b'RAMPING UP REMOTE CONNECTIVITY The new normal amidst COVID-19By Matthew BradfordCollaboration is the cornerstone ofwhen the time came to rely on theseThe benefit of video-conferencing project success. During the COVID-19technologies, they have becomegoes beyond the obvious efficiency crisis, however, keeping crewsessential to operations. of communication," notes Scott connected is easier said than done.When it comes to remote connectivityDowning, System Support Specialist With team members split betweensolutions, he adds, companies havewith Westland Construction. "Speaking remote offices and physically-distancedtheir share of options. Collaborationon behalf of our team, we love jobsites, it can be challenging to keepplatforms such as Microsoft Teams,seeing each other\'s faces. It brings a everyone on the same page. Procore, Slack, Google G Suite andmuch-needed personal touch to our Fortunately, there\'s technologyWorkplace by Facebook have provenworkdays, something that was easy to bridge the gaps. As pandemicuseful in linking on-site crews, officeto take for granted in the measures continue to keep teamscolleagues and company leaders in pre-pandemic workplace." apart, construction firms are turningreal time. Each offers unique featuresWe don\'t want to forget that our to mobile tools, cloud computing andand considerations, but each is similarcommitment is to people, not just virtual communications to enhancein that they leverage cloud computingtasks, he adds.connectivity and help projects stay to facilitate data-sharing and STAYING SECUREon track.real-time collaboration in a secure In the shift to cloud-sharing and While some construction companiesonline environment. virtual conferences, it\'s important for were caught a bit off guard by socialPlatforms like Procore offer a lot oforganizations to not lose sightdistancing rules, there were manyadvantages at a time like this, Moteiof security.that were already using collaborativesays. Namely, it can be run from anyNo matter what remote technology technologies and are therefore abledevice as long as there is access to theyou\'re using, you need to keep data to embrace them as they made theinternet, and it enables team members transition to remote work," says Ryanto monitor and share everything fromsecurity top-of-mind, insists Bialek. Bialek, Modern Workplace Consultantworkflow updates, project drawings,This is especially important if you\'re with Clear Concepts. approvals and other critical projectsharing intellectual property, client Valy Motei, IT Manager with Artis REITelements as they\'re needed. information or other sensitive data.and Marwest Group of Companies,Online collaboration tools have alsoOne solution is establishing a virtual worked with his team in advance ofmade it easier to replicate jobsite andprivate network (VPN) that links recent events to establish remote- office meetings. Teleconferencingall authorized systems and devices working capabilities in case of businessapps such as Zoom, Google Hangoutstogether in a secure and exclusive continuity challenges. We did a lotand Skype are becoming virtualonline ecosystem. For example, of proactive work to move work toboardrooms thanks to their ability toDowning says, "Our VPN provides a the cloud and set up remote working.unite stakeholders in various locationssecure way for us to access our office While we had a little resistancefor video and audio chats.network from remote locations. It helps30 BUILD MANITOBAwinnipegconstruction.ca'