The Ultimate Construction Project Management App for iPad, iPhone and Android

The engineering and construction industry is built on bringing new projects and innovations to life, but it has also been one of the most resistant to replacing traditional paper-based tools with advanced technology. According to the  2018 Construction Technology Report, over 33% of respondents cite “employee hesitance” as one of the chief barriers to adopting new technology. And more than38% replied that “lack of staff to support the technology” and educate professionals how to use these new tech tools has also been a hurdle.

Though construction technology can streamline the workflow of projects and allow for instant dissemination of information, it must be intuitive and easy to deploy for construction professionals to adopt it. This is where construction project management apps come into play, with their focus on ease-of-use and implementation across project teams.

_{Construction project management apps focus on ease-of-use and implementation across project teams}

The Impact of  Apple and Android Construction Project Management Apps

Mobile apps for Apple’s iPhone and iPad, as well as Android devices, have made a profound impact on a number of industries, including construction. To construction professionals who may have previously had a hard time giving up the pencil and paper in favor of a hand-held device, a construction mobile app like BIM 360  is a huge boon.

As far as devices go, Apple designed products such as the iPad and iPhone to make them easy to use. A “Tips” option is built into the iPhone to offer new users shortcuts and other helpful hints. Additionally, Apple extends free lessons to buyers who can visit any of their stores to gain a better understanding of their purchase.

Apple devices are also an overwhelming favorite among those in the construction industry. The 2018 Construction Technology Report by JBKnowledge revealed that 71.8% of builders use Apple devices – the largest percentage of users polled. This is compared to 53.6% that use Windows and 37.7%% that use Android-based mobile devices. 

_{92.8% of construction professionals use a smartphone with 62.1% opting to use a tablet}

An overwhelming 92.8% of construction professionals use a smartphone with 62.1% opting to use a tablet. This accounts for the array of mobile construction apps and project management software that are now available. Although there are still a wealth of apps available for Android, Apple’s technology and iOS is the benchmark platform for all construction application development because of the quality (and ease) of the experience and its subsequent market demand. Because of iOS’s benchmark status within the industry, several construction project management applications are often designed for the iPhone and iPad first before subsequently being rolled out to the Android market.  

_{AEC professionals use smart devices and construction mobile apps to streamline communication and increase efficiency}

Why Construction Professionals Gravitate toward iPhone and Android Devices

AEC professionals purchase smart devices and a construction mobile app for a number of reasons:

Communication is streamlined. Employees can easily stay on top of their e-mails and quickly reach out to their colleagues with a few clicks of the keyboard so they can always stay updated on how projects are progressing.

Immediate internet connectivity ensures users can always find an answer to questions that arise during projects.

High-definition screens coupled with excellent video and picture-taking capabilities guarantee project managers can view markups on documents and other forms of media in crystal-clear detail.

iPhones and Androids and mobile devices come in different models that have varying types of memory so document managers can store a vast amount of construction project info without the risk of having it destroyed or damaged after leaving it in a file cabinet. Although many construction management apps store information in the cloud, having plenty of spare memory to run the program, view documents, and have space to update apps when new versions are released for iPhone or Android is critical to using applications effectively.

Construction is a rugged industry – and delicate electronic devices need to be protected to hold up in such an environment. There are a number of durable cases and accessories that protect mobile devices from drops, shatters, and other on-site hazards. Case manufacturers such as Otterbox, Armor-X, UAG, and others have a variety of protective options for mobile devices to make sure they withstand the rigors of a typical “day at the office” on a construction site.

The features mentioned above emphasize why these devices complement the tools built into Autodesk’s BIM 360 app. Our team is committed to helping project teams work seamlessly from the correct versions of building documents while lowering the risk of communication errors, delays, or damages.