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BIM Cloud Technology General Construction

Artificial Intelligence will be the true enabler for BIM and Construction Productivity

Written by Peder Aaby, Chief Technology Officer in Sparkel. Msc. Cybernetics and Robots with specialization in machine learning

Click here to see Sparkel.io’s offering for GPT4 based BIM and PDF quantity takeoffs

Building Information Modelling (BIM) was supposed to take the global digitalization trend to construction and be the true enabler for productivity growth.

It never happened.

Globally, construction sector labor-productivity growth averaged 1 percent a year over the past two decades, compared with 2.8 percent for the total world economy and 3.6 percent for manufacturing.

REINVENTING CONSTRUCTION: A ROUTE TO HIGHER PRODUCTIVITY, McKinsey

While BIM has numerous benefits, the costs associated with having having an up-to-date information model are very high. And these models and the platforms to interact with them are often heavy and technical, which never really make the benefits apparent or useful for the regular construction worker.

That said, the recent development in AI and specifically large language models will be a revolution for the construction industry and BIM usage. Suddenly we can now abstract the technical nature of these models and interact with them with natural language. And AI can automatically fill in and correct the information gaps in existing models. Both making the models 10x more accessible and give a very large cost decrease in creating and maintaining a up-to-date building information model.

The following post will go into the basics of this AI revolution and how it deeply affect how we think about buildings and building information models .

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Brief Explaination of AI

AI, or artificial intelligence, refers to the simulation of human intelligence in machines that are programmed to think and learn like humans. AI technologies enable machines to perform tasks that would normally require human intelligence, such as recognizing speech, making decisions, and identifying data patterns. These technologies are advancing exponentially and are becoming integrated in a wide range of industries, from healthcare and finance to transportation and manufacturing. And the recent advances in large language models is nothing less than a revolution.

Brief Explaination of BIM

In order to comprehend the rest of the article, a quick refresher of the BIM concept is useful. Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a digital representation of a building’s physical and functional characteristics. It is used by architects, engineers, and construction professionals to design, construct, and operate a building. Modelling software is used to create a 3D model of the building, which includes information about the materials, structure, and systems used in its construction. The importance of BIM lies in its ability to provide a comprehensive view of a building’s design and construction process. BIM allows project teams to collaborate more effectively, identify potential issues before construction begins, and reduce errors and costs.

Challenges with BIM

Despite the many benefits that BIM offers, there are also challenges. One criticism is that BIM can be difficult and expensive to implement. Implementing BIM requires significant changes to traditional workflows, as well as new hardware and software investments. Another criticism of BIM is that it can be overly complex and difficult to use, especially for smaller construction firms with limited resources. Additionally, there are concerns about the lack of interoperability between different BIM software programs, which can make collaboration between different stakeholders more difficult.

Can AI Solve BIM Challenges?

While AI cannot completely solve all the criticisms of BIM, it can address many of the challenges associated with the technology. For example, AI can help to streamline the implementation process by automating certain tasks, such as material takeoffs, and reducing the need for manual data entry. AI can also make BIM more user-friendly by simplifying complex workflows and providing more intuitive interfaces. Ie. simply querying information or quantities from your BIM model in natural language. Additionally, AI can help to address interoperability issues by providing a common platform for different stakeholders to collaborate on a project. While AI cannot replace human expertise in the construction process, it can help to augment it by providing data-driven insights and reducing the risk of human error. Therefore, while AI cannot solve all the criticisms of BIM, will help to make the technology more accessible, efficient, and easier to use.

Benefits of AI in BIM

The benefits of AI in BIM are numerous. First and foremost, AI can and will save time and reduce errors. With AI, contractors can extract material quantities by just asking for it, reducing the time and effort required for manual calculations. This can also reduce errors caused by manual calculations, ensuring accuracy in the construction process. However, the latest rapid advances in AI has been in the field of large language models. These models cannot consume BIM data directly. Therefore, having an interface between AI and the BIM model is a necessity. Meaning, AI needs a platform like Sparkel to function for BIM. The platform at hand works as a layer between large language models and BIM.

Use Cases of AI in BIM

There are several use cases of AI in BIM. One of the most common use cases is in the estimation of material quantities. AI algorithms can analyse 3D models and extract quantities of materials automatically, saving time and increasing accuracy.

Another use case is in the scheduling of construction projects. AI algorithms can analyse 3D models and predict the time required to complete a project based on past data. This can help contractors to schedule projects more accurately and reduce delays.

