In the construction industry, adaptability and access to real-time data are critical to staying competitive. With construction projects constantly on the move and teams working from various locations—from job sites to offices and even remote settings—the need for flexible, accessible technology is essential. At Aktion Associates, we recognize that cloud computing has become a powerful solution to meet these needs, offering remote access, scalability, and security tailored specifically for the construction sector.
Why Construction Companies are Embracing the Cloud
Cloud computing isn’t just a trend; it’s a vital tool for construction companies striving to streamline operations, reduce costs, and stay agile in an increasingly competitive industry. The cloud enables secure, mobile access to important data, allowing teams to share and update project information seamlessly from any location. This has particularly profound benefits for construction teams who require instant access to drawings, blueprints, financials, and schedules to make informed, timely decisions.
In the 1990s, the concept of cloud-like portals in construction first emerged as a response to the industry’s challenges with costly, repetitive printing and outdated, static paper-based workflows. Today, cloud computing has transformed these early collaboration tools into robust, secure platforms that can handle the complex data needs of modern construction projects.
Key Benefits of Cloud Computing for the Construction Industry
1. Cost Efficiency
Cloud computing significantly reduces capital expenditure by eliminating the need for in-house servers and hardware infrastructure. For construction companies, this means a more efficient allocation of resources without the ongoing costs of server maintenance, updates, and management. Aktion’s cloud solutions provide companies with a scalable, pay-as-you-go model, minimizing upfront investment and offering predictable monthly costs.
By moving to the cloud, companies not only save on infrastructure but also reduce costs associated with physical documentation, reproduction, and storage, allowing funds to be directed towards other essential aspects of their business.
2. Flexibility and Mobility
Construction teams need tools that work wherever they are. With Aktion’s cloud solutions, your team has the freedom to work from the job site, in-office, or remotely. This flexibility keeps your team connected and improves project collaboration across locations, whether sharing updates with on-site workers or reviewing plans from a remote office. In an industry where projects are geographically dispersed, the ability to access critical information on-demand keeps you agile and responsive.
3. Scalability and Customization
The demands of a construction project can fluctuate widely based on size, scope, and budget. Cloud computing offers an unparalleled level of scalability, allowing construction firms to expand or reduce resources as project demands change. Aktion Associates provides cloud solutions that can be tailored specifically for your business, ensuring you have the right amount of storage, processing power, and functionality at every project phase. This customization helps construction firms avoid over-provisioning or underutilizing resources, making the cloud a sustainable, growth-friendly option.
4. Security and Compliance
Data security is paramount, especially for industries handling sensitive project information and client data. At Aktion, we provide industry-leading security features to protect your information. Our cloud solutions include regular nightly backups and 7-day rolling snapshots, so your data is always recoverable and secure. Our cloud infrastructure is housed in a certified Tier III, SSAE 18 SOC Type II data center, adhering to high standards of security and compliance.
In addition, cloud-based disaster recovery solutions ensure that, in case of unforeseen disruptions, your data is safe and recoverable. With data backed up and secured in the cloud, construction companies can focus on their core business without the worry of data loss.
Cloud Computing Levels the Playing Field
What was once a privilege of large corporations is now accessible to construction companies of all sizes. Cloud solutions give small and medium-sized firms access to enterprise-grade tools without prohibitive costs, enabling them to stay competitive with larger firms. Hosting project management, accounting, estimating, and scheduling software on the cloud allows companies to reduce overhead, enhance mobility, and streamline their operations.
In an industry where efficiency and cost control are everything, the benefits of cloud computing for construction are clear. At Aktion Associates, we’re committed to providing construction companies with tailored, reliable cloud solutions that help teams stay connected, efficient, and secure.
Discover how Aktion Associates can elevate your construction operations through innovative cloud technology. Contact us today to learn more about our customized solutions for the construction industry.
