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
BIM and Information Technology | Oct 18, 2017
Project Frog announces Autodesk investment
Autodesk’s investment in Project Frog creates a common data environment, streamlines design and engineering processes, and optimizes architectural design for manufacturing.
BIM and Information Technology | Oct 12, 2017
Laser scanners go handheld
The emergence of handheld 3D laser scanners has been a boon for firms looking to lower costs and speed up turnaround time.
Sponsored | BIM and Information Technology | Oct 10, 2017
Moody Engineering, Inc. utilizes 3D scanner to meet challenges of phosphoric acid tank remodel
By integrating creativity and ingenuity with practicality, the Moody team was able to address the project’s specific requirements in order to save the customer time and money on this challenging project.
AEC Tech | Oct 6, 2017
How professional bias can sabotage industry transformation
Professional bias can take the form of change-resistant thinking that can keep transformational or innovative ambitions at bay. Tech consultant Nate Miller presents three kinds of bias that often emerge when a professional is confronted with new technology.
Sponsored | BIM and Information Technology | Sep 19, 2017
BIM vs VDC…how the US and the UK differ in approaching digital project delivery
In this four-part series, Bluebeam VP Sasha Reed sat down with industry experts to examine the need for defining and understanding digital workflows and data management throughout the design and construction project lifecycle.
Sponsored | BIM and Information Technology | Aug 28, 2017
3D scanning solution brought in to beat the heat on challenging fuel pipe demolition and replacement project
Acensium is an engineering consulting services firm with a focus on material handling retrofit projects and 3D scanning for as-built reality capture.
AEC Tech | Aug 25, 2017
Software cornucopia: Jacksonville Jaguars’ new practice facility showcases the power of computational design
The project team employed Revit, Rhino, Grasshopper, Kangaroo, and a host of other software applications to design and build this uber-complex sports and entertainment facility.
Office Buildings | Jul 20, 2017
SGA uses virtual design and construction technology to redevelop N.Y. building into modern offices
287 Park Avenue South is a nine-story Classical Revival building previously known as the United Charities Building.
Accelerate Live! | Jul 6, 2017
Watch all 20 Accelerate Live! talks on demand
BD+C’s inaugural AEC innovation conference, Accelerate Live! (May 11, Chicago), featured talks on machine learning, AI, gaming in construction, maker culture, and health-generating buildings.