AI can also be used to analyse construction designs and identify potential issues before construction begins. For instance, AI algorithms can identify potential clashes between different building components, reducing the need for rework during the construction process.

Text to Quantity Extractions

Text to quantity extraction is a method of extracting material quantities from a BIM model by analyzing the model’s metadata. Traditionally, this process required manual filtering of the model, searching for properties, and setting up the material extraction. This process is often time-consuming and prone to errors when done manually.

However, with the introduction of AI, the text to quantity extraction process has been transformed. AI algorithms can analyse 3D models and extract quantities of materials automatically, saving time and increasing accuracy. For instance, AI algorithms can extract the number of windows, the size of the windows, the type of windows, and the number of bricks needed to build a wall in a matter of seconds.

AI algorithms can also learn from past data and provide accurate predictions for future construction projects. For instance, if a contractor has completed a similar project in the past, the AI algorithm can use the data from that project to predict the material quantities required for a new project. This can save time and reduce errors caused by manual calculations.

Already Available on the Market

Our company, Sparkel, has started to implement AI into material takeoff software in the cloud. Sparkel uses AI algorithms to extract material quantities from BIM models with just a sentence. This approach eliminates the need for manual data entry and reduces the risk of human error, while also saving contractors significant amounts of time and money. Our solution also includes advanced features, such as automatic quantity checking and quality control, to ensure that the extracted data is accurate and reliable. By leveraging AI technology in this way, we are helping to make material takeoffs faster, easier, and more efficient than ever before, while also improving the overall quality of construction projects.

Importance of Quality-Checking AI Results

While AI can provide accurate and reliable results, it is important to quality-check the results given by AI and be critical. This is because AI algorithms can make mistakes and provide incorrect results. Therefore, it is important to check the results provided by AI algorithms and ensure they are accurate before making any decisions based on the results. However, as time proceeds, AI will exponetially reduce its amount of erros and increase its accuracy through machine learning.

One way to quality-check AI results is to compare them to results obtained using traditional manual methods. This can help to identify any discrepancies or errors in the AI results. Another way to quality-check AI results is to use different AI algorithms and compare their results. This can help to identify any inconsistencies or errors in the AI algorithms being used.

It is also important to be critical of the software being used. Contractors should ensure that the AI software they are using is reliable and provides accurate results. They should also ensure that the software is regularly updated to ensure it is using the latest AI algorithms and techniques.

A Matter of Risk Management

All construction projects contains risk. Over time, data analysis’ can help you detirmine the amount of quality-checking of AI results which is needed to fit your risk profile. In the future, it very well might be more risky doing the calculations manually than using the AI results directly.

Should you know BIM before you utilize AI in BIM?

While it is not strictly necessary to have extensive knowledge of BIM before utilizing AI in BIM, it is recommended to have a basic understanding of BIM workflows and processes. This is because AI algorithms are often designed to work within specific BIM frameworks and workflows, and having a basic understanding of these frameworks can help to ensure that the AI algorithms are being used correctly and effectively. Additionally, having knowledge of BIM can help to ensure that the results provided are accurate and can be properly interpreted.

However, it is not necessary to become an expert in BIM before utilizing AI in BIM. Many AI software programs are designed to be intuitive and user-friendly, and can guide users through the process of extracting information from BIM models. Furthermore, many AI algorithms can learn and adapt to new workflows and processes over time, making them more effective and efficient with continued use. Ultimately, while having knowledge of BIM can be helpful when utilizing AI in BIM, it is not a requirement for success, and contractors can leverage AI technology in BIM without extensive prior knowledge of the technology.

AI Potential in Other Fields of Construction

One way that AI can be used in BIM is in the area of clash detection. Clash detection is the process of identifying areas where two or more objects in a building model intersect or overlap, and is an important step in ensuring that the final construction is free from conflicts or errors. AI algorithms can be used to analyse building models and identify clashes automatically, reducing the need for manual inspection and making the process more efficient.

Another area where AI can be used in BIM is in the creation of 3D models. Creating detailed 3D models of buildings or structures can be a time-consuming and labor-intensive process, but AI algorithms can be used to automate some of the more repetitive tasks involved in this process. For example, AI can be used to generate 3D models from 2D drawings or images, reducing the need for manual data entry and making the process faster and more accurate.

