Leading providers may also offer advanced services such as endpoint protection, real-time threat intelligence, continuous threat detection, advanced analytics and threat-hunting capabilities.
Collaboration tools. Completing construction projects on time and within budget is always a challenge, particularly when projects involve several teams working on various tasks across multiple locations. Distributed teams often have trouble accessing project data, collaborating in real time and ensuring consistent communication. Providers can implement and manage communication and collaboration platforms to help keep projects on track.
Data management. Construction projects generate vast amounts of data, but more than half of construction managers surveyed recently reported they still collect and process this data manually — a notoriously time-consuming and error-prone process. Leading MSPs can help construction companies automate entire workflows and ensure data is accurate, secure and available when needed.
GDS can help your construction firm leverage technology tools to improve efficiency and productivity.
IT modernization. Many firms still rely on outdated legacy systems and infrastructure that are hard to maintain, difficult to integrate and vulnerable to security risks. That can make it difficult to leverage the latest IT solutions, including advanced data analytics, artificial intelligence and Internet of Things systems. MSPs have the expertise and resources to help firms upgrade infrastructure and optimize systems to lay the foundation for modernizing the IT environment.
Technology adoption. Leading MSPs have the expertise and resources to help construction firms leverage a flurry of advanced technologies that have emerged in recent years. For example, building information modeling applications allow architects, engineers and contractors to simulate building processes with 3-D models. Drones with cameras and sensors are used to survey sites and monitor project progress. Virtual and augmented reality apps allow teams to conduct virtual walkthroughs to identify and troubleshoot problems.
GDS Can Help Your Construction Firm
In addition to bulldozers, backhoes and excavators, construction crews today depend on a variety of essential digital tools. GDS can help your firm leverage these tools to improve efficiency and productivity. Contact us to learn more.
Benefits of Managed IT Services from Global Data Systems
- Strategic Managed IT: We help you solve your technology related business problems.
- Connectivity: We get you reliable, secure connectivity anywhere in the western hemisphere in 48 hours.
- Support: When you need help simply call our 24x7x365 support number.
- Billing: Instead of managing hundreds of vendors - get one, easy to read bill from GDS.
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