Unlike other areas of life, modular construction is one aspect today that does not benefit from a digital detox. Modular construction faces field access challenges through delayed information sharing, disjointed communication, and inefficient issue tracking. Because of siloed teams and paper-based documentation, construction companies often lack real-time access to the latest updates, schedules, reports, and more.
Mobile access opens a new realm of possibilities, from real-time updates to faster decision-making to greater accountability. Personnel can instantaneously execute essential tasks, such as sharing plans, status updates, approvals, and log issues. All team members face uniform accountability.
In addition to integrated mobile tools, technological opportunities include data-driven insights and cloud-based databases. Thanks to these virtual, digital avenues, teams can stay in alignment.
Field communication needs in modular construction today involve:
Real-Time Data Access
Real-time data reduces delays caused by manual updates and outdated documentation. Teams can access all necessary information to make informed, up-to-the-minute decisions and improve their responsiveness to last-minute requests or issues.
Installation Guides
Installation guides with accessible, step-by-step instructions are crucial to ensuring all team members are on the same page. They reduce expensive, time-consuming errors and dependence on any one staff member. They also help expedite onboarding, seamlessly setting up new employees.
Quality Documentation
Documentation, from digital checklists to photo verifications, tracks progress on projects, inspections, and installations. It also provides traceable records for backup. Documentation can help flag issues early before they become costly.
Modular construction teams can benefit significantly from the valuable features that mobile solutions offer them:
Digital Documentation
Personnel can store and access documentation — installation guides, checklists, contracts, safety protocols, and more — on a handheld mobile device. This ensures efficiency, accuracy, organization, and reduced clutter.
Real-Time Updates
Personnel across various teams can instantaneously sync progress, notes, issues, and other updates with onsite and offsite stakeholders. This facilitates speed, greater accuracy, and trust among collaborative teams, enabling accurate tracking and resolutions.
Offline Capabilities
No Wi-Fi? No worries. Construction companies can even work in areas with low or no connection, as data is stored locally and syncs when a connection is available. This ensures that teams don’t delay projects and miss deadlines because of a spotty internet connection.
Implementing mobile solutions in modular construction involves several steps, including considering device requirements, team training, and support systems. Standard devices like laptops and smartphones should be durable, secure, compatible with a company’s software, and have LTE/Wi-Fi capabilities for real-time sync.
Leadership must train teams through cohesive onboarding materials and role-based and hands-on practice, such as tailored sessions and simulated field scenarios. Staff members should also have established support systems, such as a help desk or IT support, in-app support features, and regular maintenance schedules for smooth performance.
Construction companies should consider best practices for mobile solutions in modular construction. Data security is paramount and involves secure user authentication, such as multi-factor authentication and role-based access controls. Other key features are data encryption to protect sensitive information and remote wipe capability. The systems should undergo regular audits.
Management should involve field teams early in the testing phases and include them in the solution selection process. Companies should provide personnel with ongoing training as the system evolves or expands.
Lastly, personnel must remember to manage quality control through standardized checklists, photo and video documentation, automated alerts, and performance dashboards that identify trends in the field.
From digital documentation to real-time updates to offline capabilities, mobile solutions meet the competitive needs of modular construction today. Teams can access the latest, accurate data, documentation, and guides to keep projects on time and track.
See why Gomocha is your mobile solution for modular construction field teams.