Page 75 - IEC Insights Sept-Oct21
P. 75
SaaS Can Help Prevent Cyberattacks electrical contractors should invest in SaaS serve a wide range of businesses. Because
of this, SaaS models can be offered with
versions of software. Due to its adaptable
Against Construction Companies nature, SaaS provides electrical contractors a lower startup cost than traditional
with an abundance of other benefits: software. It’s common for SaaS models to
Cyberattacks may not seem like a remote accessibility, saving time and provide companies different tiered options,
major concern for smaller to mid-sized helping create a more efficient workplace. where they can select what works best for
contractors, but the most recent IBM Cost them based on their unique needs. This
of a Data Breach Report 2021 suggests Remote Accessibility provides flexibility in selecting the right
that it should be of concern to all business software option and eliminates the fear of
owners. According to the report, the One convenient feature of a SaaS model over-paying for unneeded features.
average data breach cost across all is it provides users the ability to work
industries rose from $3.86 million to $4.24 from relatively any location. This aspect is With a software vendor hosting a
million in 2021, the highest average total especially crucial to a company’s success company’s SaaS application, the need
cost in the 17-year history of the report. 1 when unexpected changes occur, like the to invest in expensive equipment or hire
lockdowns that resulted because of the a dedicated IT staff are both eliminated.
One crucial step construction companies pandemic in 2020. Even when employees Contractors also will not need to purchase
can take to arm themselves in the fight are working remotely from their homes, or maintain on-site servers. This means
against cyberattacks is boosting their they benefit from having secure access to companies can save money by avoiding
security through SaaS. With vendors the data they need. the cost of employing and training IT
making sure servers and software are kept experts, and not having to purchase their
up to date and any potential vulnerabilities Being able to access software remotely own on-site equipment.
patched, preventing cyberattacks also makes it easier to share data with
becomes easier, especially for contractors fellow colleagues. For electrical contractors, SaaS is Becoming the New Standard
without a strict cybersecurity policy. SaaS the remote access offered by SaaS models
models are effective enough to contain allow employees to easily share items such for Construction Companies
cyberattacks that, according to the IBM as estimates and designs digitally with SaaS models of software offer many
report, organizations with SaaS or cloud- one another, significantly speeding up the
modernization in place contained data process. Gone are the days of having to advantages, especially to electrical
contractors looking to operate through
breaches on average 77 days faster than travel to the office to hand over physical
those without. print outs and paper sheets. an adaptable, secure software. Switching
2
to SaaS can help ease the flow of day-
If a construction company experiences SaaS Saves Contractors to-day operations, improve the way
restricted access to its pertinent data, data is processed and make working
this could result in missed deadlines, Time and Money possible from relatively any location.
lost profits and unexpected expenses. Unlike traditional software, SaaS is based When a company adopts a SaaS model of
Implementing a SaaS model of software on subscriptions and allows contractors software, they are allowing themselves to
can help a company take preventative the option to pay a monthly fee instead focus on what really matters — the growth
measures against cyberattacks and help of a hefty amount up front. This feature and expansion of the business.
ensure secure access to confidential provides contractors the flexibility to
company data. Much like electrical get the latest software applications Paul Wheaton is the Vice President of Sales
contractors are experts in the construction without having to invest a large sum for McCormick Systems, A Foundation
field, SaaS vendors are trusted of money. Typically, SaaS models Software Company. He’s worked closely
professionals with expertise on keeping also don’t have a set end-of-life like with new product development and is on
data secure. the front line of computerized estimating,
traditional software models — potentially
leading to further savings down the digital takeoff and project management.
Additional Benefits of SaaS road. For contractors, this means SaaS He brings over 17 years of industry
for Electrical Contractors models are always kept current and experience and expertise. Paul holds a
generally won’t need to be repurchased B.S. in Business Management and is PM
While keeping company data secure is when a new version is released. certified. He’s also been a guest speaker at
one of the most prominent benefits of numerous conferences, trade association
SaaS, there are a myriad of other reasons Due to their adaptability, SaaS models can meetings and led numerous webinars
on estimating and PM technology.
1, 2 IBM. “Cost of a Data Breach Report 2021.” Accessed August 12, 2021. https://www.ibm.com/security/data-breach
www.ieci.org | September/October 2021 | Insights Magazine 73