The new agile way of working: Embracing convenience in the AEC sector

In a post-pandemic working environment, we’ve seen substantial changes in both technology and attitudes toward the environment itself, with an emphasis on remote working and an improved work-life balance.  

To survive and, ultimately, thrive, AEC firms need to evolve alongside this change and embrace the shift towards a more convenient and time-saving way of operating. By exploring the roles of agnostic software and how use of the cloud can be expanded, AEC firms can further adapt to this new landscape. 

Agnostic software

The need for agnostic software—software that can operate on any device or format—in the AEC ecosystem stems from the variety of systems that people now adopt to work, which has been particularly emphasized by the rise in remote working.  

There may be a Mac at home, a PC in the office, and/or various other platforms when visiting external sites, moving people away from following a singular system. There’s also now an expectation from users that software will be agnostic as most major software providers ensure that they can be supported across systems and vice-versa, so as not to alienate potential users. 

When selecting which software to choose for your firm, ensuring that it’s agnostic is key— being able to support remote employees and different working platforms will be advantageous to your business. Being able to use your chosen software anywhere, on any machine, is beneficial on every level for any AEC firm. 

Expanding usage of the cloud

The shift toward cloud-based technology was initially met with trepidation in the AEC sector, with firms preferring local, on-site servers. However, as cloud technology advanced, so did its benefits for AEC firms: its storage capabilities mitigate risks that often arise in their physical counterparts. 

The widespread implementation of cloud-based storage within AEC firms has demonstrated remarkable benefits for those who have adopted it. With information accessible from anywhere, at any time, the cloud has facilitated a seamless and convenient working environment for both in-office and remote workers.

With the apprehension surrounding cloud-based storage dissipating, the progression of placing applications onto the cloud can be seen as the logical next step for AEC firms. By integrating applications into the cloud alongside the stored, existing data, AEC firms can enable a fully remote operation, embracing a new agile way of working that optimizes efficiency and streamlines workflows by utilizing convenience. 

Conclusion

The post-pandemic working environment has spurred significant changes in technology and work attitudes, including the widespread adoption of remote working and a focus on work-life balance. For AEC firms to thrive, they must embrace this shift by utilizing agnostic software to support remote employees and integrating cloud-based technology for improved collaboration and efficiency. These advancements not only enhance productivity but also contribute to a more flexible and agile workplace, positioning AEC firms for success in the evolving working landscape.