The Role of Cloud Hosting in Construction
Accessing data, applications, and resources from anywhere in the construction industry is a game-changer. Cloud hosting provides flexible, scalable, and secure infrastructure tailored to meet the needs of companies that spend most of their time out of the office. With the potential to reduce costs, improve collaboration, and streamline operations, cloud hosting has become a critical tool for businesses looking to stay competitive and agile in a rapidly evolving landscape. Construction companies need reliable access to project data, inventory systems, and team collaboration tools like other industries. Cloud hosting provides a centralized, accessible, and secure data storage and application hosting environment.
Here’s how cloud hosting benefits the construction industry:
1. Centralized Data Access for Seamless Collaboration
One of the biggest challenges construction companies face is managing the vast amounts of data that drive projects, production schedules, inventory, and client orders. Cloud hosting centralizes data, enabling employees to access real-time information from any device, whether in an office or on a construction site. This access keeps everyone on the same page and reduces costly errors, allowing teams to work with the most up-to-date information.
2. Enhanced Collaboration Across Locations
Construction companies often collaborate with multiple stakeholders, from designers and engineers to suppliers and subcontractors. With cloud hosting, teams can instantly access files, share updates, and collaborate in real-time. This seamless collaboration reduces delays, minimizes miscommunication, and enhances team productivity.
3. Scalability to Meet Project and Production Demands
Having scalable infrastructure is essential in industries where project demands can change quickly. Cloud hosting allows construction companies to scale resources up or down based on real-time needs. This may mean adding server space before a major project. This scalability ensures businesses pay only for what they need when they need it, making it a cost-effective solution that adapts to demand fluctuations.
4. Cost Savings with Reduced IT Overhead
Maintaining on-premises servers can be costly, requiring significant upfront investments, ongoing maintenance, and dedicated IT staff. Cloud hosting eliminates these expenses by shifting infrastructure management to the cloud provider. Construction companies benefit from predictable monthly costs, reducing capital expenditure and allocating resources to other business-critical initiatives.
Cloud hosting also reduces the costs associated with physical documentation, paper trails, and file storage, further streamlining operations and freeing up budgets for growth.
5. Built-In Security and Reliable Backup Systems
Data security and integrity are paramount for any company. With sensitive information on projects, client data, and proprietary designs, the construction industry requires robust security protocols. Cloud hosting providers offer built-in security features like encryption, firewalls, and multi-factor authentication, protecting data from unauthorized access. Regular backups ensure that critical information can be recovered in case of a system outage or security breach, supporting compliance and risk management efforts.
6. Remote Monitoring and Smart Operations
Cloud hosting opens the door to advanced technologies like remote monitoring and IoT (Internet of Things) integration, which are highly valuable in running a business. Construction teams can monitor project progress and equipment status. By leveraging IoT and cloud capabilities, companies can make proactive decisions to reduce downtime, increase efficiency, and avoid potential issues before they arise.
Future-Proofing Construction with Cloud Hosting
As the construction industry grows more complex, the technology that supports it must evolve. Cloud hosting enables companies to future-proof their operations, staying agile and adaptable as new challenges arise. By centralizing data, enhancing security, and facilitating seamless collaboration, cloud hosting helps companies in the sector to remain competitive and responsive to changing market demands.
Discover Cloud Hosting Solutions with Aktion Associates
At Aktion Associates, we understand the unique needs of the construction industry and offer cloud-hosting solutions specifically designed to support growth and operational efficiency. Our cloud hosting services provide the flexibility, security, and performance required to keep your business moving forward.
Contact us today to learn more about how cloud hosting can drive your business’s success. Let’s build a brighter future together.
Are you struggling to manage your projects, track bids, and log communications? Join us for a webinar to learn how Sage Construction Management can help you streamline your operations and maximize the efficiency of your company. This new solution was built to handle pre-construction, project management, and finances for construction companies large and small.
With Sage Construction Management, you can:
• Easily manage your leads and estimates from anywhere.
• Save time by handling the entire bid process all in one place.
• Improve profitability with project management and collaboration tools.
• Get robust functionality at an affordable price.
• Seamlessly integrate with existing tools.
Whether you’re a small contractor or a large construction firm, Sage Construction Management can help you achieve greater success.
