Embracing the Cloud

Why Growing Construction Companies Need to Make the Move for Operations, Project Management, and Document Control

As the construction industry continues to evolve and grow, so do the challenges and complexities of managing operations, project management, and document control. Traditional methods of managing construction processes can be cumbersome, time-consuming, and prone to errors. This is where the cloud comes in as a game-changer for growing construction companies. Cloud-based solutions offer a multitude of benefits that can help construction companies streamline their operations, enhance project management, and improve document control, ultimately leading to increased efficiency, productivity, and profitability.

Scalability:

The construction industry is known for its dynamic nature, with project volumes, team sizes, and data requirements constantly changing. Cloud-based solutions provide the scalability construction companies need to adapt to these changes seamlessly. With the cloud, construction companies can easily scale their resources, storage, and computing power up or down based on their project needs and business requirements. This allows for greater flexibility and agility in managing operations, project management, and document control, without the need for upfront investments in infrastructure or facing delays in provisioning.

Accessibility and Collaboration:

Construction projects involve various stakeholders, including team members, subcontractors, suppliers, and clients, who may be spread across different locations. Cloud-based solutions enable construction companies to centralize their operations, project management, and document control in a virtual environment that can be accessed securely from anywhere, at any time. This fosters real-time collaboration, information sharing, and coordination among project stakeholders, leading to improved communication, faster decision-making, and streamlined workflows. Team members can access and update project information in real-time, reducing delays and rework, and ensuring everyone is on the same page.

Data Management and Security:

Construction projects generate copious amounts of data, from blueprints and contracts to budgets and schedules, which need to be managed efficiently and securely. Cloud-based solutions offer robust data management capabilities, including automated backups, version control, and document tracking, which can help construction companies organize, store, and retrieve data with ease. Cloud providers also implement advanced security measures, such as encryption, access controls, and regular audits, to protect data from unauthorized access, loss, or breaches. This ensures that critical project information is secure, compliant, and backed up, reducing the risk of data loss or theft.

Cost Savings:

Managing and maintaining on-premises infrastructure for operations, project management, and document control can be expensive. Cloud-based solutions offer a cost-effective alternative. With cloud-based solutions, construction companies can avoid upfront investments in hardware, software, and maintenance. Instead, they can subscribe to a subscription model, allowing them to optimize costs based on their actual usage. Cloud solutions also eliminate the need for costly upgrades or replacements of aging infrastructure, as the responsibility for infrastructure maintenance rests with the cloud provider. This frees up financial resources that can be invested in other critical areas of the business.

Innovation and Integration:

Cloud-based solutions are constantly evolving and offer advanced features and functionalities that can drive innovation and enhance construction processes. These may include analytics, automation, machine learning, and integration with other software applications or tools. For example, cloud-based solutions can integrate with Computer-Aided Design (CAD) tools, Building Information Modeling (BIM) software, and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, creating a seamless workflow across different departments and teams. This allows construction companies to leverage cutting-edge technology and best practices for improved project outcomes, better decision-making, and increased competitiveness in the market.

In today’s fast-paced and competitive construction industry, growing construction companies need to embrace the cloud for operations, project management, and document control. Cloud-based solutions offer numerous benefits, including scalability, accessibility and collaboration, data management and security, cost.

Learn More about StratusVue’s approach to exceptional project management.

Exploring the difference between record keeping and document control

StratusVue looks internally for where the Construction Industry is going.
Featuring: MariaChristina Pintor-Garcia

Exploring the difference between record keeping and document control.

Record keeping and document control are related, but distinct activities that are important in any organization.

Record keeping refers to the systematic process of creating, maintaining, and storing records in a structured manner, with the goal of preserving information for future reference. This information can include anything from financial data, customer records, and employee information, to legal documents and contracts.  The primary focus of record keeping is to ensure that important information is accurate, accessible, and secure.

Document control, on the other hand, refers to the management of documents throughout their entire life cycle, from creation to archival or destruction. It includes processes for controlling the creation, distribution, review, approval, and revision of documents, as well as the storage and retrieval of these documents.  The primary objective of document control is to ensure that only the latest and most accurate version of a document is in use, and that all stakeholders have access to the correct document at the right time.