Despite the many potential benefits of AI in BIM, there are also some challenges that must be overcome in order to realize its full potential. One of the biggest challenges is ensuring that AI algorithms are properly trained and validated to ensure that they are accurate and reliable. This requires large amounts of high-quality data, as well as sophisticated machine learning algorithms that can learn from this data and make accurate predictions.

Another challenge is ensuring that AI is used in a way that is consistent with best practices in BIM. This means ensuring that AI algorithms are compatible with existing BIM workflows and that they are used in a way that is consistent with industry standards and guidelines. It also means ensuring that the results provided by AI algorithms are properly interpreted and validated by human experts, to ensure that they are accurate and reliable.

Despite these challenges, the potential benefits of AI in BIM are significant, and many companies are already starting to explore the use of AI in this area. By leveraging the power of AI algorithms to analyse, interpret, and extract data from BIM models, companies can improve the efficiency and accuracy of their construction projects, reduce costs, and improve the quality of their final product.

Conclusion

AI will transform the way BIM is being used in the construction industry. AI algorithms can analyse 3D models and extract quantities of materials automatically, saving time and increasing accuracy. With the advent of AI, contractors can extract material quantities with just a sentence, making it easier to plan, estimate, and schedule construction projects.

The benefits of AI in BIM are numerous. AI can save time and reduce errors, improve collaboration between different stakeholders in the construction process, and improve the overall quality of construction projects. There are several use cases of AI in BIM, including the estimation of material quantities, scheduling of construction projects, and analysis of construction designs.

However, it is important to quality-check the results provided by AI algorithms and be critical of the software being used. Contractors should ensure that the AI software they are using is reliable and provides accurate results. They should also ensure that the software is regularly updated to ensure it is using the latest AI algorithms and techniques.

In conclusion, contractors who leverage AI technology in BIM will be better positioned to stay ahead of their competitors in the construction industry. AI can provide significant time and cost savings while improving the overall quality of construction projects. It is an investment that is worth making in order to remain competitive and successful in the modern construction industry.

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BIM Cloud Technology General Construction

Want to Reduce Construction Waste? Here’s How!

Construction is an essential part of modern life, but it has taken its toll on the planet. The industry is accountable approximately 30% of the world’s global waste! Luckily, there are many ways to reduce this footprint. This article will present practical tips and strategies for minimizing waste on the construction site, as well as explain their impacts on a larger scale.

Improving Material Quantity Takeoffs and Ordering Precise Amounts of Materials

One of the most effective ways to reduce waste in construction is to improve material quantity takeoffs to avoid overordering. By accurately estimating the required materials, contractors and project managers can avoid unnecessary additions and reduce waste.

To achieve this, it is important to leverage technology such as BIM software that can assist in material quantity takeoffs. Additionally, project managers should work closely with suppliers to ensure that the correct materials are ordered and delivered in the right quantities. This will help avoid over-ordering, which leads to waste.

  1. Use digital tools: There are many digital tools available that can help you create accurate material quantity takeoffs. These tools can help you take accurate measurements, estimate material costs. We recommend checking out Sparkel.
  2. Involve your team: Collaborating with your team can help you identify potential areas for waste reduction and ensure that you order the right amount of materials.
  3. Review your plans and specifications: Reviewing your plans and specifications can help you identify any potential areas for waste reduction. By identifying these areas early on, you can take steps to reduce waste before construction begins.

Industry Standards and Best Practices for Reducing Waste

Industry standards and best practices can also help to reduce waste in construction. ISO 14001 and ISO 9001 are two examples of internationally recognized standards that can assist with implementing an effective waste management system. These standards can help contractors identify sources of waste, implement waste reduction strategies, and measure the success of their waste management efforts.

To achieve compliance with these standards, contractors and project managers should prioritize training and education for their teams. This will ensure that everyone involved in the project is aware of best practices for reducing waste and is committed to achieving the project’s sustainability goals.

  1. Reduce packaging waste: Many materials come in excess packaging that can contribute to waste. By working with suppliers to reduce excess packaging, you can minimize waste and improve sustainability.
  2. Reuse materials: Reusing materials is a great way to reduce waste and save money. Salvageable materials can be used in other projects, reducing the need for new materials.
  3. Implement recycling programs: Recycling programs can help reduce waste and promote sustainability. By implementing recycling programs on your job site, you can divert materials from landfills and reduce your environmental impact.

Strategies for Addressing Challenges in Collaboration and Changes in Drawings

Collaboration and changes in drawings can also present challenges for reducing waste in construction. Changes in the design or scope of the project can result in wasted materials or unnecessary additions. To address this challenge, contractors should prioritize effective communication and collaboration among all parties involved in the project.