Don’t miss out! Register for the webinar today and take the first step towards a more efficient and profitable business.
In the dynamic world of commercial roofing, staying ahead of the competition requires more than just superior craftsmanship. The key to sustained success lies in effective operations, streamlined processes and business workflows, and a robust financial backbone. Introducing Acumatica, the innovative ERP solution driving roofing companies to unparalleled success.
In this blog, we will dive into the compelling reasons why roofing companies are emerging as winners with Acumatica.
Acumatica empowers roofing businesses with comprehensive and adaptable solutions for thriving in a competitive landscape. From effective project management to real-time financial insights, Acumatica equips companies with the tools for sustainable growth and success. Embrace Acumatica’s transformative power and elevate your roofing business.
To learn more about the features and functionality Aktion and Acumatica provides roofing companies, check out our brochure!
In the ever-evolving construction industry landscape, large multi-entity developers face a unique set of challenges. Managing the financial intricacies of projects spanning multiple entities, each with its own set of variables and complexities can be overwhelming. The ability to seamlessly integrate and manage these diverse financial aspects is vital for the success and growth of any large-scale developer. This is where Sage Intacct Construction comes in, providing efficiency and clarity in multi-entity financial management.
Sage Intacct Construction is not just any financial management tool; it is a comprehensive native cloud financial and project management solution designed specifically for the needs of the construction and real estate industry. It addresses the core challenges of large developers by providing a unified platform for multi-entity financial management and reporting. In this blog, we will dive into how Sage Intacct Construction tackles these challenges, transforming and streamlining operations. By offering real-time insights into each project’s financial health to simplifying complex intercompany transactions, Sage Intacct Construction stands as a pivotal innovation in the realm of construction financial management.
Centralized Financial Management
Sage Intacct Construction provides a solution that enables the integration of financial data from different entities within an organization into a single system. This centralization simplifies the management of finances and ensures consistency in reporting and analysis. By consolidating data, such as expenses, revenues, and financial statements, companies obtain a comprehensive financial overview, eliminating the need for separate accounting systems for each entity.
Automated Intercompany Transactions
Sage Intacct Construction automates intercompany transactions, streamlining processes like intercompany billing, fund transfers, elimination entries, and expense allocations. This automation significantly reduces the manual effort and potential for errors associated with these complex transactions.
Real-Time Reporting and Insights
With all financial data consolidated in one place, Sage Intacct Construction provides real-time visibility into the financial health of the organization. Immediate access to financial information is vital for making timely and informed decisions. Through interactive dashboards, management can quickly evaluate the profitability of different projects or entities, enabling them to allocate financial and people resources more efficiently.
Compliance and Regulatory Reporting
Sage Intacct Construction stays updated with the latest regulatory changes and provides tools to ensure compliance. It facilitates accurate and compliant financial reporting, crucial for multi-entity developers operating under various regulations.
Custom Dashboards and Analytics
With Sage Intacct Construction, you have the power to tailor your dashboards and analytics to meet your exact requirements. You can effortlessly generate reports and dashboards that are perfectly aligned with your specific needs, unlocking deeper insights into the performance of each entity. This will give you a comprehensive understanding of your business’s strengths and areas for improvement.
Enhanced Collaboration Across Entities
Sage Intacct Construction acts as a centralized hub for all communication and data sharing, which is particularly crucial in the construction sector where multiple teams and entities often work in tandem. This centralized approach ensures that all stakeholders, from project managers to finance teams, to subcontractors, to suppliers, have a common platform for collaborating, reducing the likelihood of miscommunication and information silos.
Scalability and Adaptability
As development companies grow, the complexity and volume of their intercompany transactions also increase. Sage Intacct Construction’s automated systems are scalable, meaning they can handle an increasing number of transactions without a proportional increase in manual work or complexity. This scalability ensures that financial management remains efficient regardless of company growth.
Developers are experiencing a new level of efficiency and gaining valuable insights with Sage Intacct Construction. As a result, they are more confident in addressing their challenges and making strategic decisions, which is leading to unprecedented growth and profitability. Experience the transformative power of Sage Intacct Construction today and unlock a future of unlimited possibilities.
