Learn how a cloud-based system for ready mix producers can create a more streamlined, accurate and collaborative approach to dispatch.
Data is becoming the most important ingredient in concrete. The more information concrete dispatchers have at their fingertips—and can share with their customers—the more streamlined, accurate and profitable the process becomes. One way to answer this demand for enhanced service and data is by implementing a fully integrated, cloud-based concrete dispatch system.
What is a cloud-based dispatch solution?
In the past, dispatch software was designed as a standalone program that ran on servers “on premises” in the customer’s office or a dedicated storage location. They were not designed to communicate easily with other systems or to be accessible from remote locations, such as a dispatcher working from a home office.
A cloud-based concrete dispatch system is hosted on a remote server and maintained by the software provider, like BCMI, instead of running on a server in the producer’s office and maintained by their IT team. A cloud-based solution uses internet connections to keep the producer’s information updated and communicate in real time – or integrate – with other sources of information, such as accounting systems.
This is a different model than traditional software programs that house data in a more “closed” system and have to be updated by installing new versions to add new tools and features. A cloud-based system is updated continuously with no effort from the end user.
Benefits of cloud-based dispatch
- Fully integrated — Cloud-based dispatch connects with the concrete producer’s other software systems to give dispatchers a 360-degree picture of each job. The dispatcher benefits from all critical data including pricing information, concrete mix designs, truck tracking, plant activity and customer history. Mobile — When that information is stored in “the cloud,” it can be accessed from anywhere via desktop computer. By providing one cloud-based database and designing software solutions that can each tap into that database, the technology provider enables users to access companywide data no matter which program they are using.
- Easy to maintain — It’s easier to adopt new technology when you don’t have to buy hardware or hire someone to maintain it. Your data, operational data, and customer information are populated into an industry-standard database housed on a secure cloud server. This database, filled with all the producer’s information, is what the dispatch system taps into. Add-ons can be installed on legacy systems to help some systems “talk” to each other, but the data-transfer process typically results in additional time spent on data entry and redundant information living on multiple systems. When duplicate data becomes out of sync, employees must take steps to determine which database has the most current and accurate details.
- Secure — Advanced security measures are put in place to ensure information is protected from vulnerabilities in the cloud. Producers should look for a system that bears third-party security accreditation such as SOC 2 Type 2 certification, which signifies the highest standard of security and compliance within the industry.
The bottom line
A cloud-based ready mix dispatch system provides remote accessibility, security and integration–three features that are lacking in many legacy systems, says Craig Yeack, president and co-founder of BCMI. “Many of these dispatch systems are around 25 years old,” explains Yeack. “They were developed before smartphones came into existence and installed before internet access and Wi-Fi became common on jobsites. Even with updates, they are not equipped to seamlessly integrate with mobile technology, much less other stand-alone systems.”
Find more information about BCMI’s cloud-based concrete dispatch here.