17 May 2024

Compelling reasons why construction needs cloud

Construction companies that have yet to consider cloud-based solutions are increasingly in the minority.

In 2016, 59% of the construction businesses said they already used cloud-based software or planned to do so1. That was long before the global pandemic spurred greater cloud uptake, in response to the shift to remote work. But what's causing the continued rapid growth?

Digital innovations like Building Information Modelling, 3D printing, drones, AI, robotics, IoT and mobile are driving a new era of productivity. Then there's the ongoing skills shortage, which has forced companies to look for tools that drive more efficient ways of working. The average age of construction workers is rising, prompting some companies to attract younger, skilled workers with the incentive of digital technologies. In addition, projects are becoming more complex with new safety standards to follow. As such, construction companies are looking for new ways to handle these changes. All of these factors are driving the adoption of cloud technology that enables companies to take advantage of the latest tech.

In this blog, we'll share some insights into what we see as some of the biggest opportunities presented by cloud, and how construction companies can overcome some of the industry's most complex problems with the right technology.

Increased supply chain visibility

In an era rocked by material shortages, shipment delays, and ever-increasing lead times, now is the time to ensure your business can respond fast to disruption. And with business operations increasingly being conducted on a global basis, we're hearing the need for a single 'united' community, particularly across the supply chain.

There is also the need to have more control from a sustainability perspective. For example, do you know where goods are coming from, how raw materials are produced, or how workers at a given factory are being treated? Giving employees secure access to up-to-date information, on any device, with technology that can deliver one single version of the truth can help address many of these challenges. Agile and secure cloud-based infrastructure is key to speeding up processes, reducing friction, and providing real-time insights that drive faster decision-making and ultimately, help you stay ahead of the competition.

Reduced datacentre costs

Is your storage capacity limited by on-premises hardware? And if so, are you finding your productivity is also limited, hindering your ability to finish projects on time? With research reporting that datacentre power consumption could devour 20% of UK generation in the next few years2 there's no better time to review your data centre strategy from a sustainability – as well as a productivity - perspective.

Moving out of the physical datacentre and into cloud lowers TCO, thanks to potential infrastructure and ongoing operational savings. In fact by moving to the cloud, organisations have saved $10M on on-premises infrastructure and staff costs3. That's why cloud is a great solution when it comes to accessing on demand flexibility and scalability – a huge advantage for companies driven by seasonal workforce or project changes.

Better protected data

As hybrid work becomes the new standard, it's critical your sensitive project and customer data is protected as it travels inside and outside your organisation. Depending on the platform you choose, cloud-based software can automate system updates and offer encrypted, user-level permission controls, single sign-on, and multi-factor authentication. When considering which solution to invest in, be sure that your connected cloud platform provides immediate access to the latest software versions, features, improvements, and security updates. Implementing the right security tools and training staff on email security and awareness can also make a huge difference in protecting your business against breaches, phishing emails, and ransomware.

As you can see, there are lots of opportunities, and we're here to help. Claranet can assess your needs and provide recommendations to help your construction company advance on its path to digital transformation.

Read our other blog in the series, entitled: Discover how construction companies can ensure hybrid success.


1 https://www.ukconstructionmedia.co.uk/press-releases/cloud-saving-millions-forward-thinking-construction-businesses-progressclaim-com/

2 https://www.computerweekly.com/feature/Datacentre-energy-efficiency-Is-the-time-now-for-a-big-switch-off