It is no secret that SaaS can save a construction company considerable resources. Its low initial cost and relatively painless updates and upgrades make it an attractive option for contractors and vendors. However, the seamless integration of SaaS requires planning and collaboration, otherwise the benefits it has to offer will be lost along the way.
The following are the most common SaaS issues faced by construction companies and vendors, along with the solutions that can resolve them.
1. Partial Collaboration & Dual Systems. Teams working together usually have their own individual objectives and preferred project management systems. If teams aren’t collaborating effectively, it can create an adversarial environment; a problem compounded when they’re using two different systems to complete projects. Overcoming these issues requires integrating the SaaS platform with existing systems. This can be done with Revit plugins, project protocols, or via project-based licenses.
2. Network Speed. While problems with network speed aren’t as prevalent anymore, issues still pop up from time to time. The effectiveness of any SaaS platform is dependent upon the speed of the end-user’s connection. Therefore, the solution is as simple as making sure that end-users optimize their Internet connection and browser settings. This is true whether they are working within the cloud, on a mobile phone, or on an office desktop.
3. Midpoint Alterations & Changes During a Project. Changing course and altering objectives for SaaS platforms after a project’s start wastes time and valuable resources. The process slows down, wreaks havoc on the finished construction, and can add considerable cost to the project. It’s important to have an enterprise agreement that identifies the SaaS platform and how it will be used in the supply chain and throughout scheduled projects. An enterprise agreement will also eliminate the problems and data loss that can occur should a contractor, vendor, or client migrate data from one platform to another.
4. Adding Levels of Complexity. Things fall apart quickly when systems are not intuitive to operate and interfaces are time-consuming to master. As such, effective adoption of any SaaS platform requires that they be built upon common terminology and workflows. Further, platforms should take the specific operational requirements of the company into account and be easily mastered by end-users. This reduces the need for work-around solutions and ensures that clients and employees can use the new SaaS platform to the greatest effect.
5. Outdated Interfaces. Vendors and clients frequently use outdated interfaces within the construction industry merely because they are comfortable using them on their desktops and laptops. However, the worksite has increasing numbers of mobile devices and tablets. When outdated interfaces are accessed via these devices, the results are slow loading speeds and unimpressive performance. Conversely, modern interfaces are designed to be accessed via desktops, laptops, and an assortment of mobile devices, which gives them considerably more utility. Therefore, while outdated interfaces may feel comfortable, it’s wise to invest in modern interfaces that are closely aligned with the current and future needs of the business.
Integrating SaaS via these methods can resolve many of the issues inherent within the construction industry. When strategically planned and executed, integrating SaaS streamlines the use of both physical and human resources. This, in turn, increases efficiency and makes it easier to keep construction projects on schedule and on budget.