Procore, Autodesk Build, and PlanGrid are all cloud-native and mobile-first. Their primary IT requirements are reliable mobile device management (MDM) for field tablets and phones, adequate cellular or Wi-Fi connectivity at jobsites, bandwidth for large drawing uploads (100MB+ files are common), and secure access controls for project data. On-premise software (older Timberline/Sage, some Viewpoint deployments) requires additional server infrastructure.
Why Construction IT Is Different From Office IT
Most construction companies run two parallel IT environments: the office (standard business IT) and the field (mobile, intermittent connectivity, ruggedized devices, outdoor conditions). Project management software must work in both — and the field environment is where it most often fails.
The dominant platforms — Procore, Autodesk Build (formerly BIM 360 and PlanGrid), and CMiC — are all designed with mobile-first architectures. But "mobile-first" doesn't mean they work without IT planning. The IT requirements are different, not simpler.
Procore IT Requirements
Procore is the most widely used construction project management platform, covering project management, financial management, and field execution in a single system:
- Internet requirement: Procore is entirely cloud-based. There's no on-premise option. Project data syncs when connectivity is available; Procore has limited offline functionality for the mobile app but requires connectivity for most features.
- Bandwidth for drawings: Procore stores and delivers large drawing files (PDF sets, 50–500MB per project). Field teams downloading full drawing sets need adequate cellular data or jobsite Wi-Fi. Slow connections cause timeout errors and frustrated field staff.
- Mobile devices: Procore works on iOS and Android. IT must manage devices — MDM enrollment, automatic app updates, and remote wipe capability. Shared tablets on jobsites need device management to prevent data exposure when devices are lost or change hands.
- Authentication: Procore supports SSO via Azure AD and Okta. Enforcing MFA through your identity provider is the recommended approach for larger firms.
- Integrations: Procore integrates with Sage, Viewpoint, QuickBooks, and other financial platforms. These integrations require API configuration and periodic maintenance when either platform updates its API.
Autodesk Build (formerly BIM 360 / PlanGrid) IT Requirements
Autodesk Build combines BIM 360's project management with PlanGrid's field productivity tools into a single platform:
- BIM file handling: If your firm uses BIM (Revit, Navisworks), model files can be hundreds of megabytes to multiple gigabytes. Uploading and working with these files requires both bandwidth and processing power on workstations. Autodesk recommends dedicated workstation-class hardware for BIM work, not standard business laptops.
- Autodesk Desktop Connector: Desktop Connector syncs Autodesk cloud files to local storage for use in Revit and AutoCAD. It requires Windows 10+ and creates background sync processes that need to be managed. On slow systems or with large projects, sync can cause performance issues.
- Collaboration: Real-time collaboration in BIM 360/Build requires all users to have Autodesk accounts and appropriate licenses. License management — provisioning, deprovisioning departing staff — is an ongoing IT task.
Sage 300 Construction and Real Estate / Timberline IT Requirements
Many established construction firms still run on Sage 300 CRE (formerly Timberline). This is an on-premise platform with significant IT requirements:
- Windows Server 2019+, SQL Server 2019+ (or Sage's bundled Pervasive database for smaller installations)
- Shared network folders for document storage — requires reliable file server with fast local storage (SSD)
- Remote access for field use requires Citrix, Remote Desktop Services, or VPN configuration
- Regular Sage-specific database maintenance (different from standard SQL Server maintenance)
- Sage updates must be tested before deployment — Sage has historically required care around update timing due to compatibility issues
Jobsite Connectivity: The Field IT Challenge
Field connectivity is where construction IT most often fails. Options by jobsite type:
- Cellular hotspots: Most practical for small jobsites. Business-grade hotspots (Cradlepoint, Pepwave) provide more reliable performance than consumer devices. Budget $80–150/month per hotspot for adequate data plans.
- Temporary fixed wireless: For larger jobsites where field teams need more bandwidth (downloading large drawing sets, video monitoring), fixed wireless internet from local ISPs or temporary tower installations provide more consistent throughput.
- Starlink for construction: Starlink Business is increasingly used on remote construction sites where cellular coverage is poor. Provides 50–200Mbps download at most locations.
Security Considerations for Construction Project Data
Construction project data has significant value: building plans, security system layouts, access control configurations, and owner financial information. Security requirements:
- Role-based access: subcontractors on Procore should only see their specific scope, not full project financial data or security system drawings
- Device management: field tablets must be enrolled in MDM for remote wipe capability — devices are frequently lost or stolen on jobsites
- Subcontractor accounts: external subcontractors with Procore access should have their own credentials tied to their email addresses, not shared logins
See our guide on construction company data backup for protecting CAD files and project documents specifically.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can field crews use Procore without internet access?
Procore's mobile app has limited offline functionality — users can view previously downloaded content and take some actions that sync when connectivity returns. However, most Procore workflows require connectivity, particularly anything involving real-time collaboration, RFI submittals, or document viewing. Plan for cellular connectivity at jobsites.
How do I handle departing employees who had access to Procore and project files?
Immediately disable their Procore account, revoke company device MDM enrollment, and change any shared credentials they may have known. Review their recent activity for unusual downloads. For subcontractors who leave a project, remove their access rather than leaving dormant accounts active.
Should I use Procore or a lower-cost alternative for a small construction firm?
Procore is priced for general contractors and larger firms ($600–$1,200+/month). Smaller firms should evaluate Buildertrend (residential), CoConstruct (custom home builders), or Fieldwire (field-focused) before committing to Procore's price point. The IT requirements are similar across cloud-native platforms.