Reasons Subcontractors Love Integrated Construction Management Software

Reasons Subcontractors Love Integrated Construction Management Software

This is a great time to be in construction. There is so much demand for construction services that business is booming. Additionally, there is so much great technology to help you run your business effectively. Integrated construction management software helps many companies effectively manage their limited resources to managing growing demand. Even better is that many of the solutions are pretty reasonably priced. Long gone are the days of expensive and clunky enterprise construction management software, which traditionally reserved for large-sized construction companies.

Mobile apps and cloud-based solutions have democratized the industry to deliver valuable technology to contractors of all sizes. Some of the new technology includes software to manage plans and revisions, safety compliance, daily reports, and time keeping. The problem begins when companies begin to add different solutions to their technology stack. They have taken great strides into improving operations with some really cool tools. However, are they really being more efficient if the different solutions do not integrate?

Let us look at a time keeping solution. Sure, it is cool when an employee can clock in and out directly from their smartphone. However, if the time information only lives within the app is it that helpful? How does payroll and accounting receive the information for payroll? Alternatively, what about Project Managers? They can use that information as well in their project management solution to track project budgets in real time.

Bundling different solutions together does not work well unless they are integrated. However, you do not need to invest all your solutions into one vendor. Luckily, companies have made advancements to allow for integration between different solutions. Benefits of integrated construction management software include:

1. Best of breed software

Undoubtedly, there are some vendor solutions that have an entire set of modules for a company to run all of its operations. However, many of those all-in-one solutions are usually just really good at one thing (for example, Accounting). Therefore, all the other modules (such as estimating or project management) exist to serve the Accounting module. The functionality in the other modules may not be as deep, which is why best of breed software exists. Best of breed software provides for deeper technology on specific problem. Instead of trying at the surface level to solve all the problems, it provides a robust set of features toward its niche. When you can connect the data in your best of breed software, you can get all the benefits of an integrated construction management software without having any of your departments’ compromise their requirements.

2. Multi-pronged approach to implementation

While there is a technology boom in construction it can be very overwhelming for a company to adopt full-scale change. Biting off more than you can chew in terms of technology adoption will stretch your resources thin. Instead, we encourage customers to develop a multi-pronged approach to implementation. Implementing integrated construction management software may be overwhelming. Begin with just one workflow on one project, and then incrementally add on new modules. This will provide long-term value for your company.

3. No more duplicate data entry

Transitioning to integrated construction management software means that subcontractors no longer need to deal with redundant data entry. Many companies employ one to a handful of people just to manage the data entry of time cards, purchase orders, and more. Information can be captured once and shared with other systems and departments easily. Those employees who were previously devoted or spent time on data entry can have their time back. Managers can transition data entry employees to a more valuable activity.

4. Central repository of data

In addition to the time freed up from data entry, subcontractors will have freed up extra time from searching. Integrated construction management software provides a central repository of data and documentation so that employees are no longer wasting time searching for information. All project information, documentation, billings, etc. are stored in the software—not in an email inbox, computer, or filing cabinet.

5. Better customer service

With information so easily accessible, integrated construction management software allows subcontractors to improve their customer service skills. They will have to documentation and project information they need to communicate with general contractors, facility owners, suppliers, and other customers in a timely manner.

Integrated construction management software improves the efficiency of a contractor, but the greater value is when they can relay those benefits to their customers as well. Because in the end, it is the relationships that are important. Positive relationships with customers pays the bills and delivers more revenue-generating projects for a contractor.

How eSUB Can Help

eSUB is a cloud-based project management platform built especially for subcontractors. It seamlessly integrates with leading construction software systems so you can easily switch from your current RFI process to a cloud-based system to upgrade RFI process.

eSUB organizes all of your project information in one place, allows for smooth collaboration, and streamlines communication through its intuitive interface. It also works on your mobile, so you can track projects on the go—no matter where or when—and stay up-to-date.