Benefits of cloud-based project management services
The Internet has penetrated most areas of our lives, so more and more managers are wondering if an online project management service is right for them.
You may ask, what is it about cloud services that they only talk about them.
It all comes down to speeding up processes and reducing time costs.
Actually, the idea of cloud services is not new, but only in the last 10 years The development of technology has made it possible to create and maintain complex application programs by placing them on the network. Previously services used to be quite cumbersome and complex, but now things have changed. Thanks to modern powerful browsers, improvements in development tools and high-speed data centers, we have the ability to create online services that can do everything is the same as programs for personal computers.
What is considered a disadvantage of cloud systems?
It's hard to find faults in the world of construction project management software. The biggest problem that people who work in the construction industry mention essentially comes down to a sense of control. The fact that project data is processed and stored in a data center that is not under their direct control has some people concerned about how this information is protected and shared. However, these fears are more emotional than real. It's like comparing an airplane flight to a car ride. According to statistics, flying by plane is much safer than traveling by car. They say that the hardest part of flying is getting to the airport. The same principle applies to online services – usually data on the server are much better protected and managed more efficient than in corporate office computers. This is the fundamental difference between being safe and feeling safe.
Back to the benefits.
For many people, the biggest advantage of an online service is that it is available on any computer or device anywhere in the world. This is especially useful when employees are both in the office and on the construction site or in different parts of the globe. With the online service, there is no hassle of synchronizing data or uploading changes to the server. All data is immediately synchronized and the manager, as well as all employees working on projects, have access to up-to-date information about projects all the time.
Another advantage is that you do not need to install the program on your computer or mobile device. Therefore, when reinstalling the system or having problems with the computer, you do not need to reinstall the program and start all over again. Other than that, you don't need administrator rights or permission to install the program. Everything you need – this is the address of the service on the Internet and your login information.
To run powerful corporate, non-cloud, software systems, expensive equipment and properly configured networks are required. Installing software for one company requires purchasing a server, securing the server, storing the server in a dedicated server room, updating components when they become obsolete. This requires a person who must be available 24 hours a day to quickly troubleshoot the server. In addition, you need a disaster recovery plan, backup strategy, network security, firewalls, and virus protection. In the case of cloud service - all this and much more is simply included in the package and frees you from unnecessary headaches and expenses.
Updates to the online service happen seamlessly and without compatibility conflicts. Accordingly, you no longer need to worry about whether the computers in the office will be compatible with the new version of the program. When you work in a browser, you are using a service that is compatible with all platforms. You can start working on a stationary office computer running any version of Windows, and continue or make changes on your MacBook or tablet computer.
At the meeting, you can show up-to-date schedules on the tablet screen and analyze the project without leaving your chair and without rummaging through the papers. During a trip abroad, you can view the state of affairs at the construction site while sitting in a cafe and be always aware of all changes in the project. Unlike programs for desktop computers, the online service gives your team flexibility and freedom.
Cloud technologies open new opportunities for large and small construction organizations. Allows you to use advanced technologies in the management of construction projects without spending a lot of time and without requiring significant financial investments.