The construction industry is transforming digitally— the cloud is leading the charge. Cloud-based platforms help teams plan smarter, collaborate more effectively, and deliver projects on time and within budget. But to unlock these benefits, it’s important to understand the best practices (and pitfalls) of working in the cloud.
Here’s a breakdown of the dos, don’ts, and overall benefits of running construction projects from the cloud.
Why the Cloud is Changing Construction
Traditionally, construction teams have relied on a mix of spreadsheets, paper documents, and siloed software. This often leads to outdated information, miscommunication, and rework. With cloud-based platforms, everyone has access to a single source of truth, from the office to the site.
Cloud platforms allow for:
- Real-time updates to plans, models, and schedules
- Centralised document storage
- Improved communication across teams and locations
- Easier integration with BIM, cost tracking, and procurement systems
Dos: Getting the Most Out of the Cloud
✅ 1. Use One Centralised Platform
Choose a platform that integrates project planning, BIM coordination, document control, and collaboration tools. This reduces confusion and ensures everyone is working with the same data.
✅ 2. Ensure Everyone is Trained
From project managers to site foremen, make sure the entire team understands how to use the platform. Good training equals better adoption and fewer errors.
✅ 3. Set Permissions & Access Levels
Not everyone needs access to everything. Set up user roles to control what each team member can view, edit, or manage. This protects sensitive data and streamlines workflows.
✅ 4. Integrate with Other Systems
The cloud works best when connected. Integrate it with other systems like scheduling software, procurement tools, or facilities management platforms for a truly connected project.
Don’ts: Avoiding Common Cloud Mistakes
❌ 1. Don’t Rely on Poor Connectivity
Make sure your team, especially those on-site, has reliable internet access. Offline syncing capabilities can help, but consistent connectivity is essential to fully benefit from cloud workflows.
❌ 2. Don’t Skip Version Control
Maintaining version control on drawings, models, and documents avoids confusion and rework. The cloud can help with this, but only if used correctly.
❌ 3. Don’t Ignore Cybersecurity
Cloud platforms must be secure. Choose a provider with strong encryption, data protection policies, and regular backups. Always implement two-factor authentication.
❌ 4. Don’t Treat It as a ‘Set and Forget’ Tool
Cloud tools evolve. Keep your workflows updated and review user access regularly. Continuous improvement is key to getting the most from your investment.
Benefits for All Project Stakeholders
👷♂️ Project Managers
- Real-time dashboards and reporting
- Easier issue tracking and faster decision-making
- Reduced admin time
🏗️ Site Teams
- Access to the latest drawings and models
- Ability to flag issues and record progress from the field
- Improved safety and compliance documentation
🧑💼 Clients and Owners
- Greater project transparency
- Faster approvals and fewer surprises
- Smoother handovers with better digital records
🧑💻 Consultants and Designers
- Seamless collaboration across teams and time zones
- Immediate access to feedback and design changes
- Reduced rework and clearer communication
Build Smarter with the Cloud
When implemented correctly, it boosts productivity, improves communication, and reduces risk across the board.
At Draftech, we help construction teams successfully transition to cloud-based project delivery. From selecting the right tools to integrating them with your workflows, we support you every step of the way.
👉 Ready to build smarter? Get in touch with the Draftech team to learn how cloud-based construction management can transform your next project.
Draftech – Your Project, Our Expertise
Testimonials
Very professional and efficient organization. Delivered a great product to a tight deadline.
ACE Power
Karl and the team are very professional and have a vast knowledge of BIM coordination.
Dwayne Willaims Babinda Electrics
We had multiple large projects with tight deadlines and needed a company we could trust. The teams delivery, attention to detail and understanding of what is being designed is always executed to a high standard.
Martin O’Donovan Envar Engineers
Draftech offered a flexible and reliable approach to working collaboratively with our team. They met our expectations and quality requirements and also offered up new ideas.
Draftech have proven to be a valuable and trustworthy resource and we will continue to work with Draftech on other projects.
Simon Marsden Umow Lai
Draftech is different from others in the professionalism and features they provide.
The ability to walk through projects in real time online provides invaluable insight into problem areas and helps provide an efficient resolution on the spot without many phone calls, emails and the necessity for us to paw through countless drawings to understand the issues.
Todd Morris Manager - Air mech
Draftech were put forward to FIP Electrical as the solution to Coordinate, Model, carry out clash detection, provide Electrical Services Shop Drawings, as built documentation and completed electrical model.
Simon Thorpe FIP Electrical
In close collaboration Draftech set up all our systems and model deliverables. In this process Draftech have proven to be a valuable resource for us and demonstrated commitment, understanding and professionalism.
David Skelley DJCoalition
Draftech’s attention to detail and proactive nature throughout the project assisted us in identifying issues before becoming evident on site, saving us both time and unexpected costs.
Matt Payne PJM Engineering Services
They delivered very high quality Revit models and associated 2D documentation at key milestones, working to a tight budget and in strict accordance with the Architects’ BIM requirements.
Peter Thomas Geoff Hesford
We found Draftech’s work to be of high standard and the team delivered exactly as agreed, in fact, when we considered the project complete, Draftech put further resources into the project as they were not satisfied.
John Johnson Beca
Engaging Draftech during design gave us the tools to make smart decisions.
Hansen Yuncken Design Manager - Michael Harkins
The drafting service is timely, reliable and fit for purpose for the built environment.
Peter Harvey Harvey Industries
Draftech stands apart from other drafting services that we have previously used in their attention to detail and ability to adapt to the individual client’s requirements.
Doug Holt McCaig Aircon
I can confidently recommend Draftech as a solid and reliable supplier, and experts in their field. I look forward to working with them again in the near future.
Chris Behan Norman Disney & Young
After seeing the benefits Draftech provided us on the Townsville Hospital Redevelopment we have set up a relationship with Draftech and intend to continue to use their BIM knowledge and skills for our future projects.
Brad Lund Energy Power Systems
Draftech has no competition as they are in a class of their own.
John Boyes Babinda Electrics
Draftech Developments Drafting and Design Capabilities, in conjunction with their outstanding level of Client service and support has provided great solutions to our engineering and Drafting Design portions within our Gorgon Barrow Island Project.
Aaron Hazelton Applied Electro Systems Pty Ltd
Draftech set up necessary systems and workflows very quickly, but also setup auditable estimating and weekly cost tracking processes that we utilised, requiring little maintenance.
TOM PURDON MPM GROUP
