How Technology & Automation are Powering Engineering Success

1. Fuel Greater Innovation With Automation 

With the uptick in project work and new opportunities, engineering firms are automating processes so employees can prioritize higher value, more engaging work. This helps with utilization and retention rates as employees focus more on their projects and less on busy-work, while also attracting talent seeking higher levels of digital sophistication. 

Engineering News Record Top 500 Firm, Pennoni, was able to streamline manual processes from five days to less than one day with their enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution, Deltek Vantagepoint. They saw a need to invest in an integrated solution that would deliver long-term value that was designed for the unique needs of their project-based business. 

Pennoni is well positioned to be a catalyst for change, bringing smart engineering solutions to their clients in diverse markets, ranging from energy and education to industrial and residential.

2. Tap Into the Power of an Industry-Leading Solution

With the increased complexities of today’s work environment, firms are moving towards systems designed for the way they do business – that understand how projects need to move through the system and into design. Firms are implementing ERP solutions with built-in CRM so they can combine their business development efforts with finance, accounting and project management for full visibility into firm performance.

Haley & Aldrich moved from a solution that was not designed with industry best practices in mind to Deltek Vantagepoint. The results? $200,000 a year in operational savings and no more costly third-party tools, add-ins and customizations. Plus, better support for their dispersed workforce and less time on administrative tasks.

"It came down to the fact that Deltek Vantagepoint is written for our industry. We felt we could completely migrate in a short period of time and be in a better position on day one with significant cost savings."

– Eric Eldridge, Chief Information Officer, Haley & Aldrich 

3. Keep Your Data Safe and Teams Connected in the Cloud

According to Security Boulevard, 60% of breaches involved vulnerabilities for which a patch was available but not applied. To keep up with the increase in cybersecurity attacks and rapid rate of change, many firms have moved away from on-premises solutions and into the cloud. Less hardware to maintain and no patches to apply free up time while keeping data secure. 

In the cloud, teams have full and secure system access from anywhere via a web browser, allowing data to be shared faster and with greater accuracy, from a site inspection or project site back to dispersed teams. This is optimal for the hybrid work environment most firms have adopted.

After outages and service interruptions due to challenges with their on-site IT infrastructure, The Wallace Group moved to Deltek Ajera in the cloud, shaving 25% off their IT infrastructure operating costs. 

4. Build Your End-to-End Solution Your Way

As a business leader, you and your employees know your business best. Do you have the right tools in place to support your growth and profitability, and are they connected? 

Many engineering firms are moving beyond an accounting or ERP system to a system that includes CRM. Some are opting for additional tools, like project information management (PIM) to better manage documents, drawings and emails. While others are adding talent management solutions to assist with their retention and recruitment strategy. To save time and work more efficiently, many firms are automating the creation of punch lists and field reports.

Rather than spending up to four hours manually creating field reports, these innovative firms are automating the process. All they need is a mobile device and the Deltek + ArchiSnapper app. Sotrelco now only spends 10 minutes on this per report, saving three hours and 50 minutes! 

Tapping into the power of automation and technology tools that support growth leads the way for greater innovation and improved team morale.

5. Make Sustainability Part of the Process

Sustainable design is coming to fruition with smart buildings, smart cities, and net zero. The opportunity is here, yet many firms are not yet where they want to be with sustainable design. According to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), 61% of corporate leaders believe that sustainability leads to market differentiation and improved financial performance. And, owners of sustainably designed buildings report a 10% or more increase in the value of their assets.

Many firms have full programs for sustainable design, while others are just getting started. Southeastern Surveying and Mapping Corporation had a paper-based contract management system in place to manage 2,000 projects annually. With Deltek Vantagepoint, the firm adopted a modern digital system that supports their whole business, including project management, business development and marketing.