5 Things to Be Aware Of When Choosing a Data Management Platform

Choosing an appropriate data management platform for your company can be tricky. It is equally challenging deciding on the features your business will actually need. Getting this decision right will reduce costs, increase efficiencies and better position your company. So it is important to understand what you should consider and to be sure your investment will yield a good return.

Here’s our top pick of 5 things you should be aware of when choosing a data management platform.

1. ISO 19650 Support

BIM exchange information requirements have been clearly set out with ISO 19650, the new International Standard for secure, functional and resilient construction data management. So when sourcing a data management platform you should be clear on what goals you want to achieve by using a system. You should also think strategically about how people will use the technology and what processes should be prioritized, to gain maximum advantage.

Tip: Finding a platform that has been awarded the BSI BIM Software Kitemark is a bonus as it means a business can be confident of its objectives in achieving ISO 19650 standards.

2. CDE / Document Management

The effects of choosing a platform that allows the digitization of documents can only lead to businesses reaping the awards it has to offer. A cloud-based data management platform promotes collaboration across the entire project team allowing more control over documents which helps prevent costly mistakes that can delay a project. And it doesn’t end there: scanning and digitisation of architectural plans, invoices, contracts, and other important documents will save a lot of time looking for them when you need them.

Tip: A platform that enables digitization of documents means you have easy access to them at any time even when your project ends. Finding a platform that allows you to extract data from scanned documents is a plus as it allows you to gain deeper insights and make better decisions.

3. Mobility – Anytime, Anywhere Access

A cloud-based data management platform can offer many benefits for the Construction industry, with mobile access being one of the main advantages. One of your top priorities when considering a data management platform is that it comes with mobile capabilities, allowing employees and managers access to the system when either on-site or off-site and on the road. Essential Data can then be accessed through a smartphone, laptop, or tablet, via an app or website.

Tip: Since many sites do not have WiFi or mobile reception throughout, various project management tasks need to be achievable offline. Best-in-class mobile software offers offline access to project data and syncs all changes made offline once back online.

4. Security

Using an on-site server allows you to keep critical data in-house and give you physical control over your server. SAAS platform providers invest much more into security, maintenance and backups; more than any other firm, providing you with the highest degree of service including security, availability and data privacy. Ensure that the data management platform you choose has documented and implemented policies and procedures based on the NIST cybersecurity and Risk Management Frameworks.

Ask them how they address the processing of customer data including transmission, storage, and access. Make sure their policies comply with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations. Confirm they also engage 3rd parties to review their Information Security Program (Penetration and Vulnerability Testing); as well as audit and ensure compliance with a number of industry standards.

Tip: It is best to loop in your IT department when you’re ready so the experts can weigh in on all the necessary system requirements.

5. Data and Analytics

An integrated data management platform will allow you to control, isolate, compare and utilise your project data so that you can gain deeper insights and make better decisions. When you integrate these solutions together you are able to seamlessly create custom reports specific to your project using one application.

A platform with these capabilities will allow you to save time and reduce the potential of human error when cutting and pasting or the risk of double-entry that occurs when using spreadsheets. With data flowing freely across all of your projects on one platform you have real-time access to the latest information allowing you swift and simple collaboration.

Tip: Finding a platform that allows you to upload PDF forms that can extract data without manually having to import it will allow you to save a vast amount of time, allowing you to streamline and extract all of your business intelligence.

If you would like to find out more about how Zutec can help you manage your projects end to end book a live demo today.