An independent study has found that using collaboration technology, such as Aconex , saves time, cuts costs, and reduces risk on construction projects. What’s more, 96% of users believe it has benefited their business and 74% of clients prefer to work with contractors that use collaboration technology.
The research, entitled ‘Proving Collaboration Pays’, was commissioned by the Network for Construction Collaboration Technology Providers and conducted by Benchmark Research Ltd. A total of 272 users of collaboration technology from 195 companies took part in the survey – including contractors, project managers, quantity surveyors, designers and clients – making it the most detailed analysis to date of the benefits delivered by collaboration.
The study found that in terms of project management, communications and team working: 98% of collaboration technology users felt they benefited from having information held centrally; 91% said they spent less money on postage and couriers; and 86% reported an overall improvement in communication.
Furthermore, in terms of document management, storage and retrieval: 93% of users said there was less chance of losing important documents and 90% said it was easier to find and retrieve their documents.
Leigh Jasper, Managing Director of leading collaboration technology provider Aconex, who took part in the study, said that he was not surprised by the results.
Jasper said: “The Benchmark Research study quantifies what many in the construction industry have witnessed over the last few years: that collaborative technology provides a host of benefits that can improve project communication and collaboration. The positive findings from this research should only encourage further uptake of this technology.”
The study also conveyed an interesting trend in relation to client–contractor relationships. Sixty-eight per cent of clients said they would insist on using collaboration technology on future projects, with 74% saying they have a distinct preference for working with contractors that had experience of using the collaboration technology. In turn, more than 80% of contractors believe that larger clients are increasingly insisting that people who work with them are proficient in using this technology.
Jasper said: “Managing project risk is vital for clients and poor document control is a primary cause of conflict and disputes on projects. Collaboration technology ensures that the latest revision of each document is stored securely, whilst fully searchable audit trails are maintained to improve accountability and help resolve disputes fast.”
Reflecting the industry’s increasing number of international projects, 90% of users said collaboration technology enabled geographically dispersed teams to work together more effectively, and 78% of main contractors said it improved their international communications.
“Most projects using Aconex involve geographically dispersed project teams – often spanning different countries,” says Jasper. “Through using collaboration technology, these teams can share, mark-up and discuss changes to documents in real time, regardless of their location. This streamlining of communication saves companies time and money over the course of a project, and the easier collaboration creates new possibilities for companies operating internationally.”
In conclusion, Jasper added that, although the study proved collaboration technology provides numerous benefits, effective implementation is key.
“Just as important as the technology, is the level of customer service, support and training that is provided. This ensures a smooth implementation process where all project participants are confident using the system,” said Jasper.