Interscale Content Hub – In Australia, using managed IT services for AEC industry has been helping to make things more efficient, easier to work together, and more innovative.
These services aren’t just theoretical – they’ve been shown to make a real difference in how projects are delivered, how costs are managed, and overall productivity.
That’s why we’re going to look at what these services mean for you.
What Specific IT Solutions Are Tailored for Architecture Firms within Managed IT Services?
The architecture firms working in the AEC industry need IT solutions to be as flexible and dynamic as the projects they’re working on. That’s why, managed IT services for these firms often include:
BIM Implementation and Support
Building Information Modelling (BIM) is now a key part of how architects work.
Managed IT services can help with things like getting BIM up and running, training architects on the software, and providing ongoing support. This helps architects make the most of this powerful tool.
The research paper “BIM and Project Management in AEC Industry,” by Nazanin Kamyab shows how BIM is changing the way projects are managed.
This shows how it can help improve communication, coordination, and efficiency.
Cloud-Based Collaboration Platforms
It’s pretty much essential for architecture firms to be able to work together easily, no matter who’s involved or where they are.
Managed IT services can set up and look after cloud-based platforms for sharing files, doing reviews, and coordinating projects in real-time.
The AECOM case study, “Digital Solutions, Shaping the Digital Transformation of the AEC Industry,” shows how cloud-based solutions have been used to make project information easier to access and simplify on-site field inspections.
Data Security and Backup
Architecture designs and project data are valuable and need to be protected.
Managed IT services can put in place some pretty solid data security measures, including firewalls, antivirus software, and encryption protocols.
In addition, they can set up automated backup systems to keep your data safe in case of hardware failures, natural disasters, or cyber attacks.
Hardware and Software Procurement and Management
The research by Xichen Chen et al., in “Digital technologies in the AEC sector: a comparative study of digital competence among industry practitioners,” shows how even big companies often find it tough to keep up with the latest digital tools in practice.
For AEC firms, where precision and cutting-edge design are key, this is a big issue.
The constant need to upgrade and maintain software licenses, ensure hardware compatibility, and troubleshoot technical glitches can really eat into resources and slow productivity down.
Managed IT services are there to help with this. They handle all the hardware and software procurement, compatibility checks with existing systems, and installations and updates.
IT Help Desk and Support
Kamyab’s research shows we still have technical challenges even though BIM is used a lot.
Not having the right training and support in place can mean inefficiencies and stop BIM reaching its full potential.
Managed IT services are there to help with this by providing a dedicated IT help desk and support team.
No matter what the problem is – whether it’s a software glitch, a hardware malfunction or a network connectivity issue – architects can rely on prompt and expert assistance.
This means they can quickly fix any technical issues and avoid any downtime, so they can keep their creative juices flowing.
Benefits of Managed IT Services in the AEC Industry
There are lots of great reasons to use managed IT services in the AEC industry. They help you work better with others, get things done faster, and manage risks better.
Kamyab’s research shows how using BIM can make projects more efficient.
It helps to streamline the design and construction processes, which in turn reduces the likelihood of costly reworks.
Using cloud-based platforms also helps to boost efficiency because they allow teams to communicate and share data easily, even when they’re working in different locations.
On top of that, managed IT services help to reduce the risks associated with data security and project management.
Using sophisticated data analytics tools helps firms predict potential project issues and deal with them before they become problems.
This predictive capability, along with better data security, makes sure that sensitive project information is kept safe, reducing the risk of data breaches that could affect project integrity.
To discover more about the advantages, kindly read “Benefits of Managed IT Services for Australian AEC Firms“
Challenges of Managed IT Services for AEC Industry
There’s no doubt the AEC industry stands to gain a lot from managed IT services, but there are some big hurdles to overcome first.
One big challenge is how slowly these new technologies like BIM are being adopted, as Kamyab points out.
This reluctance often comes from a lack of understanding of the full benefits these technologies can offer and the big change in project management roles that they require.
Another hurdle is getting new IT systems to work with the old ways of doing things.
A lot of firms find it tough to get their traditional workflows to fit with modern digital tools. This can lead to inefficiencies and resistance from staff who are used to established methods.
On top of this, the complexity of AEC projects themselves makes things even more difficult.
Even the best IT systems can be overwhelmed by the sheer volume of data and the need for real-time collaboration among various stakeholders if they aren’t properly managed.
The AECOM report makes a good point on these. Without a clear strategy and proper training in place, we’re not going to get the most out of these IT solutions.
For more details and insights, please check “7 Challenges of Managed IT Services: The Good, The Bad, & The Strategy.”
Implementing Managed IT Services in the AEC Industry
Integrating managed IT services into the AEC industry isn’t as simple as signing a contract. It’s a big deal and it needs to be done right.
The first thing you need to do is take a good look at what your IT needs are.
This means figuring out where your current problems lie, looking ahead to what the future might bring, and setting clear goals for your IT systems.
The insights you get from this assessment will help you find a provider whose expertise and solutions fit your needs perfectly.
And please note that picking the right managed IT services for AEC industry is a bit like choosing the right partner for a joint project.
So, it’s a good idea to look beyond just generic IT support and find a provider who really understands the ins and outs of the AEC industry.
The Interscale team, for instance, is made up of architects, engineers, and developers, which shows they know a thing or two about this area.
The proof is in the pudding when it comes to Interscale. They’ve got a great track record and they’re really committed to supporting their customers.
Once you’ve picked a provider, it’s crucial to have open and clear communication about what’s expected of you both.
The research by Chen and his co-author shows how good communication is key to getting new technology adopted successfully.
Make sure you clearly define your service level agreements, including things like response times, issue resolution procedures, and escalation protocols.
It’s also crucial to have regular meetings to review performance, address any concerns, and make sure the partnership is still on track with your changing IT needs.
Also, think about how Interscale builds relationships with clients. We at Interscale got a proven track record in IT managed services for the AEC industry.
Yes, your relationship with your MSP should go beyond the usual client-vendor thing. That’s what we do with our clients at Interscale.
So, be open to working together and see them as part of your team.
Make sure you’re all on the same page when it comes to communication, sharing knowledge and working together to find solutions.
This helps everyone feel like they’re in this together, which leads to better and more creative IT solutions.
And managed IT services aren’t something you can just set up and forget about. So please keep an eye on how things are going and measure performance regularly.
Keep an eye on the main metrics, like system uptime, response times and customer satisfaction.
This data-driven approach lets you see how well the partnership is working and make smart choices about future IT strategies.
In Closing
Bringing managed IT services into the AEC industry, especially architecture firms, is a game-changer.
When it’s done right, it can make projects more efficient, help manage risks, and boost overall success.
That’s why Interscale is leading the way in managed IT services for AEC industry. We at Interscale deliver high-quality projects on time and within budget, so you can focus on running your business.
