The construction business has undoubtedly seen a technological shift in recent years, with many top contractors digitizing their operations and switching to cloud-based versions of their software systems. But according to industry studies and surveys, anywhere between 50% and 70% of contractors haven't yet made the switch. The early costs of technological changes, ongoing worries about data security, resistance to change among users of the software, and widespread ignorance of the major advantages cloud computing may offer are a few of the main causes.

These issues have mostly been resolved as a result of cutting-edge technology suppliers prioritizing cloud security and supplying secure operating environments that, in most circumstances, provide more security than on-premise technology stacks. Additionally, platforms that integrate different functionalities with a shared set of real-time data are becoming more widespread in construction software. When properly applied, the costs of these new technologies prove to be significantly outweighed by the gains in productivity, profitability, risk mitigation, cost savings from reduced overhead, and a greater understanding of projects. Contractors who make the switch see their technology investments scaled for future changes and growth.

The majority of contractors who want to stay competitive are aware that they must shift to the cloud, but how can you make sure you accomplish this in the most advantageous way for your business? Having a solid plan is the key to the solution.

Understand What You Want

Start by investigating and comprehending the technology landscape when deciding which software platform is best for your company. Many contractors are unaware of the features and automation that contemporary technology may offer. Or they might not be knowledgeable about the variations in software offered by various providers. You can create a technology plan with the aid of this eBook, A Practical Guide to Selecting Construction Software.

Here are the guide's four most important lessons:

• Look for software that has been created expressly for construction.
• For offering accessibility across entire project teams, automating workflows, adjusting to new capabilities, and extending your company's technology for the future, cloud-based and integrated software solutions work well.
• To promote the greatest level of adoption among your end customers, the program should be simple to navigate and operate.
• Choose a software provider that has a dedication to technological research and development, constantly invests in its products, and collaborates successfully with clients.

Sell The Advantages And Get Your Team's Opinion

The failure of the leadership to incorporate the intended users in the process is one of the main causes of technology implementation failure. Most individuals dislike change, and when it is imposed on them abruptly or without adequate notice, many people prefer to rebel.

Andrea Wright, who oversaw the transition to new technology for Viewpoint client Sachse Construction, currently owns and operates CTP Solutions, LLC, a construction technology consultancy. She listed the following procedures in a recent blog post for Viewpoint titled "5 Keys to Successfully Launching Technology Change Initiatives":

1. As soon as you choose a new technology, inform the end users whose processes will be affected. You don't need to hold off until you have all the solutions. Inform them of what you know and the arrival of fresh details. Most importantly, if you are aware of the launch date, let them know.
2. For each job responsibility that the new technology will affect, be sure to explain and demonstrate how it will make their job easier and increase their productivity.
3. Set up product showcases. Let the customers use it. Occasionally, watching software in operation can do more than simply allay concerns and provide answers; it can also inspire excitement! And your customers might find additional features and advantages you hadn't considered.
4. Give others a chance to find flaws in your idea. Some people have the intrinsic capacity to make things simpler. When someone asks questions like "Do we need to do it in that many steps?" you will know who they are. Profit from it. Make the most of their doubt to strengthen and improve your plan.
5. Inform others of the steps that will remain the same, if any. You won't believe how calming this may be for some people.

Make A Plan Before Implementing

Planning is necessary when implementing new software, especially in a large firm. Unhappy workers who don't comprehend why things are changing result from poor planning. The deployment will go much more successfully if you talk to the software vendor, create a strategic plan with backup plans, and clearly communicate processes and timetables with team members beforehand.

As you get ready for full deployment, here are some things to consider:

• Possible system outage when installing software
• How the transition may impact ongoing and upcoming projects
• How you'll explain the procedure to your staff
• What instruction should give both beforehand and during the rollout
• What records you should keep on available for staff

To ensure better overall implementations, starting with the software in a pilot program or test environment is strongly advised. Choose a project to work on in the test environment that is sizable enough to provide you with an accurate representation of how the software will operate in various contexts. Following that, inform everyone involved in the project of the test environment and the objectives you hope to accomplish while also seeking user feedback. This enables you to spot problems, improve procedures, and determine where adjustments or customizations are required. This will make the complete deployment much more successful and enhance end-user adoption.

Discover why Viewpoint works closely with customers during their implementation phases and beyond to become a Trusted Technology Partner.

Maintain A Regular Training And Education Schedule

It's crucial to continue performing frequent training and education sessions once the software is installed and operational throughout your firm. This aids both existing users who merely require refreshers and new users in swiftly picking up the software. Additionally, it's beneficial to have extra training readily available to ensure redundancy among users in case of absence or departure.

End users are not the only ones who must receive education. To make sure their business is getting the most out of the software and optimizing technology investments, management, IT directors, and other executives should stay up to date on recent software enhancements, learn and share new capabilities, and more.