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7 Considerations for Engineering Firms When Purchasing an Operational Workflow Platform
Aug 21, 2024
Multi-disciplinary engineering firms are experiencing a higher demand from their clients to deliver results faster, without hindering accuracy. Many firms are realizing they can better meet client demands by replacing their manual paper-based processes with technology. But one solution is providing a jobsite and enterprise advantage by delivering accuracy and efficiency beyond what’s possible today. An Operational Workflow Platform is what engineering firms need to become better, faster, and more profitable. Consider these crucial factors when purchasing technology to identify a true Operational Workflow Platform that will help you reach your business goals.
Engineering services firms take on projects that touch multiple branches of their business, from construction materials testing, geotechnical engineering, to special inspections. To successfully execute a project, firms need technology that seamlessly transfers data through the process and your different disciplines, giving all contributors access and visibility. An Operational Workflow Platform supports all the services you offer, from start to finish, and communicates to all stakeholders in real-time to keep projects in sync and on time. Operational Workflow Platforms foster collaboration across different teams, departments, and locations, ensuring that everyone is working with the same data and objectives, reducing miscommunication and errors.
To become more profitable, firms often take on more projects of varying sizes and complexities. Therefore, it's crucial to have field and lab software that can adapt and scale with your business. An Operational Workflow Platform can handle multiple projects simultaneously and is constantly being enhanced with features and capabilities to meet the evolving needs of your clients’ projects. This enables firms to grow and stay competitive while delivering premium services.
Although engineering services firms should seek software that supports their end-to-end workflow, there are outside systems that are needed to fully complete the workflow. Rather than keeping the technologies disconnected, firms need a solution that will integrate to your already existing workflows. An Operational Workflow Platform should seamlessly integrate with other tools and systems you already use. This includes software for accounting, enterprise resource planning (ERP), and any specialized field and lab testing equipment. Effective integration minimizes data silos and ensures a smooth flow of information across different systems, enhancing overall efficiency.
Since engineering firms experience high turnover rates and onboard an influx of contractual workers during peak project seasons, firms need user-friendly software that reduces the learning curve and encourages widespread adoption across your firm. An Operational Workflow Platform has a modern interface with an in-app training solution that provides knowledge at your fingertips to help users learn and navigate the system faster. Allowing you to be confident all your employees are learning operations consistently, reducing confusion and bringing greater accuracy to your projects.
Every engineering firm has unique workflows, processes, and requirements. A one-size-fits-all approach rarely works in this industry. An Operational Workflow Platform offers robust customization options, allowing firms to tailor the system to match your specific needs. This includes, but not limited to, customizable dashboards, workflows, forms, and reporting capabilities. Being able to tailor an Operational Workflow Platform enables firms to streamline their processes, while still accommodating your unique business processes.
Data security is paramount in any industry, and engineering services are no exception. Firms need to safeguard their firm’s data as well as their clients’ data. An Operational Workflow Platform is compliant with industry standards and regulations for data protection by offering robust security features such as encryption, access controls, and regular security audits to safeguard sensitive project data. This will allow firms to demonstrate their commitment to protecting sensitive information, giving them a competitive edge in the market.
Finally, a true Operational Workflow Platform is be backed by a team of professionals that ensure the successful adoption and optimization of the solution. This team should include experts that are able to assist your firm with implementation and training guidance, form creation, dedicated support, professional services, product development, and much more. Their knowledge ensures that the firm utilizes the solution to its fullest potential, tailoring it to meet specific needs and overcoming any challenges that arise.
Purchasing an Operational Workflow Platform is a critical decision that can significantly impact the efficiency and success of your engineering services firm through streamlined operations, enhanced collaboration, and ultimately better project outcomes. Finding the right Operational Workflow Platform might sound difficult, but it’s an easy choice if you know what to look for.
Introducing MetaField, the only field and lab Operational Workflow Platform serving multi-disciplinary engineering firms. Far more than just construction materials testing software, we are an end-to-end, cloud-based solution, backed by a team that works in-step with you to provide you with deep engineering insights and intelligence to meet the complex needs of multi-disciplinary engineering firms, and help you make your mark on the future. Consider MetaField the workflow bedrock that enables