Construction companies must manage their finances well to stay competitive. As your company grows, it may be time to consider upgrading to Sage Intacct Construction, Sage’s next-gen technology solution.
Join us for our upcoming webinar to learn why you could benefit from migrating from your current solution to Sage Intacct Construction.
With Sage Intacct Construction, you get:
If you’re considering making the move, please join us for this live demo.
The construction industry is currently experiencing a digital revolution due to its complex projects and business operations. Cloud Financial and Project Management solutions are at the forefront of this transformation. Modern technology is not only changing the way projects are managed, but it is also redefining the industry’s future.
Traditionally, the construction sector relied on a mix of paper-based processes and standalone software, leading to inefficiencies, data silos, and limited scalability. Cloud systems have revolutionized this approach by offering integrated, scalable, and real-time solutions.
In this blog post, we will discuss how cloud financial, and operations solutions are transforming the construction industry by providing real-time data insights and enabling collaboration between multiple stakeholders. These solutions are becoming increasingly popular among construction companies due to their ability to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and increase productivity. We will be analyzing the reasons behind the shift from traditional on-premises solutions to cloud-based systems, and how this change is having a positive impact on the construction industry.
Real-time Data Insights: Cloud-based solutions provide construction companies with access to real-time reporting from anywhere, at any time, and on any device. This eliminates the need for manual data entry and stores information in a centralized database, enabling quick decision-making and helping construction companies identify and solve problems early on. Access to information anywhere, anytime enables construction companies to track project costs more accurately by monitoring expenses and keeping track of purchased items on demand.
Collaboration between Multiple Stakeholders: The coordination of multiple stakeholders is crucial in delivering construction projects on time and on budget. Cloud solutions function as a bridge between contractors, project managers, executives, and different teams to ensure seamless collaboration. With real-time access to project data, stakeholders can make informed decisions and respond quickly to changes.
Flexibility and Scalability: Traditional on-premises solutions are often rigid and fail to adapt to changing business needs. On the other hand, cloud technology solutions present a flexible model that can grow as your companies need to grow and change. The cloud enables organizations to implement a modular approach to financial management. Businesses can choose and integrate specific cloud-based capabilities and applications that align with their unique requirements.
Enhanced Security: With cloud solutions, data is stored in a secured remote server protected by multiple layers of security measures, including firewalls, encryption, and backup. This eliminates the need for on-premises data centers. Not only does this reduce costs and improve data accessibility, but it also provides better protection from cyber-attacks and data loss.
Improved Business Intelligence: Cloud solutions also offer improved business intelligence capabilities, helping construction companies make data-driven decisions. It offers on-demand data analysis and reporting, which helps management make informed decisions and adjust strategies based on current trends.
The construction industry is beginning to recognize the significance of cloud solutions. These solutions enable construction operations to be more effective, collaborative, and adaptable. Companies that have not yet adopted a cloud solution should strongly consider doing so to modernize their operations and stay ahead of the competition.
Why is real-time data so important in today’s construction industry?
In today’s fast-paced construction industry, a modern financial management system will almost always mean cloud-based financials. It’s tempting to put off change, to stay with the systems that your teams are comfortable with using. However, that approach may come with some risk. As systems become outdated, they require investment – time, money and skill – to maintain. Internal teams may not be connected and working with real-time information, management is unable to make decisions with accurate data.
To stay competitive, construction and real estate companies’ technology strategies are evolving. The real-time data trend has been studied by industry leaders, which is telling for the future. Forward-thinking businesses are architecting a modern technology strategy that includes cloud accounting financials. A recent Deloitte study discusses both these technology strategies and other construction industry trends to keep on your radar.
Here are my top three signs it’s time to move to cloud-based financials:
It’s hard to overstate the importance of real-time data access that you’ll find in cloud-based financials. One single source of truth gives people in the office and field the ability to view job costing, tools and equipment allocations and overall project status updates. Quick and easy reporting makes it much less likely that you’d miss warning signs that a project is losing money or going to take longer than projected.
