The advent of technology has transformed the AEC industry. Making site blueprints on sheets or planning budget manually have become a talk of yesteryears. Modern-day AEC firms rely heavily on technology and digital data for business. Artificial intelligence, machine learning systems, and cloud-based construction software enable consultants, real estate agents, and builders to make better decisions, increase productivity, and improve job site safety. The improvised cloud-based construction software and ERP have influenced the AEC industry greatly. Cloud-based innovation has revolutionized the process of data storage and also has accelerated the speed of projects.

What is cloud-based construction ERP?

A cloud-based construction ERP system is software designed to automate the construction process. It allows easy tracking of client, contractor, and stakeholder information. One such software is Opticon enterprise resource planning software, that is a group of integrated modules brought together to provide wholesome ERP solutions.

Challenges faced by the AEC industry

The advent of ERP has improved the functionality of the AEC industry. ERP and Cloud-based construction software provide digital solutions to problems erupting in the AEC industry. Some of the challenges faced by the AEC industry without an ERP system include:

•Mismanagement of data and information

The age-old trend of record data on paper increases the risk of data getting lost or stolen. The manual recording also raises the chances of error in accounting, estimation, and construction management.

•Shortage of manpower

The lack of manpower influences the business in the AEC industry. Lack of skilled employees slows the working of the firms, ultimately leading to a rising gap in demand and supply chain.

•Machinery breakdown

Lack of regular maintenance and checks increases the chances of machinery breakdown. Broken machines impact the quality of work and quantity of production.

•Lost bids

Without the bid management system, companies lose bidding projects. The lost projects lead to financial loss.

•Inefficient budget analysis

Following the old school norm of budgeting proves to be a hindrance in tracking the expenditure. It also increases conflicts between clients, contractors, and workers regarding the payment and project costs.

How construction ERP eliminates challenges faced by the AEC industry?

Without the ERP system, several key processes of the AEC industry are impacted. The introduction of ERP system eliminates the AEC challenges this way:

•Easy access to data

Cloud-based construction organizes the data in one place, making it easier to access it. It also aids in accessible tracking of business inquiry information and keeps a record of daily project progress. The ERP also provides access to contractor, worker, and client details.

•Cost Cutting

Erp requires low maintenance and reduces the need to hire a workforce. In addition, the ERP system handles the work of accountants, manages HR processes, including recruitment and workforce planning, and monitors admin costs, thus reducing the expense of hiring people.

•Machine maintenance

ERP offers regular machinery inspection. It manages machinery purchases and tracks machinery faults.

•Efficient Bidding

The ERP enables tender tracking and easy tender filing. It captures and manages the project. ERP system also assists in proper bid project schedule planning.

•Optimizes budget

ERP offers easy budget planning and schedules resource requirements. It also optimizes accounting and integrates payroll.

What are the benefits of cloud-based construction software?

The primary benefits of cloud-based construction software:

Cloud-based construction software helps to keep track of the projects

The software provides easy access to multiple construction projects. It also enables one to use project management tools to upload photo evidence.

It maintains the project records in one place.

The software reduces the project duration and also helps to increase the profit margin.

Cloud-based construction software safeguards the compliance process

The ERP software safeguards the compliance processes and saves forms and checklists meant for subcontractors and suppliers.

Easy maintenance of contractor, supplier, labour details

The software maintains the attendance, contract form of the contractors and labourers. It also records contract document details. The records aid to resolve increased conflicts between clients, contractors, and workers

Highly cost-effective

The software saves money spent on buying servers, installations, and storage. In addition, it also provides high standard customer experience and technical support to the buyers.

Low maintenance technology

The software does not require several IT people for running and tackling challenges. In addition, the online cloud-based construction software enables vendors to handle issues of version upgrades. The system also makes design amendments easy.

Reliable and secure

High-quality security eradicates data breach issues.

Supports hybrid working module

The software supports remote working and helps build local, remote, and overseas employees.

The cloud-based construction software fast track the performance of the organization. In the changing business world, cloud-based software has revolutionized old-age construction methods. In addition, cloud-based computing boosts efficiency, productivity, accessibility, and security. As a result, the software makes investment in the AEC industry worthwhile.