A recent survey from Quickbase found that teams rely on an average of 6.9 platforms to get work done every week. In all, respondents identified a total of 77 different platforms they use every week to complete tasks. It feels almost cliché to say, but the construction industry has been among the slowest to adopt new technologies. While other industries have undergone massive waves of digital transformation over nearly the last two decades, construction has been slow to bring new technology into the fold.
As builders have begun adopting tools in the last few years though, software and technology are seemingly not really solving the issues they set out to address. In many cases, software has been adopted without a clear plan. So, builders that were even quick to try new platforms are now dealing with issues of uncontrolled sprawl and disconnection. Project managers now spend hours buried in gray work, work that exists outside of your systems of record, to make processes operate better. Tasks like manually pulling data out of systems and into bloated spreadsheets or coordinating inputs from multiple stakeholders into a shared document are necessary. All of these gray work tasks wastes time and makes meeting strict project deadlines and budget figures more difficult.
Luckily, solutions are emerging to solve the problems that were created by uncontrolled systems sprawl. Dynamic work platforms, like Quickbase, are empowering builders to create the exact, bespoke technology they need to make projects more efficient and ensure that labor and resources are utilized effectively.
What sets these kinds of platforms apart from the technology that’s already been randomly adopted by many construction firms? There are a few key differences that give dynamic work platforms the unique ability to fill technology gaps for builders.
Customizability
All construction projects are fundamentally complex and unique. They vary in scope, build specifications, and local regulations. Unfortunately, the platforms that builders rely on to manage their complex projects aren’t nearly as flexible as teams need. Dynamic work platforms allow for software solutions to be easily built and adapted to the specific needs of any project. This customizability ensures teams can work how they like to work, while staying aligned with everyone else on the jobsite. Not only are dynamic work platforms adaptable to fit the needs of any project, but they keep workflows in a contained, organized space to support productivity.
In addition, the customizability of dynamic work software future-proofs and allows for scalability in the operations. If new technology enters your workflows or a new vendor requires a different system, a platform like Quickbase gives project teams the ability to customize and adapt their processes without overhauling established workflows.
Integrations and Connection
The explosion of technology within construction has created a gnarled, disconnected web of platforms for getting projects completed. Frequently, these platforms lack the ability to communicate with one another, which means hours wasted each week pulling together data or trying to keep teams moving with manual processes. A dynamic work platform allows construction teams to incorporate their existing workflows into the software, minimizing disruption and facilitating a smooth transition.
This means connecting all information and project data in a single, secure source of truth without manually adding data to patchwork systems like spreadsheets or Google docs. Quickbase creates a means for disparate project systems to connect and keep processes moving.
Ease of Adoption
Getting anyone to pick up new software and use it regularly is a major hurdle. This is a massive hang-up for many traditional construction management software systems. Because of the adaptability and connecting power of dynamic platforms though, builders' systems can be simplified and accessible for teams in the field. This level of customization enhances the user experience, making the software more intuitive, user-friendly, and enjoyable to work with. Satisfied users are more likely to embrace and use the software, leading to improved overall performance and outcomes.
Ultimately, by customizing software to match specific needs and preferences, construction professionals can streamline their workflows and eliminate unnecessary steps or features. This targeted approach increases efficiency, reduces manual work, and boosts productivity by enabling users to focus on tasks that matter most to their projects.