Contractors who adopt a cloud-based platform that meets all their needs report that they immediately see improvements in workflows and communication. These forward-thinking business leaders have recognized the risk of delaying change and the advantages that a cloud financial system brings to their business.
Aktion Associates has teams of experts who understand the construction industry’s unique demands. We are ready to review your business needs and determine which cloud platform will fit you best. One popular and powerful choice among our customers is Sage Intacct Construction. Because Sage Intacct was born in the cloud, the accessibility and scalability are unrivaled in the construction industry.
Contact us today to begin your journey towards cloud-based financials, real-time data and position your company for growth.
The use of data can help secure the best construction project results. Construction is a complex process. Managing each project well requires access to large amounts of information. Smart leaders know exactly what kinds of data they need so they can see what is working and what is not. They know how to capture that data and analyze it, in pieces and as an integrated whole. They share that data with the appropriate decision-makers across the business. Armed with that knowledge, those decision-makers can take action to fix problems and get each project back on the path to optimal profitability.
Even as many contractors embrace the power of data, others remain stuck in the past. For example, these firms use manual, paper-based activities to track project governance and risk controls. This approach does not provide analysis and reporting in real-time. Each project may only be reviewed retrospectively, or after the fact.
The three greatest barriers to profitability in construction are financial difficulties, insufficient labor productivity, and improper planning. All three of these issues can be effectively addressed when firms implement and leverage analytics technology. Firms that invest in this technology can stay on top of each project in real-time, enabling leaders to react, course-correct, achieve utmost profitability and produce the best construction project results possible.
Here are a few of the benefits you can reap when you learn to create, store and integrate data:
Want to learn more about how to gain more insight into your operations and deliver your best financial results? An investment in the right technology is the first step. Sage Intacct Construction software is a flexible financial management solution that adapts to your workflows and reporting requirements. It gives you real-time visibility with built-in and adaptable dashboards, reports, graphs, and charts. Multidimensional reporting and dashboards provide faster and deeper insights into accounts, helping your teams work faster and smarter.
You’re welcome to complete Aktion’s Contact Us form to have an industry expert reach out to learn more about the right technology for your construction business.
Tracking the productivity of construction labor takes effort, but when it’s done right, the payoff for contractors is significant. Below you’ll learn more about how contractors gather and act on performance data to reap meaningful gains in profitability.
For many contractors, labor is the biggest cost. That is why so many construction owners devote the time and resources to measure the productivity of every type of labor that goes into a job.
How to Measure Labor Costs:
This will enable you to calculate team performance on each task. Having this data will help you in real time (on each current project), and in the future when you bid for and take on new jobs.
The Importance of Job Costing Visibility
On each project, job costing provides visibility into how labor productivity measures up to the estimated budget, and helps you identify areas that need attention. Here’s another real-time bonus to productivity tracking: when an unforeseen event occurs, such as a pandemic or disruptive weather, you have the data you need to make your case for a change order.
Once you have a storehouse of reliable productivity data, that data becomes an asset for every future project you bid on. Your data will inform every facet of your business. It will give you a benchmark for estimating, budgeting, and scheduling, as well as for performance-based bonus programs. Each step in the process relies on the prior one: estimating informs your budgeting, scheduling, and then labor on the job. Your data can make your bids more competitive – and insulate your profits.
In Summary
An investment in the right construction technology is step one in mastering how to track your labor productivity. If you have just recently started looking at your software options, Sage Intacct Construction software is a flexible financial management solution that adapts to your workflows and reporting requirements. This next-gen cloud platform gives you real-time visibility with built-in and adaptable dashboards, reports, graphs, and charts. Multidimensional reporting and dashboards provide faster and deeper insights into accounts, helping to save hours per month.
You can learn more about how to avoid unexpected cash flow issues by governing your spending against a budget here. Interested in learning more about using data to maximize your profitability, job after job? Take the first step by talking with Aktion Associates to find the best technology solution for your unique needs.
