InEight Blog

Finally Getting Connected: Introducing Construction 365

Jun 21, 2021 | Industry Insights

Something has happened in construction over the last 15 months. 

While the world suffered through the greatest pandemic in a century, technology provided a welcome outlet, a conduit to help people navigate and solve their daily challenges. Through it all, the construction industry finally realized that a digital transformation was a requirement to operate. 

 

A Shift in Mindset

Specific examples of this type of mental turn include everything from the reduction of in-person meetings and site visits, to the use of tablets and smartphones, to capturing and sharing information via dashboard analytics, plus reviewing progress and results. The impact of these changes was so great that this cost was seen as more of a necessity, an investment in their operations – with a measurable return on this investment – and less as an IT overhead expense. 

However, less promoted, and yet equally valuable, is the realization of the need for system interoperability. This can include connecting separate, best-of-breed software products with third-party integrations, procuring complete interoperable platforms or integrating accounting department systems like Enterprise Resource Management (ERP) with project control systems. The latest of these scenarios deserves some particular attention.

 

The Connectedness of Interoperability

There has been a lot of consolidation in the construction software sector in the last 5 years, and with this an increase in investment to improve the quality of new and existing software. Even with these acquisitions, however, it is still common to procure a complete ERP system from one vendor and a complete project controls system from another vendor. But it is the connection of these two systems, which may include many modules for each system, that really produces interoperability and value to the end user. Conversely, if this connection is ignored, it can create new headaches from data loss, errors and wasted double entry. 

One of the fastest growing ERP-Project Controls integrations can be found in Construction 365, the Microsoft-certified integration package consisting of Microsoft’s Dynamics 365 and the InEight Suite Platform. Construction 365 currently includes 31 different integrations – with several more under development. As a robust offering of back office, front office and project office modules, most construction companies are finding they can get all the solutions they are looking for in ERP and Project Controls with quick-to-implement integrations via Construction 365. 

 

Stronger Together

Building off the natural market demand for a connected platform, interoperability and data analytics, InEight has doubled down on its mission to ensure all project stakeholders have the information they need, when and where they need it. And the best way to make better decisions for everyone is from an end-to-end platform. Continuing to grow and optimize the integration between InEight and Microsoft is a strong step in that direction.

Both InEight and Microsoft realize the value of integration and service partners to help with the implementation of Construction 365. Additionally, none of this would be a success without finding and working closely with strategic customers who wish to realize the vision of true connectedness. These customers are critical to providing feedback on the integrations, helping InEight improve its commercial solution and speaking openly on the software’s value and benefits, some of which include:

  • Reducing time spent searching for information and spent on double entries
  • Standardizing processes to make sure information is consistent and reliable
  • Improving the timeliness and accuracy of the information captured, entered and utilized
  • Reporting early and often on project outcomes and updates to discover issues early on

Though it is ready for use now, Construction 365 will continue to evolve based on the needs of the industry and the demands of its customers. Companies on five continents have already realized its value and made the investment to achieve their own interoperability goals. 

Ready for a deeper dive? Learn more about Construction 365 here.  

Mike Paul

Article By: Mike Paul

Mike Paul is the Managing Director of the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) business operations at InEight, leading marketing and sales efforts while defining and driving the growth of digital solutions that fuel customer success. Directly preceding his current role, Mike was Vice President of Industry Solutions, acting as the liaison between clients in the industry and InEight’s sales and development team in over 20 countries on five continents. Mike has also served as Vice President of Solution Engineering, Director of Industry Solutions, Director of Global Channel, Sales Engineer and Sales Executive, all at InEight.

Previous to his time at InEight, Mike held multiple leadership positions throughout the construction industry including managing all the infrastructure work on one of the nation’s first BRAC development projects at Fort Carson Army Base, negotiating large low-income housing projects in Africa, developing global supply chains for U.S. government contract needs and running his own construction company. Mike holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Arizona, and an MBA from Averett University in Virginia.

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