New opportunities are arising for MSPs, as commercial construction firms increasingly require managed IT services. The sector has seen immense
Construction is shifting towards greater integration of data-based technology, from drone surveying, to 3D printing, and GPS wearables for monitoring site safety. COVID-19 also drives these transitions, as the ability to integrate data from tech-enabled social distancing measures and other safety protocols contributes to the success or failure for some businesses.
Ben Filippelli, CEO of Level5Management in Boca Raton, Florida, has found that managed IT services can provide stability in the face of fast-paced change across multiple domains, from staffing concerns to project timelines and implementation of new digital platforms. An MSP that alleviates construction company burdens – navigating sizeable workforces, a variety of devices, multiple projects and locations, complex logistics and supply chains - can be an invaluable asset. He advises that MSPs looking to get a foothold in the construction market must first understand construction logistics.
Filippelli sees three key areas where MSPs stand to leverage their offerings for the construction industry, each recommendation having an eye on increasing efficiency and smoothing communication. The first being that providers must mediate between a construction company’s remote job site team and their main office.
Second, by partnering with big contracting software companies, MSPs can offer dedicated job site configurations that take account of each site’s particular technological setup. This can help smooth deployment and allow teams to prepare before arriving on site. Another option is to have programs in a private cloud, centralizing apps and data to make daily communication easier.
Finally, he recommends providing a quality voice-over-IP (VoIP) service as a crucial time-saving tool. A VoIP can significantly improve communication by helping management teams have quick acces to an on-site engineer.
While these are Filippelli’s main suggestions, once an MSP finds its way into the construction industry, the company can work to build its own niche. Companies should aim to be proactive instead of reactive in the solutions they provide, an ability which will come from building industry knowledge and cultivating sensitivity to evolving client needs.
