Malaysia recently launched the MyDIGITAL initiative in February this year, and since then, we have seen various parts of the plan put into motion.

One of the key stages of the digital economy blueprint is to establish the digital infrastructure such as the cloud. Microsoft’s announcement of establishing a data centre region in Malaysia, which will deliver access to the full Microsoft Cloud, demonstrates the private sector’s leadership in building and hyperscaling data centres and cloud services. This will eventually lead to the increase in data storage space, reduction in operating costs and improvement of analytical efficiency.

This cloud-first strategy will certainly drive the digital transformation in the country and empower local economies to build resilient infrastructure upon which they can then harness other emerging technologies such as Internet-of-Things (IoT) and blockchain.

But what does this all mean for the construction industry?

To put it simply, it’s a survival issue. In the wake of the pandemic, it is crucial that an organisation is able to adapt quickly to supply chain disruptions, market pressure, and rapidly changing customer expectations.

Digital transformation throughout your business will fundamentally change how you operate—mainly for the better.

Construction work is undoubtedly stressful—it is demanding and fast-paced. Contractors have to manage project sites all over the country or even globally. One of the biggest challenges is to ensure project teams are on the same page at all times, as communication between the project site and office is critical for project success.

Without a flexible fundamental infrastructure, this communication can break down easily, which would be detrimental to the project’s success. However, with a cloud-based construction software, collaboration can be optimised and ensured, simply because the data is stored in the cloud, which can be accessed anywhere and anytime.

Besides facilitating better communication, there are 5 major reasons why cloud-based solutions are especially effective for construction firms looking to optimise information sharing and collaboration processes.

1. Real-Time Data

Data accuracy and timeliness are vital for construction projects. Cloud-based construction software ensures that the project team receives real-time updates. This means that whenever the team needs the information, they can be certain that they are receiving the most recent data without any version conflicts. They can rely on this single source of truth to make effective construction decisions in a timely manner.

2. 24/7 All-Around Access

Working after hours is common for project sites, but accessing information at this time is a challenge as the office staff is no longer at work. Cloud-based construction software allows your project team to work anytime, anywhere. The information is available and updated online, so the relevant parties can take necessary actions, without dealing with minor inconveniences.

3. User Control

Good cloud-based construction software will also ensure the data stored is secure. Each user will have a level of access defined by the system administrator, who will have control over what information is shared with who. This is also helpful when you have incoming employees or outgoing employees. You can easily grant/remove access to your employees. This degree of control can also be broadened or limited, depending on the capabilities of the software.

4. Built-In Security and Data Protection

Given the quantity of information and collaborators the contractors have to handle, data security is paramount. Contractors cannot risk data leaks of confidential information. Cloud-based services usually have additional layers of security to prevent data loss or leakages such as automatic backups and protection, data encryption, policy-based controls, and password-based protection. In addition, should you lose your device on the go, you can always remotely erase the content on your lost device to secure the safety of your data.

5. Mobile Friendly

Time is money—this is especially true in the construction industry. You or your team at the project site will frequently need to make a decision almost instantaneously. While the project team may not have a computer with them, they will certainly have a mobile device with them. Mobile friendly construction software allows your team to save time and be more efficient and effective. Having real-time information when you need it ultimately improves client satisfaction, which in turn improves your company’s reputation as a whole.

From the project site to office, real-time cloud-based construction software is the answer to effective project management. Successful businesses in the future will need to be bold and embrace digital transformation, as organisations that fail to adapt will only be stepping closer towards extinction. Change is hard, but playing catch up is even harder.

About Speedbrick Solutions

Speedbrick Solutions builds easy to use software for contractors to do more with less. Allowing contractors to monitor risks ahead of time, on mobile. Currently Speedbrick has 4 products: procurement management, revenue management, subcontractors management and business analytics dashboard.

Currently, Speedbrick is servicing contractors in Malaysia and Singapore.

Find out more at www.speedbrick.com.