It is essential to ensure that all stakeholders, including architects, engineers, contractors, and project managers, are aware of any changes. Using 3D models and the right software to handle them, will help visualize changes and assess their impact on material requirements. Thereby, allowing for adjustments to be made before any unnecessary waste occurs.

  1. Keep detailed records: Keeping detailed records of changes can help you identify potential areas for waste reduction. By tracking changes and adjustments, you can ensure that the right materials are ordered. Sparkel is a great software for this.
  2. Use 3D models: 3D models help you visualize changes and identify potential areas for waste reduction. By using 3D models, you can ensure that materials are ordered accurately and reduce waste from excess materials.
  3. Communicate regularly: Regular communication with your team and suppliers are essential for waste reduction. By communicating regularly, you ensure that everyone is on the same page and that materials are ordered accurately.

The Environmental Impact of Waste in Construction

The environmental impact of waste in construction is significant, and reducing waste can help to achieve sustainability goals beyond regulations like the Green Deal and Environmental Impact Statement. Reducing waste in construction will conserve natural resources, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and reduce the environmental impact of construction activities.

By implementing effective waste management strategies, contractors can demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and reduce the environmental impact of their projects. Not only does this help to achieve regulatory compliance but it also enhances the reputation of the company. Which in turn create a positive impact on the local community.

Conclusion

Contractors and project managers can contribute to reducing waste by:

  • Be proactive in your approach.
  • Improving material quantity takeoffs.
  • Following industry standards and best practices.
  • Addressing collaboration challenges.
  • Being aware of the environmental impact of waste.

In return, this will create a positive impact on the environment and the local community.

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BIM Cloud Technology General Construction

Struggling with Construction Collaboration? #8 Tips

It is a no-brainer that collaboration between stakeholders is essential for the success of a construction project. With various parties involved, including architects, engineers, contractors, subcontractors, owners and suppliers, clear communication and effective collaboration are keys to success. In this article, we will discuss important factors to improve collaboration regardless of different stakeholders having different incentives.

#1 Adopting a Shared Project Vision and Goals to Align All Parties Involved

Having a shared project vision and goals will help align all parties involved in the project. Furthermore, a shared vision can help ensure that everyone involved is working towards the same goal, resulting in a more cohesive project. In addition, the overlying goals and vision should be clearly articulated in the associated contracts to avoid deviations between stakeholders. Throughout the project, it is important to accept compromises if the overreaching goals are met.

#2 Collaborative Software to Streamline Communication and Data Sharing

Collaborative software will majorly improve the collaboration between stakeholders, regardless of their location. Cloud-based project management and takeoff software, video conferencing platforms, and instant messaging applications will enable team members to communicate in real-time. Here at Sparkel, we contribute by providing easy-to-share live views of BIM model takeoffs, with corresponding material lists.

#3 Developing a Clear, Concise Communication Plan with Regular Check-Ins and Progress Reports

Regular communication is essential for effective collaboration. Therefore, developing a communication plan that outlines required touch points will help ensure that all parties involved are kept up-to-date. Not to mention the possibility to resolve conflicts at early stages throughout the project. Having automatically reoccurring meetings are a good idea in order to reduce the number of low-quality touchpoints, i.e. mailing and calling back and forth to setup meetings.

#4 Implementing a Document Management System

A document management system will help centralize all project documentation, making it easier for all parties involved to access important information. In addition, the system should include version control to ensure that everyone is working on the up-to-date information. Notice that cloud-based systems are absolute best for this purpose.

#5 Use a Risk Management Plan to Mitigate Potential Issues

Identifying potential risks and developing a risk management plan can help minimize disruptions to the project. The plan should outline the potential risks, their impact on the project, and the actions required to mitigate them.

#6 Encouraging Team Members to Actively Participate, Regardless of Role or Seniority

Encouraging team members to actively participate and contribute to the project can help foster a culture of collaboration. Team members should be encouraged to share their thought, ideas, and feedback, regardless of their role or seniority. This will ensure that the project does not become corrupt, and that reports from the bottom-up are honest and informative.

#7 Assigning Clear Roles and Responsibilities to Team Members

Assigning clear roles and responsibilities to team members can help minimize confusion and overlaps. Each team member should know what is expected of them and what they are responsible for. Resulting in reduced risk of duplicated efforts.