In summary, record keeping is concerned with maintaining a complete and accurate record of information, while document control is concerned with ensuring the proper management and dissemination of documents.  Both activities are important for effective information management and for ensuring compliance with regulations and standards.

Why it is so important to have document control and record keeping within the construction industry?

Document control and record keeping are important in the construction industry for several reasons:

    1. Legal compliance: Construction projects are governed by numerous laws and regulations, such as building codes, health and safety laws, and environmental protection regulations. Document control and record keeping help ensure that a construction project complies with all applicable laws and regulations.
    2. Quality control: Record keeping, and document control are essential for tracking the quality of materials, workmanship, and processes during construction. This information can be used to identify and correct problems before they become more serious and costly.
    3. Project management: Construction projects can be complex and involve many different parties, including contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and owners. Document control and record keeping help keep track of all the important information and documentation related to a project, such as schedules, budgets, and progress reports.
    4. Communication: Effective communication is essential for the success of any construction project. Document control and record keeping help ensure that all parties involved in a project have access to the information they need to make informed decisions and communicate effectively.
    5. Historical record: Construction projects create a significant amount of information that can be valuable for future reference. Document control and record keeping ensure that this information is organized and preserved for future use.

In conclusion, document control and record keeping are critical for the successful completion of construction projects, from ensuring legal compliance to facilitating communication and preserving a historical record of the project.

Why digitizing the process of document control and record keeping is so important in construction?

Digitizing the process of document control and record keeping in construction is important for several reasons:

    1. Improved efficiency: Digitization streamlines the process of document control and record keeping, making it faster, easier, and more efficient. This can save time and reduce errors compared to manual processes.
    2. Better accessibility: Digital records can be accessed from anywhere, at any time, with the right permissions. This makes it easier for construction teams to share information, collaborate and make decisions, even when they are working remotely or in different locations.
    3. Enhanced security: Digital records can be secured with password protection, encryption, and backup systems, providing a higher level of security for sensitive information than paper records.
    4. Better compliance: Digitization can help construction companies meet regulatory requirements, such as maintaining accurate records of safety procedures, material specifications, and contract terms.
    5. Improved accuracy: Digital record keeping systems can automate the process of data entry, reducing the risk of human error, and ensuring that records are up-to-date and accurate.
    6. Reduced costs: Digitization can also lead to cost savings by reducing the need for paper, ink, storage space and the costs associated with manual record-keeping processes.

Overall, digitizing the process of document control and record keeping in construction can improve efficiency, increase accuracy, and enhance the overall success of a project.

Guest Speaker Event – May 18th, 2pm EST – Scheduling with the oracle from Oracle

Scheduling for Success with Guest Speaker, Mark Jenkins – Product Director – Oracle Construction and Engineering

Join StratusVue’s Brian Anson with subject matter expert Mark Jenkins, in their discussion about how to schedule for success within your projects and organization.  This is the second in a six part series focused on how to improve and elevate your business to the next level.

Do you know understand why others have succeeded and failed in tracking their Organizations performance through a schedule.  Find out where the industry is headed and the fundamentals that you need to know.

Schedule us into your life, whether you are new or established, because knowing why you are successful or not is fundamental.

Registration is now open! Event – May 18th – 2pm EST

StratusVue Field Ops App in IOS and Android

The StratusVue mobile app allows you to stay interactive with your team by managing your project documents in a simple manner wherever you are! Mobile apps have become more useful with construction firm owners. Business apps allow more accessibility business owners which makes organization easier. The StratusVue mobile app allows interconnectivity with your team and keeps your documents organized wherever you are.

Switching to mobile apps allows for more efficiency. Mobile Apps allow for more accuracy.The StratusVue app can be found in the Apple App store and the Google play store. You can also scan with your devices a QR code that is available on the StratusVue login page that will take you directly to the app store.

Our app allows accessibility of functions such as Daily Reports, RIFs, Punch Lists, Open Issues, Meetings and Minutes, Construction Plans and Photos regardless of where you are. Moving away from the manual process of paper reliance is one way us at StratusVue are working to get better, and faster results for your proposal.