Why Cloud-Based Construction Management Is the Future

Don’t Go Mobile Without the Cloud; Everything You Need to Know About Cloud-Based Construction 

Mobile devices have revolutionized  the construction industry. At the forefront of this change, cloud - based construction management apps are providing significant productivity improvements on jobsites. Is your construction technology up to speed?

Like most things in life, not all  apps are created equal, and a construction app that doesn’t include cloud–based project management capabilities might be bottlenecking your team’s efficiency. So, if it’s on your mobile device, it’s automatically part of the cloud, right? Not always. It’s easy to be deceived; both cloud computing and mobile computing involve initially accessing the Internet with a device and using wireless systems to get to your files and data. While a construction app or software might look like it has all the bells and whistles with a sleek interface, without being powered with cloud computing, it’s a lot like using a pen without the ink. If you want to work and collaborate remotely, visit a jobsite and have the details you need or even communicate with your team while you’re at a conference or on vacation, you’ll need both a mobile device and a cloud–based construction management platform to get the job done. 

So, how many construction companies are benefiting from end to end use of cloud computing on their projects? According to a recent study from Associated General Contractors of America (AGC), 85% of construction contractors use or plan to use cloud-based solutions. While this statistic is promising, looking at the extent of cloud usage paints another picture. In fact, the survey cites that only 10% of contractors say they use software apps that are fully cloud-based ​Whether your company is fully immersed in cloud–based construction management software or just starting to dip your feet, a thorough understanding of how the cloud enhances your project is critical to staying ahead in the future of the construction industry. In our post, we’ll help you understand the difference between a pure mobile app and cloud–based software. We’ll also explain the specific benefits of the cloud for the construction industry and your projects.  

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Mobile vs. Cloud Computing in Construction: How to Determine the Difference 

Although there is overlap, plain mobile apps vs cloud–based project management apps are distinctly different and construction professionals today are finding unique jobsite benefits that only the cloud can offer. However, while they are two different types of technology, when they are used together, they allow you to access the data you need from anywhere.  

The easiest way to tell the two apart is by the role they play in communication: 

• Mobile computing includes the devices you use to access the internet. This could be a phone, tablet, or laptop. 
• Cloud computing is the virtual storage space that holds your applications, files, and data and allows you to securely access it when needed. 

When choosing a construction app for your cloud projects, it’s not about choosing mobile over the cloud or vice versa. The sweet spot involves the combination of these two technologies: mobile cloud computing (MCC). But before we get into the benefits of combining mobile and cloud computing technologies, let’s take a closer look at their differences.  ​