Understanding The Cloud: An Introduction For The AEC Industry (1)

What is cloud computing?

In today’s business and operational environments, everyone is talking about cloud computing, a relatively new term, which, although overused, can be accurately defined by a few people. According to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), “cloud computing is a model for enabling ubiquitous, convenient, on-demand network access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources (e.g., networks, servers, storage, applications, and services) that can be rapidly provisioned and released with minimal management effort or service provider interaction”.

This definition is basically centered around five essential characteristics - on-demand self-service, broad network access, resource pooling, rapid elasticity or expansion, and measured service -, while also listing three “service models” - software, platform, and infrastructure -, and four "deployment models" - private, community, public and hybrid.

The reason why knowing the cloud computing definition is important is that it sets the premise for how to use the model in the best way possible, to respond to your organization’s needs, priorities and capabilities. These are all aspects we have been covering on our blog and about which you may read more here.

How do AEC businesses approach cloud computing?

If we look at AEC, this is one of the highest consumers of cloud-based solutions, as the work itself involves a collaborative approach between job sites, offices, as well as different roles - owners, architects, general contractors, specialty traders.

This is why cloud adoption is often considered mandatory in the industry. According to a Sage survey, from 2017, 85% of construction contractors were already using or planning to use cloud-based solutions, motivated by the fact that they improved communications and project efficiency.

In general, as the 2019 Geospatial Market in the AEC Industry report shows, digitalization in building infrastructure may save up to 10-20% of resources involved in the construction workflow, while project time saving might reach 14%. Moreover, adopting digital tools increases collaboration, enhances project clarity, reducing the risk for errors, and makes construction sites safer.

According to the above mentioned 2019 Sage report, in the AEC industry, the usage of cloud-based technologies is driven by the need to adopt mobile software on job sites, to perform the following tasks: daily field reports (44% of respondents), accessing customer and job information (405), tracking employee time and approval (40%), sharing resources such as drawings, photos, and documents (38%).

Still, there are significant gaps between how enterprises, small and medium businesses manage digitalization, and to what extent they accept cloud computing. For example, as the 2019 report issued by the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) and Sage shows, 31% of construction companies appear to be comfortable with cloud migration, while 44% are moderately comfortable and the rest are struggling with the idea.

Why is cloud computing vital nowadays?

It is in this context that the COVID-19 pandemic is acting as a catalyst for digitalization and leveling differences. Worldwide companies of all shapes and sizes are, thus, forced to make a shift towards a very robust model, characterized by flexible remote access capabilities that limit productivity losses to the minimum. As the need for cloud migration continues to grow, more and more companies will develop cloud-based capabilities for their processes.

In a previous piece we have explained how, during these complicated coronavirus times, the cloud is a great ally that ensures business continuity, through remote access, as well as keeps users’ apps updated and in great conditions, fostering an environment that helps project stakeholders work without frustrations.

This is extremely valuable in a world that is constantly changing and where technology and digitalization contribute to building safe, collaborative environments, that make professionals stay grounded.

What are the two software options?

In general, companies that want to make use of the cloud have two options with which they can work.

Windows Client - Windows-based applications, which run on the users’ computers or, at times, over a Local Area Network, on a server.

One popular such example is Prolog Manager, by Meridian Systems, which is now a Trimble product, a popular project management program with which AECCloud is working and which has a web-based option, called Converge.

Another similar application is Bluebeam Revu, a cloud-based solution used by over 1.3 million AEC professionals for their projects, to foster collaboration and efficiency, by streamlining important processes in a way that reduces operational flows.

On the other hand, if you are looking for solutions for a medium-company with 51 to 500 employees, a good idea would be QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise, a widely-used accounting, and business management software, which enables reporting, inventory management, order fulfillment, as well as tools that help manage employees, payments and different offices.

Moreover, another similar Windows-based app is HCSS - the construction software which helps estimate and deploy operations, project management, safety measures, etc., and which is particularly used by contractors in transportation, oil & gas, telecom, industrial, etc.

SaaS - web-based applications which are mainly managed by and accessed through the software vendor or that, in some cases, may run from the user’s servers.

A relevant example is ProjectSight by Trimble, a mix of Prolog Manager and Converge, a construction management software for builders and contractors, which brings together all the resources needed by a project’s stakeholders. Similarly, competing programs include Procore, PM Web, PlanGrid Product Details, etc.

The above options - Windows-based and SaaS - each have their strong points, so, in order to identify what better suits your company’s needs, every organization should assess its situation and decide, by itself or with the help of an experienced consultant, what the optimal choice is.

At AECCloud, we have been hosting most of the major construction software, such as Primavera P6, Sage100, Bluebeam, Revit, Prolog, and more, so, we may help your company find the best mix for its capabilities and necessities. Contact us and let us showcase how we may bring added value to your everyday activity.