Why cloud-based ERP is a game-changer for the UK construction industry
Chris Westbury, Chief Operating Officer of COINS UK explains why COINS Construction Cloud is a game-changer for the UK construction industry and cloud construction software.
In an age where data and information are readily available, the construction industry has often lagged behind as paper-based processes (particularly with 3rd parties such as subcontractors outside of your organisation) are slow, expensive to manage and create bottlenecks.
When we are all generally now able to access our personal bank account in real time, in seconds via a mobile device, shouldn’t you be able to do the same with project costs, issues, applications, your time recording, expenses submissions?
The extension of field based mobile applications for the construction industry, aligned to the ready and real-time processing in the COINS Construction Cloud, is the answer to many of these questions.
COINS Construction Cloud is our construction software, which for the first time marries real time front office on site data capture and retrieval with subcontractor collaboration and real time back office processing. An all-in-one software for construction companies - available anytime, anywhere.
The benefits of moving from a traditionally on-premise based back office ERP to a cloud-based construction management system are many. However, historically these benefits were measured simply financially in terms of reduced start up and running costs as well as the removal of the headache of periodic hardware replacement.
New solutions from COINS in Microsoft Azure are overhauling that landscape. Using Microsoft Azure, cloud construction software solutions can be scaled up and down intelligently depending on the time of day, the usage levels and the demands of the construction business.
The benefits of a cloud-based construction ERP start with the speed of deployment. Systems can be up and running more quickly than when hardware needs to be procured and commissioned. Less thought and time needs to be spent on the processes for disaster recovery and back-ups.
The cloud approach allows for a confidence that systems can scale up as the business grows, enabling bolder more and agile decision making and a new approach to business challenges.
Not only are cloud solutions more intelligent, scalable and resilient, but the world of field based real time information is opened up with the COINS Construction Cloud.
Using COINS Apps in the COINS Construction Cloud, field-based operatives can record timesheet information without the need for paper timesheets. The captured information on travel time, breaks and working time is immediately passed back to apps in the COINS Construction Cloud for calculation. No more timesheet entry and re-keying. Calculated information can then be provided to operatives, site administrators and back office teams without delay.
COINS Construction Cloud also provides for transfers of information between the contractor and subcontractors. Orders, variations and defect instructions can be published in real time and made available immediately to the subcontractor. Similarly, the subcontractor can respond, update in real-time via apps in the COINS Construction Cloud. No more passing of paper.
Subcontractors can use COINS construction software to submit applications online, receiving real-time status update on the progress of their submission including updates on approvals and scheduled payment.
The benefits to both contractor and subcontractor can be huge. Information can be gathered at source and is more accurate and relevant. Decisions can be made more swiftly, with confidence and to change events rather than react to them.
COINS offer cloud construction software solutions, exclusively within engineering, construction and the built environment. Our software solutions for construction companies add value through innovation.
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