5 reasons why you need mobile apps on your construction sites

The construction industry is notorious for its low productivity. Outdated ways of working have burdened projects for many years. But that is changing fast. Smart mobile apps are spreading fast throughout the industry. This is why you need them on your sites.

We have all heard about the construction industry’s low productivity. But what does it depend on? Outdated tools and ways of working are a big part of the answer. While the power tools used for the actual building part have improved drastically the past years; tools for planning, calculating, collaborating and predicting have been limited. Pen and paper or clunky software has dominated most sites and are big contributors to low efficiency.

Luckily, there are now options available for companies looking to modernise their work flows. The proliferation of mobile apps is drastically improving the way we work on site. Add the fact that most employees already have smartphones that support these apps and there are very few excuses left not to take the leap.

Still not convinced? Here are five ways mobile apps can improve your projects.

1. They improve collaboration

Construction sites are complex places. People from many different companies are working together in a confined space that is constantly changing. Collaboration needs to be flawless and communication needs to run smoothly. Mobile apps provide up to date information in everyone’s pocket, ensuring that right information reaches the right person at the right time.

2. They connect the office with the field

There is often a big geographic spread between sites. In order for central functions to optimally allocate their resources – they need up to date information from the field. By using mobile apps for different processes, data can flow smoothly from the field to the office and back again. In that way ensuring that work is progressing safely, on time and on budget across all sites.

3. They increase accountability

In a fast-paced environment like a construction site, there are constantly loads of tasks that need to be done. The challenge is both to effectively communicate these tasks and also to make sure that everyone is fully aware of their responsibilities. Mobile apps give everyone on site direct access to their specific tasks and ensure you that your team is fully informed at all times.

4. They enable deeper measurability

A lot of data is lost when working with pen and paper. By managing tasks with mobile apps – you capture all that valuable data from your projects. This lays the foundation for analysing current trends, evaluating contractors, transferring knowledge between sites and working with continuous improvements. Mobile apps give you actionable data insights from the field.

5. They increase efficiency and save you time

Great mobile apps do not only replace old ways of working, they improve the way that work is carried out and make people’s lives easier. On any given construction site, numerous hours are spent on non-value adding work such as documenting information, writing protocols or compiling reports. Mobile apps can automate most of these time-consuming (and boring) tasks and in that way free up resources and reduce lead times.

Feeling ready to go mobile? The best way to start is to analyse your current state and identify what areas are most critical for your organisation to start digitising. Once the scope is defined, start testing different solutions that match your criteria. A benefit with the project-based construction industry is that you can pilot different tools on different sites in parallel to find out what works best for your company.

Good luck and stay safe!

/Team Infobric Field*

*Infobric Field is the mobile tool for safe and efficient construction projects. We help both contractors and developers to streamline and standardise H&S processes, strengthen relationships with suppliers and increase involvement on site. Interested in learning more? Check out our product page or book a demo and we’ll be in touch.