#8 Encouraging a Culture of Collaboration and Open Communication

Finally, to improve construction collaboration, a culture of collaboration and open communication should be fostered throughout the project lifecycle. By encouraging open communication and collaboration, all parties involved can work together to ensure that the project succeeds.

Conclusion

In conclusion, collaboration in construction projects is essential for delivering successful outcomes. By using collaborative software, project stakeholders can communicate and collaborate more effectively, regardless of their location. In addition to using technology, it’s also important to establish a shared project vision and goals to align all parties involved in the project. At Sparkel, we understand the importance of collaboration in construction projects. Our easy-to-share live views of BIM-model takeoffs enable project teams to collaborate more seamlessly and make better-informed decisions.

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BIM Cloud Technology

Significantly Improve your Construction Material Takeoffs

Click here for an introduction Sparkel.io’s platform for GPT4 based BIM and PDF quantity takeoffs

To stay within budget, ensure timely delivery, and increase profit margins, accurately estimating material quantities is essential. The process in construction is commonly known as material takeoffs. The material takeoff process may feel overwhelming and complex. However, the complexity largely depend on the tools at hand. Modern software solutions provide a huge competitive advantage and makes the process much more manageable. This article will give you an overview and tips to master material takeoffs.

What is a Material Takeoff?

Material takeoffs are simply the process of calculating the material quantities required to complete a construction project. It is important to note that the term is reffered to in many ways, for example “Construction Takeoff”, “BIM takeoff”, “QTO (Quantity Takeoff)”, “Take off” etc. Essentially, they all mean same, its about calculating quantities for completing a construction task.

So what are they used for? Takeoffs are used for picking apart construction blueprints, models and drawings into managable parts. Furthermore, they provide a basis for cost estimation and planning of labour, and can also be used to quality check completed construction assignments.

How Accurate Takeoffs Increase Profit Margins

Accurate material takeoffs are crucial for maximizing profit margins in a construction project. By identifying the precise quantities of materials needed, construction companies avoid over-ordering and under-ordering, resulting in reduced waste, limited project delay and increased profits. Inaccurate takeoffs, due to outdated tools, may very well reduce your project profits below zero. It is therefore vital to utilize the best software solutions available to maximize your company´s profits. If not, you are most likely missing out, and will struggle as the construction process evolves.

Material Takeoffs for Staying on Budget

Staying on budget is a top priority for any construction project, and accurate takeoffs can help you achieve this goal. By knowing the exact quantities you can do better cost estimations and thereby avoid costly suprises down the road. A no-brainer if you think about it, without accurate quantities, there will be no accurate cost estimation.

Tips for Accurately Measuring Quantities for Materials

Measuring quantities accurately is a critical part of the material takeoff process. Really, the best advice we can give you is to use a good software solution. When such a solution is at hand, it is of uttermost importance that you standarize your takeoffs into descriptive and intuitive parts. We recommend dividing into building parts, and building components. If you are using BIM models, a good idea is to mirror the BIM properties, furthermore IfcClass (contains various building parts). In many cases, you want to use ISO-standardards, national standards or company standards. The key takeaway is to standarize your takeoff structure.

When you have standarized your structure, it is time to extract the quantities. Work your way through your PDF´s or IFC Models and make sure nothing is left out. Provided you have the best takeoff solution at hand, it really is up to your expertiece to work your way through. Use a solution that provide you with warnings, plenty of useful tools and a user-friendly interface, as well as optimized functionality to avoid repetitive tasks.

Organizing Material Takeoffs – Cloud Technology Benefits

Cloud technology has revolutionized the way construction companies organize and manage their takeoffs. By using cloud-based software, construction companies can store, organize, and share their takeoffs securely and efficiently. Using cloud takeoff solutions to standarize your takeoffs will give you to get unprecedented analyses of your material data, allowing you to make data driven decisions. While also giving you the best possibility to collaborate with stakeholders

Conclusion

Material takeoffs are a critical part of any construction project, and accuracy is essential for ensuring that projects are completed on time and on budget. By following the tips and strategies outlined in this guide, you can improve the accuracy of your takeoff process, reduce errors, and maximize profits. In summary, doing correct material takeoffs largely depend on the solutions you have at hand.

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BIM Cloud Technology

Contractors’ Guide: BIM Benefits & Advantages

In today’s rapidly changing construction industry, contractors face various challenges. One of the most significant challenge is the need to streamline processes and improve collaboration between project stakeholders. Building Information Modelling (BIM) combined with cloud services can help contractors overcome these challenges by providing real time, digital representations of buildings physical and functional characteristics.

