Construction & Civil Engineering Magazine Issue 215 - May 2024 | Page 20

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Key benefits of cloud in the construction sector
1 ) Boosting productivity Cloud solutions can support construction companies by helping them improve project operations , timelines , and workflows . Construction operators traditionally utilise manual processes and physical documents which inevitably result in the formation of data silos and inefficient communication between project stakeholders . According to Statista , only 37.4 percent of the total construction operators worldwide utilise software to enhance communication and coordination with stakeholders . Cloud platforms can help address this issue by enabling realtime sharing and access to project data , fostering collaboration , and enhancing decision-making processes .
2 ) Improving efficiency Providing a unified hub for storing and accessing project data , cloud solutions ensure that all project stakeholders can access the latest information in a secure and convenient manner . Furthermore , cloud-based project management tools facilitate efficient scheduling and resource allocation , optimising labour , equipment , and materials utility . Cloud platforms also provide real-time updates and notifications which enable project managers to make timely adjustments , reducing downtime and maximising efficiency .
3 ) Facilitating remote work In an industry where mobility and flexibility are a necessity , remote work is a crucial element of success . Solutions that enable access from any device via a simple browser and ensure seamless connectivity even in remote locations with varying bandwidths are essential to the industry . The ability to provide even powerful GPU workstations in the cloud for complex renderings that enable seamless work with 3D models , BIM and visualisations , empowers employees , boosting employee satisfaction and retention . Furthermore , the integration of graphics cards increases productivity and speeds up project turnaround times , giving construction companies a competitive advantage in a rapidly evolving market .
4 ) Unlocking cost savings As costs for resources continue to surge , cloud innovations offer construction companies the opportunity to reduce both hardware and software expenses . The scalability provided by cutting-edge cloud solutions allows construction companies to scale resources up or down based on project requirements . By eliminating the need for extensive on-site infrastructure , significant capital investments can be saved , allowing construction businesses to drive cost savings and generate maximum ROI . Additionally , companies can also leverage pay-as-yougo models to optimise their costs based on their usage .
The need for cloud security
Data security is a top priority in the construction industry , where both intellectual property and sensitive information are constantly at risk . While cloud solutions provide numerous benefits for construction companies , they must be implemented in combination with appropriate security measures . Construction companies deal with vast amounts of sensitive data such as financial details and architectural plans . Given the number of different stakeholders collaborating both internally and externally , ensuring cloud security becomes necessary to prevent unauthorised access .
According to a government survey , construction businesses are among the most likely to fall victim to cyber-facilitated fraud . Meanwhile , Gartner predicts that nearly 30 percent of critical infrastructure
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