How to futureproof your IT to overcome the data explosion challenge

Jolyon Vernon is head of enterprise architecture at Creative ITC

Industry issues

The architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry faces a unique set of challenges. Specialist design and visualisation applications and BIM modelling tools generate huge, complex files to which project teams across multiple locations need rapid access to facilitate real-time collaboration. However, this can lead to people using unsanctioned methods to share and store data, such as downloading files to local devices to avoid latency. The result is data silos and inconsistent datasets across sites.

As data volumes and IT infrastructure expand, so do responsibilities for protection and resilience. When data is spread across multiple locations, backup, recovery, patching and updates become much more challenging. Larger, more complex environments increase security risks from cyberattacks, unauthorised access to sensitive project information, data corruption and breaches. Growing data volumes strain budgets, with rising need for server and cloud storage diverting funds and resources away from strategic transformation initiatives. Poor visibility and data management can also lead to compliance issues, extend project cycles and increase costs.

Addressing tomorrow’s challenges

The key to overcoming these challenges lies in adopting scalable, future-proof data management solutions that enhance collaboration and streamline IT operations. Modern file services platforms enable dispersed organisations to securely store data, share large files and synchronise them across devices. Teams can access the most current information, eliminating version conflicts and duplication, making cross-border collaboration more efficient.

Furthermore, robust data management solutions remove pressure from IT teams. Features like built-in immutable data protection and simplified user access management reduce the chances of human error and free up valuable resources for digital transformation.

Adopting a modern file management solution not only addresses current challenges, but also prepares for inevitable industry changes. It’s not just a question of boosting storage capacity; it’s about having future-proof systems in place that can keep up with the growing demands of each project and evolving business needs, allowing your organisation to maintain a competitive edge, streamline operations, and foster innovation.

Why technology alone isn’t enough

Although engineering firms are increasingly exploring hybrid cloud storage and file services platforms, many have found that modernising storage infrastructure and investing in new technologies doesn’t always solve the problem; in fact, sometimes it only complicates the issue.

IT teams can find themselves struggling to right-size platforms for their changing needs, risking performance issues from under-provisioning, unnecessary expense from over-provisioning and unexpected cloud data egress fees. Ongoing management can also be difficult, with limited support from public cloud providers and lack of in-house specialists to maintain cloud and on-premises hardware, including end-user devices, servers and cache appliances.

As with investment in any new technology, success relies on having the right people in place to both implement the technology and also ensure it keeps running smoothly in the long run. While modern file services platforms are essential for handling the industry’s growing data demands, these are complex hybrid platforms – long-term deployment requires a dedicated team of specialists with expertise to tailor them to the unique needs of each organisation.

Stacking the odds in your favour

Many leading players in the engineering sector are turning to a new breed of specialist managed service providers (MSPs) to derive greater return on their technology investment. This gives them access to specialist skills combined with invaluable industry knowledge, taking away the headache of designing, implementing, managing and optimising hybrid file services solutions. The MSP route quickly pays back with savings on datacentre footprint, ongoing support, training and headcount, providing a fully-managed service in a predictable, monthly OpEx model.

This new generation of managed file services solutions is empowering collaboration with more effective global data management. The result is greater productivity, efficiency, resilience and scalability and on a realistic budget and time frame, helping engineering firms to maintain a competitive edge and positively impact their bottom line in an increasingly data-driven world.

To read more about overcoming data challenges in the AEC sector download this guide from Creative ITC.

• Jolyon Vernon is head of enterprise architecture at Creative ITC

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