Introduction

In the construction industry today, reliable internet access is an absolute necessity. Every project needs to be accessible, secure, and support online tools. But as any construction company knows, managing multiple jobsite networks at a single time can be a daunting task. With so many details to keep track of, it can be difficult to ensure that all systems are operating properly and securely.

Here are three signs that indicate it’s time to get your team airborne and identify a better construction site Wi-Fi solution: first, your tech support costs have skyrocketed due to frequent Wi-Fi disconnections or slowdowns; secondly, you’re facing communication delays due to poor coverage; and finally, you’re over budget on networking equipment from supporting too many networks. These issues can quickly add up and negatively affect your bottom line.

1. Your tech support costs have skyrocketed due to frequent Wi-Fi disconnections or slowdowns.

Anybody who works in construction knows it can be a challenge to stay connected when on the job. Whether you’re working from the top of a skyscraper or deep into a basement, reliable internet can make all the difference in completing tasks quickly and safely. For IT teams supporting remote jobsites, tech support can be especially costly. In addition to the cost of traveling, many IT professionals don’t have the troubleshooting skills needed for construction site Wi-Fi solutions. 

Solution: Wi-Fi As A Service.

Wi-Fi As A Service appears to be taking off as an increasingly popular solution for project owners and general contractors looking to set up and manage jobsite networking needs. It works by having a partner with specialized knowledge of the construction industry communicate with internet service providers (ISPs) directly, provide equipment, supervise installation, and provide monitoring on the customer’s behalf. The benefit of this type of setup is that clients don’t have to worry about configuring each router and access point, instead leaving it in the partner’s capable hands. Setup times are often much quicker than managing one’s own network, with a variety of scaling options provided as well. Furthermore, customers are usually provided remote monitoring services so that any signs of instability can be quickly identified and remedied. All in all, Wi-Fi As A Service stands out as a great way for those without (or needing advanced) technical know-how to take care of their networking needs quickly and cost-effectively.

What’s more, these networks offer robust surveillance of surrounding areas—great for keeping tabs on progress day-and-night—and specialized tools such as Active Alerts that can send notifications when any disturbance outside the network is detected. When working on large scale projects, being able to rely on a powerful and secure internet connection is essential: with construction site Wi-Fi solutions, peace of mind comes built-in.

2. You’re facing communication delays due to poor coverage.

We all know how inconvenient a slow Wi-Fi connection can be. Not only is it frustrating and time-consuming, it also costs companies a lot of money. For example, when field teams can’t upload information on project status, scheduling can go sideways and lead to costly delays. Every time there’s a disruption, resources must be allocated for troubleshooting and maintenance, adding up to an enormous cost for many general contractors. 

Solution: Field Connectivity.

As construction jobsites grow larger and larger, so does the demand on the network. Traditional networks struggle to keep up, unable to offer enough bandwidth or coverage for all applications and devices on the site. That is why a specialized set-up from a trusted partner is an ideal solution.

For example, with a hybrid mesh network, any additional access points can easily become part of the existing system as demand grows, providing a dynamic and comprehensive coverage area quickly and reliably. Managed access points further add to this scalability by allowing for automated firmware updates, centralized user control, and real-time monitoring of the spectrum environment. Simply put, these features ensure that a hybrid mesh network with managed access points will scale up wherever the jobsite may take it while maintaining secure and reliable network operations throughout the duration of the project. As construction needs evolve and expand, this type of setup can provide robust networks that have your back—no matter how large your worksite grows.

3. You’re over budget on networking equipment from supporting too many jobsite networks.

In a world where staying connected is increasingly important, companies are investing heavily in modern networking equipment to keep their workforce connected. However, as the number of jobsites grows, so too does the cost of supplying and maintaining reliable Wi-Fi connections. Maintenance costs can quickly add up when dealing with multiple jobsites, and networking equipment is no exception. Not only must companies invest in multiple routers and access points, but the required accessories such as antennas and data cables aren’t cheap either. Furthermore, new additions or replacements may need to be shipped out to remote locations, which can add to transportation costs.

The Solution: Managed services for jobsite networks.

Fortunately, cost-saving strategies do exist. Many businesses have discovered that outsourcing network management pays dividends in terms of equipment expenses and fewer maintenance fees over time. This strategy also takes advantage of decommissioning, refurbishing, and placing equipment back into inventory when projects are completed, saving money in the long run. In any case, Wi-Fi networking equipment comes at a cost—both financially and logistically—so it’s important for organizations to carefully consider their options when scoping out construction site Wi-Fi solutions.

Conclusion

The construction industry has come a long way in recent years, but there is still more to be done when it comes to internet access. Poor on-site connectivity can have devastating effects on any job, leading to higher costs and delays that can eat away at potential profits. It’s becoming increasingly important for construction businesses to acknowledge the limitations of traditional networks and determine their best options for reliable site-wide coverage.

Fortunately, the right construction site Wi-Fi solution can help to solve many of these issues by providing a comprehensive, secure manner in which all project stakeholders can stay connected. Signs that suggest an upgrade to your system could include skyrocketing tech support costs due to malfunctioning equipment, communication delays caused by poor wireless coverage, and overspending on networking hardware required for multiple sites. Once identified, finding the right solution becomes essential for efficiently managing projects and cutting back on unnecessary tech expenses. With today’s rapidly growing bandwidth requirements in the construction industry, it pays to identify the most suitable solution for your organization’s needs.

If you’re unsure of where to start, the ConstructEdge team possesses decades of experience in connectivity – just reach out!