Almost half of the construction managers still manually capture the quality data of the job site. One-third still use paper and pen to keep track of data.
These are some key findings from a survey of more than 500 officers and managers in the construction and engineering sectors. In addition, a study conducted in February, a working workflow platform, revealed that the site management environment is, for many businesses, outdated and more likely to cause errors.
Three-quarters of the officers and managers surveyed said ensuring high-quality work is the most crucial part of their job. But the process by which they strive to achieve this quality is often time-consuming and futile.
Managers acknowledge that data collection presents three challenges:
- Inadequate level of details related to work order and change order
- Work Incomplete work quality control data
- Incomplete information to substantiate allegations
However, the survey found that most changes to work orders and initiations are done manually. More than 80% of managers report email as the primary means of communication, followed by meetings and calls via radio or cell phone. 65% of managers surveyed also said that work orders or changes are lost and extend the project completion time.
Nearly two-thirds of managers surveyed said the availability of information, such as change orders, was the most difficult to obtain accurately. Part of the problem is that job site data is often sent through multiple sieves.
Half of the managers said their data had to go through five different stages to get into the program or database system. In addition, half of the officials said their data went through the same number before team members used it for reporting and analysis.
Three-quarters of officers use multiple systems for project and site data. Eighty-five percent of officers who use four or more data systems try to collect data in usable reports for at least 1,300 hours a year.
Thus, 61% of CEOs surveyed said they make decisions using outdated data. The survey authors state that “manual processing prevents line managers and managers from making timely decisions and avoiding potential problems that become major problems.” “Officers are also being challenged … [who] don’t have the information they need for compliance and scrutiny.”
Most executives and managers agree that manually collecting data increases the quality of work and the costs associated with employee downtime.
57% of officials reported costs related to inadequate or damaged supplies, materials, and equipment, while 58% of managers reported damage caused by project delays.
Forty-five percent of managers admit that they can only prove claims 51-80% of the time. In addition, half the officers can legally prove only 50-79% of the shares with daily reports and other documents.
Our recommendations for this flawed dynamic replacement begin with implementing a simplified digital data collection process, which more than half of officials believe will eliminate many of the problems with manual data entry.
The report said that dynamic mobile applications would allow companies to access information online or offline from any device. For example, job site teams can use standard forms to enter data, scan barcodes, attach geotag locations, attach photos, and use weather conditions documents using any iOS or Android device.
Collecting all the data through one system will not hurt either. Corporate offices need to simplify their processes to convert job site data into usable reports. By digitizing on-site data acquisition and integrating it with other systems, companies gain accurate, real-time visibility throughout their organization. Companies can create custom dashboards and reports, and publish those reports and executives so that everyone is on the same page.
