What Architecture and Engineering Firms Need to Know Before Moving to the Cloud

Competition is rife among architecture and engineering (A&E) firms, especially as demand for innovative and sustainable designs continues to rise. The global architecture market is projected to reach $313 billion by 2027, underlining the high stakes in this industry for firms that combine creativity with technological advancements. 

The U.S. architectural services market, valued at $73 billion in 2023, is growing steadily, driven by healthcare and industrial development sectors. With more than 73,000 active architectural firms, most of which are small businesses, companies must constantly innovate to stay ahead.  

Remaining Competitive in an Evolving Industry 

In light of this stiff competition, A&E companies increasingly turn to cloud technology to maintain their edge. Cloud migration offers a variety of benefits, including: 

With growing demands for better collaboration, flexibility and innovation, the shift to the cloud is no longer optional—it’s vital. However, the transition comes with its own set of challenges and considerations. Here’s what A&E firms need to know before making this critical move. 

Why Cloud Migration is Essential for A&E Firms 

The A&E industry thrives on collaboration. Architects, engineers and project managers often work from different locations but must collaborate seamlessly to complete projects. Cloud technology enables teams to access the same data and applications from any location, providing real-time collaboration.  

According to the 2023 PAC report, 79% of professional services firms, including A&E companies, still rely heavily on legacy systems. This figure is also up from 71% the previous year, highlighting the urgency for firms to modernize their technology infrastructure. This dependence has become a significant roadblock to driving innovation. 

Since these older systems are often incompatible with cloud-based solutions, firms need to find creative ways to modernize their technology. Companies can overcome this challenge by partnering with a cloud provider that understands the specific needs of A&E firms and migrates seamlessly without disrupting ongoing projects. 

As the requirement for innovation increases, adopting these cloud-based systems will allow A&E firms to leverage powerful tools for flexibility, scalability and enhanced project management.  

Key Considerations for a Successful Cloud Migration 

While the benefits of moving to the cloud are clear, the transition must be carefully planned. Companies must take several important factors into account to ensure a seamless and successful move. 

Data is the backbone of any A&E firm. Ensuring that critical information is securely migrated without loss or corruption is essential, so firms need to have internal protocols in place to safeguard sensitive project data. Plus, cloud providers offer robust security features, to help ensure a smooth and complete migration of data.  

Switching to cloud-based systems is a significant change for employees who are accustomed to working with traditional software. Without proper training and support, staff may struggle to adapt. A strong change management strategy that includes employee training and clear communication is key to ensuring a smooth transition and setting teams up for success. Firms that invest in effective change management during cloud transitions see faster and more successful adoption of new technologies. 

A&E firms must also consider industry-specific compliance standards when moving to the cloud. Regulations related to data privacy, security and project management can vary depending on the region and type of project. Ensuring compliance with these standards prevents costly legal issues and protects the firm’s reputation. 

Advantages of Cloud Migration for A&E Firms 

The benefits of cloud migration extend far beyond enhanced collaboration. Key advantages include: 

Increased Collaboration and Flexibility 

With cloud-based systems, employees can access the same data from multiple locations, enabling real-time collaboration. This is especially beneficial for projects across cities or countries, where team members must work together despite geographical barriers. 

Scalability 

Cloud services enable organizations to adjust their resources in real time, ensuring optimal performance without over-provisioning or under-utilizing resources. Some cloud platforms even offer auto-scaling features that automatically increase or decrease resource allocation, such as computing power, storage and bandwidth, based on usage needs. This flexibility allows businesses to meet growing user demands while only paying for the resources they consume, making cloud services highly cost-effective and efficient for both small and large-scale operations. 

Improved Competitive Edge 

Firms that adopt cloud technology can more easily stay ahead of the competition. By leveraging the latest tools and platforms, A&E companies can complete projects more efficiently and with greater precision, giving them a competitive edge in a crowded marketplace. 

Reaping the Benefits of Cloud Migration 

Cloud migration is essential for architecture and engineering firms looking to maintain their competitive edge. However, the move to the cloud must be carefully planned, with a focus on maintaining data integrity, managing change effectively, and ensuring compliance with industry standards. By addressing these key areas, A&E firms can enjoy the benefits of cloud technology, including better collaboration, cost savings and increased innovation. 

Bryce Wolf is a Senior Manager of Industry Solutions at Unit4 and is responsible for the delivery of Unit4’s product strategy for our strategic verticals. He is responsible for the delivery of Unit4’s PSO Industry Models and MESH, and works closely with Product Directors to ensure a complete end to end solution for Professional Services Organizations. Bryce has experience in consulting and product strategy at Oracle+NetSuite, JDA Software, FinancialForce, and management consulting firms prior to joining Unit4 in 2021.