Contractors need to collaborate, says Aconex

Aconex Middle East GM Andrew Killander.

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Contractors need to adopt the latest tools and processes in order to be competitive, says Aconex Middle East GM Andrew Killander

“Without question, the right software can help to improve productivity and profitability,” says Killander.

“In markets such as the US, the UK and Australia, at least 50% of major projects are built using a collaboration system. The GCC is not far behind that, and shows that it is one of the regions really leading the way in utilising innovative construction technologies,” he added.

Three main factors for contractors to consider when implementing software are whether the product has the required functionality, how easy the product is to use, and the vendor’s track record in servicing similar companies or projects in the region.

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“Perhaps the most important of these is the system’s ease-of-use – the market-leading solutions tend to be highly intuitive, promoting high levels of adoption and usage. Essentially, the more the system is used, the greater value companies get for their investment,” says Killander.

“As contractors look to reduce their up-front capital outlays, we are seeing a greater preference for Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) products. Rather than being installed and managed in-house, these products are delivered over the web, with information held in secure data centres.

“Since the vendor is responsible for maintenance and for meeting required security, reliability and performance standards, the cost of usage can be significantly lower. Implementation and deployment is usually weeks and not months, as is common for installed systems,” says Killander.

He adds that training is a crucial area. “We often say that a successful implementation is 20% down to the technology and 80% to the people that use it.

"Traditionally, vendors would deliver their software in a box, then either walk away or charge large implementation and ongoing training fees. We take a very different approach, advising clients on best-practice information management processes, and then providing the entire project team with training and unlimited 24/7 support.

In terms of latest developments, Killander says last month saw the launch of Aconex Mobile, the company’s first iPhone application. This lets users manage many day-to-day collaboration tasks, including managing project mail, viewing documents, uploading and superseding drawings, and sharing video and audio notes immediately with the team.

“The app has been a bit hit with our users, already being downloaded more than 2,800 times and being featured on the ‘What’s Hot’ and ‘Top Free iPhone Business Apps’ lists in the Australian App Store, where it was first launched,” says Killander.

“Even in the current environment, we are seeing strong uptake of our system, so the signs are encouraging that contractors are recognising the value that IT and software investments can bring to their business,” he concludes.

Read the full Sector Focus: Software in the next issue of Construction Week.