If you find yourself questioning the need for a software upgrade with thoughts like, “How is it possible I have to upgrade my software already?” it might be time to explore a solution that is future-proof. The rapid pace of technological advancements can be overwhelming, but adopting a strategic approach based on key criteria can help you select a software solution that provides long-term benefits Construction Technology.

Why Are There So Many Changes—And Which Ones Will Last?

As a new year unfolds, companies and research organizations make predictions about the evolving technological landscape. Amidst the dynamic changes driven by the Internet, various innovations and emerging trends come to the forefront.

For instance, Michael Wolf, founder and CEO of technology consulting firm Activate, Inc., anticipates a shift where more people will use messaging apps than social media. Nucleus Research suggests that big data is already a significant presence, albeit somewhat concealed by its integration into companies in manageable pieces.

Amidst these exciting forecasts, a consistent theme resonates across future tech predictions: the breaking down of barriers between technology platforms and, more importantly, between people. The emphasis remains on larger datasets, improved information flow between previously isolated computer programs, and enhanced collaboration among team members.

These trends, reminiscent of past years, will continue to shape the business landscape. Therefore, it’s essential to align your 2019 business strategy with the evolving technological changes.

Staying Current with Construction Technology – Digital project management

Digital project management is not a recent development in the construction industry. Construction teams have been gradually transitioning to computerized solutions over the years. Initially, architecture/engineering/construction (AEC) companies introduced desktop computers to offices and job trailers, investing in in-house servers.

The exchange of forms, drawings, and documents primarily occurred through email attachments. However, this method relied on recipients having compatible programs installed on their computers to open the files.

While desktop computers marked a significant improvement over traditional pen-and-paper methods, the applications designed in the 1990s and programs operated on in-house servers posed limitations in terms of project data accessibility. User licenses and virtual private network (VPN) access requirements hindered communication and collaboration, as team members waited to retrieve updated information.

Project staff often experienced slow VPN connections and had to navigate remote desktop applications, leading to a cumbersome process of searching through emails containing outdated attachments. The sheer volume of communication, with numerous emails and revisions exchanged, made it challenging to maintain updates on critical documents such as contracts, insurance papers, project plans, requests for information (RFIs), and change orders.

Without an efficient system in place, crucial details and potential cost savings were inevitably lost.

Furthermore, project schedules were at risk of slipping due to inadequate information and communication. Timely delivery of work from every party involved is essential to keeping projects on schedule, ensuring profitability.

The inability to monitor deadlines and anticipate potential delays in permitting, inspections, or equipment procurement results in the loss of valuable time and resources.

The Abundance of Software Choices

Recent advancements, particularly in cloud computing and mobile devices, have brought about significant enhancements in efficiency. Increased data storage and improved accessibility, leading to enhanced project-wide accuracy and faster turnaround times, characterize these latest technologies.

However, the rapid pace of technological developments may have led to the acquisition of software that no longer meets the evolving needs of your company.

Whether it failed to align with your requirements from the start or its developers have fallen behind industry advancements, some once-state-of-the-art software solutions are now stagnating or being phased out.

Several major project management software providers have transitioned their most popular releases to a support or maintenance-only model, ceasing all further developments.

This shift is a common occurrence as businesses strive to stay forward-looking, building upon successes and minimizing losses. For software providers, particularly those offering a broad range of solutions, this often involves “sunsetting” certain products. When a software is “sunsetting,” the provider reallocates resources away from the solution you, as their customer, were using, to focus on new business endeavors. Unfortunately, this leaves you with an outdated system plagued by sluggish operations, system freezes, and unanswered queries, as technical support for the discontinued software is no longer available.

In such situations, customers are faced with three choices:

1. **Upgrade:**
Some software companies offer an upgrade path from their current solution to other solutions, often acquired through acquisitions. However, the transition is not seamless, and customers encounter challenges similar to those of a new purchase—implementation, training, rollout, pilot, project go-live, and ultimately, company-wide go-live. Extensive data conversions are necessary if the old system is to be shut down and no longer supported. The longevity of these “upgrades” to other acquired applications remains uncertain.

2. **Stay Behind:**
Some construction firms, either by choice or default, opt to stay behind and avoid implementing new software. While the sunset announcement may be easy to ignore in the short term, legacy software with outdated system requirements will eventually hinder organizational effectiveness. Sticking with outdated software for too long may lead to the loss of valuable data.

3. **Adopt the Next Generation of Project Management Solutions:**
Investing in new software can appear daunting, but choosing a solution based on proven industry developments can propel your organization to the forefront of technology. Aligning with the latest technologies ensures your investment remains current well into the future.

Choose Software Built on Proven Technological Foundations

Cloud and mobile technologies are undeniably integral to the future of software solutions. Opting for a project management solution that is cloud and mobile-based ensures compatibility with the evolving tech landscape.

In the dynamic landscape of construction, where precision, efficiency, and adaptability are paramount, APPMVN company emerges as your reliable partner. Our comprehensive suite of construction-related services is crafted to meet the evolving demands of the industry, blending innovation, technology, and a dedicated team of professionals.

As you navigate the complexities of construction projects, trust APPMVN company to be your cornerstone of success. Our commitment to excellence, coupled with a forward-looking approach, ensures that your endeavors are not just met but exceeded. Join hands with us, where each project is an opportunity to build a lasting legacy in the world of construction.