Brief Explanation of the BIM Concept

BIM is a process that involves creating, managing, and sharing digital representations of a building’s design with correcsponding construction information. It allows contractors to collaborate effectively with architects, engineers, customers and other stakeholders throughout the construction process. BIM models are three-dimensional (3D) models usually created by consultants or in-house using modelling software. Contractors then use it to carry out the construction. After project delivery, it can and should be used as documentation, life cycle analysis and a maintenance guideline.

Importance of Model Coordination

The importance of having a single source of truth for project information cannot be emphazied enough. Model coordination needs to be done well, otherwise BIM might very well steal more time and costs than it saves. A great tip is to use good cloud based software solutions to handle your models. This can help contractors avoid conflicts during the construction process.

The Potential of BIM is Realized Through Well-Made Software and Training

To fully realize the benefits of BIM, contractors must invest in the necessary technology and training. This includes acquiring and learning new BIM software, as well as collaborating to establish standards and workflows. Depending on your scope and ambition, you might want to look into ISO 19650. By investing in BIM, you most definitly will increase your margins if done correctly.

Conclusion

As the construction industry continues to evolve, BIM is becoming increasingly essential for contractors looking to remain competitive and deliver high-quality projects. By adopting BIM processes, contractors can streamline their construction processes, thereby reducing costs, and improving project deliveries. Just beware the elephant in the room, avoid overcomplication and bad model coordination at all costs.

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Cloud Technology

BIM Projects in the Cloud? High Risk or High reward

Cloud-based technology offers a lot of benefits. However, there are potential downsides you should be aware of. This post discusses honest pros and cons of cloud-based solutions for construction. We largely conclude that the benefits far outweighs the potential downsides. Decide for yourself!

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Pros

Pro #1 Accessibility

Web based cloud solutions require no downloads or updates. Might sound trivial, but if you think about how many tedious steps and roadblocks you meet when downloading heavy construction software, it is a huge selling point. No more updates, downloads, or annoying licensing work.

Unable to access your work computer? No problem, just log on your private computer via browser and everything is good to go.

Pro #2 Collaboration

Locally stored software radically decreases your ability to collaborate with others. Cloud-based solutions on the other hand, facilitate collaboration and information flow among stakeholders. Resulting in fewer misunderstandings, less duplicated work and ultimately saved costs.

Pro #3 Scalability

Cloud-based solutions can easily be scaled up or down as needed, and thereby making it easier to accommodate changes in project scope and size. Often, licenses are distributed as “seats”. Meaning, they can be passed freely around to the ones in current need of the solution, resulting in saved costs. And guess what? Each time you pass a license, there are no downloads needed to for the current stakeholder!

Pro #4 Cost savings

Cloud solutions will reduce your need for expensive hardware and IT infrastructure, i.e. servers, storage devices and networking equipment. Instead, you pay for the infrastructure hosted in the cloud provider’s data center via internet.

Pro #5 Centralized data storage

Cloud-based solutions provide a centralized storage location for projects, resulting in better access and analysis of data. This fundamentally changes the company’s possibility to make data-driven decisions. In other words, a huge competitive advantage.


Cons

Con #1 Requires internet connection

The most obvious downside to cloud-based solutions is the need for a constant internet connection. Luckily, most modern countries have sufficient internet connectivity, and it is rarely a problem. However, if you struggle with you connection you simply will not get your work done. This can be especially challenging when working at remote construction sites. Comes without saying, nearly every construction job requires a steady internet connection.

Con #2 Security risks

If the data is not properly protected it might propose a security risk. When all data flows through the internet, the possibility of data leakages increase. It is therefore important, that both the software company and the construction company have sufficient security procedures to protect their sensitive data. When done correctly, it is just as secure as any other information flow. In any case, as a baseline, it is the software company’s responsibility to ensure sufficient technical data security.

Con #3 Technical challenges

Cloud-based solutions might have unexpected downtime, which can disrupt the flow of data for construction projects. If the downtime is significant, this can propose some serious consequences. During downtime, there may also be data losses, resulting in setbacks.

Con #4 Integration difficulties

Construction is an integrated process with high complexity. Integrating a new cloud solution to existing data flow might be a challenge. Especially for larger contractors. However, it is in most cases fully solvable.