Across civil construction projects, owners, engineers, contractors and crews find it challenging to collaborate and communicate effectively. Because each team relies on its own specific tools to do the work, data often ends up siloed or lost entirely. This lack of data integration makes it difficult to access information that supports decision-making or identifies areas for improvement. While cell phones are widely used for communication, discussions, shared pictures and texts quickly lose context and may not be available for later reference.
These breakdowns impact the ability to drive more predictable outcomes and deliver successful, profitable projects. To make significant process improvements in productivity, quality, safety and transparency, civil contractors need construction technology that will help them ensure the right data is accessible to the right people at the right time.
Here are five frustrating effects of traditional construction methods that plague contractors. You can avoid them by leveraging Trimble site management software.
Stay connected and in control of your projects
Using site management software to connect office and site workflows helps improve visibility, increase efficiency and ensure quality work from start to finish. When the office and jobsite are in sync, crews always know what to do next.
The nature of construction means that unexpected events and change requests are common, requiring regular on-site replanning. Field-to-office connectivity makes design updates easier on personnel. With daily data from the field, project managers can keep schedules and activities on track and on budget. This data can then be used to inform estimates for future bids.
Create a single source of truth for your organization
Site management software eliminates silos. People, data, connected equipment and workflows are connected in a cloud-enabled common environment. Data can then flow between departments for planning, executing and checking all aspects of the project. Teams now have the data to make informed decisions and appropriately respond when changes occur.
There’s less risk of rework and wasted time when everyone understands where things stand and what needs to happen next. Because everyone has access to the data required to accurately and consistently visualize the end goal, they can produce more predictable and sustainable outcomes. When those inevitable errors do occur, teams can quickly identify and respond without going to the site.
The Trimble cloud-enabled common data environment delivers real-time insights for decision making involving data, machines and workflows.
Shift from a reactive to a proactive approach
Removing the distance between the office and the dirt is key to unlocking greater productivity. Site management software provides the near-real-time project information teams need to make better and faster decisions. Without up-to-date information on design changes, project status and job costs, the potential for errors and costly rework is high. Site management software changes that. Data can be sent from the field to the office and back again, ensuring everyone has the most up-to-date and accurate data possible.
Digitally managing your site enables you to identify small problems before they become major issues. If it takes two weeks to find out about a cost overrun, it’s already too late. You need to know what’s happening, when it’s happening.
Transforming collaboration and communication between the office and the field yields tangible benefits. Trimble customers have reported a 25% to 50% increase in productivity and up to 80% faster time to completion by implementing site management software.
The blog, “Stop the silos: Real-time connection between your office and jobsite,” shares how a combination of advanced positioning systems, machine control solutions and easy-to-use software has enabled civil contractors to share data, enhance accuracy and streamline operations. And if you’re ready to learn more about confidently connecting your office and jobsites, check out the Trimble site management software portfolio.
