Cloud computing takes the lead among transformative technologies in the construction industry. Providing a collaborative workspace in cloud computing project management, which is rapidly becoming widespread, increases coordination with data recording and traceability. In addition, the use of cloud computing together with artificial intelligence provides proactive risk management.

Cloud computing continues to create value in the construction industry and especially in project management applications, as it does in many other industries. Although cloud-based applications are relatively new to project managers, they are becoming more important than ever with the spread of BIM (Building Information Modeling). The application makes various computer services available over the internet, such as storage, databases, networking, servers, software, and analytics. Thus, it improves decision-making mechanisms by providing faster and more flexible resources for construction professionals.

Cloud computing also functions as an enabling innovation tool for technologies such as the internet of things, virtual reality, augmented reality, and big data analytics that are developing in the construction industry.  For example, even if the parties are in different places, thanks to cloud computing, they can work on the same model and make changes. Thus, traceability and coordination are ensured in project management mechanisms.

Thanks to SaaS (software as a service), one of the software distributions model of cloud computing, a cloud provider hosts various applications and offers them to the end user over the internet. Thus, with these platforms, real-time data is securely stored, easily shared, and even makes operable data from other technologies.

85% of contractors use or want to use cloud computing

According to the survey study conducted by AGC (American General Contractors) and SAGE Construction and Real Estate in 2017, 85% of American contractors already use or plan to use cloud computing. This survey also shows that this prevalence has continued exponentially since the 2010s.  The main reason for this increase is that cloud computing provides effective communication in the field and increases efficiency, especially with the increase in complexity in construction projects. Project managers can now monitor the operation of the field even from their mobile phones and access the models through clouds.

The power of artificial intelligence and cloud computing

According to 2018 data from PMI (Project Management Institute), cloud computing and artificial intelligence are in the top three among transformative technologies in construction.  It is thought that artificial intelligence, which makes sense of big data, uses it for the decisions according to the trends and relationships in the data, will affect the near future. It does not seem possible to reveal and develop the capabilities of artificial intelligence, which is dependent on huge data volume, without cloud computing. While cloud applications provide artificial intelligence with the information it needs, artificial intelligence sends information that can give more data to the cloud system. Accordingly, proactive risk management is carried out as the results of possible decisions can be better understood in project management. Keeping the data from previous projects and transferring this experience to the next projects enables the identification of risks and the realization of management strategies more effectively.

Written by Hazal D. Kaya