Should I outsource drones or buy the equipment for my construction company?
This is a central question around the hot topic of drone technology in construction today. So which option is better? The truth is, the answer is different for every company, but we’ve taken the time to break down some of the key essential questions that will help aid in the decision making process. Let’s take a look:
What are the benefits of outsourcing drone equipment?
Outsourcing drone equipment comes with many benefits. One of the primary benefits is the removal of liability. When outsourcing, the liability is shifted away from your firm. Instead, all the legal requirements are on the company in which you outsource to, and you are not held accountable. This allows construction firms to have immense peace of mind as the legalities surrounding drone technology from the FAA are quite hard to navigate.
Another benefit of outsourcing is that you have the ability to use the latest and greatest equipment. You get both updated hardware and software, as well as operators without the need to develop anything internally or purchase additional assets. If you are a person who wants access to the data that drones provide but don’t actually care about the technology behind it, this choice is a real contender.
What are the benefits of buying my own drone equipment?
If you are a company who is strictly looking to capture simple images and videos, this is a great option. By buying, you get more control over the technology and it can cost a lot less (potentially, if it’s on a small scale). Also, if you have significant technological assets in house and a team who can handle the technology, then this is a great choice. This option works very well for small construction companies looking to do simple things.
What’s the difference between buying and outsourcing?
The difference between buying and outsourcing lies in two main components: liability & use of the technology. For small General Contractors who want to take photos and videos to share with stakeholders on small sites, buying is an appealing choice. But, you are then liable for anything that happens with that drone. For small sites, the risk factors are low, but it is still something to consider. On bigger projects, risks then become an issue, so liability is something you need to worry about.
The other difference is what you want the technology to do. Like we mentioned, if you want drones to just take simple pictures and videos, buying a drone is a good option. But if you are a large company who is looking to automate tasks, reduce labor and really harness the information, outsourcing drones will allow you to do this seamlessly.
I’m not that tech savvy. Is one option better than the other for me?
Outsourcing. Think of it this way: do what you do best, and outsource the rest. It takes a large amount of time to learn the technology and legalities, especially if you are not tech savvy, and you don’t need to waste time doing something that isn’t what you specialize in. By outsourcing, you let the other guys worry about what needs to be done, and you simply just use the data collected in any way you need.
Is it expensive to outsource?
There is no clear cut answer. It could be expensive and it could be affordable. The thing you have to do here is define your goal.
What is your goal? What do you want the drones to do?
- To reduce superintendents on-site and capture data quickly and efficiently?
- To use drones to make the company cutting edge?
- Are you looking to take pictures?
The first and second option can be expensive, while the third option should be affordable. As you can see, the cost changes with your goals. So first define what you need before you consider outsourcing.
Is it expensive to buy?
If you are looking to purchase a single drone, there are decent models that are very affordable. But, if you are looking to buy drones that measure data autonomously (without needing human aid), it can be very expensive. Another thing to keep in mind is that you will need a certificate to fly your drones, and that will cost you some money.
Which one is more cost effective for my business?
Again, it depends on what you’re looking to use drones for in your business. If you want to communicate progress on small sites through photos and videos, buying is probably more cost effective. If you want to operate drones on multiple sites and automate, then outsource. There is more capabilities with that option.
Which one is better for my business?
There is no one size fits all answer. This Q&A should help you get a good footing for what kind of decision you want to make. Again, remember to ask yourself: What is my goal? What am I looking to do with this technology? When you answer that, you can start to build a plan for decision making around that.
If you have any additional questions, please feel free to comment below or contact us at sales@zbrella.com
*ZBRELLA is in no way associated with any drone companies, and the information above reflects our personal opinion on drone technology. We are simply a tech consulting firm who is passionate about tech & educating construction companies!
Leave a Reply