In the dynamic world of subcontracting, safeguarding profits and effectively managing claims are critical to sustaining a thriving business. We recently had the pleasure of speaking with Andee, a seasoned subcontractor and an active member of the eSUB Customer Advisory Board (CAB), who shared invaluable insights on how eSUB Cloud has transformed her company’s operations.

Building the Right Tools for the Job

Andee’s approach to using eSUB is rooted in a simple yet powerful philosophy: don’t just build a hammer, understand the nail. In other words, eSUB Cloud isn’t just a one-size-fits-all solution; it’s tailored to meet the specific needs of subcontractors.

“One size doesn’t fit all, but eSUB kind of does,” Andee noted. As a subcontractor, she emphasized the importance of having a tool that integrates project management, claims management, financial oversight, and craft management. “The impact on our business is that we have better visibility of our margins, we have better visibility on our business, not just the project.” 

The Importance of Claims Management

For Andee, the claims aspect of eSUB Cloud is particularly crucial. She highlighted that while project management is essential, managing claims is equally vital for protecting profits and ensuring fair compensation for delays and disruptions.

“You see how this project came together or didn’t. And you see all the issues involved in it. All these images mean something to me. They don’t necessarily mean something to you, but in the course of putting a claim together, it does matter,”

Andee Hidalgo, Founder and CEO of Spearhead Construction

“You see how this project came together or didn’t. And you see all the issues involved in it. All these images mean something to me. They don’t necessarily mean something to you, but in the course of putting a claim together, it does matter,”  Andee shared, emphasizing the importance of field notes in eSUB and linking them to real-time issues in the field. This capability has been instrumental in justifying reimbursement for delays and disruptions, ultimately protecting her company’s bottom line.

Real-Time Data and Collaboration

Andee also praised eSUB Cloud for its real-time data synchronization and intuitive interface, which have streamlined communication and collaboration across her team. “It’s incredibly elegant and intuitive,” she said, adding that the ability to generate professional reports and access real-time project visibility has been a game-changer.

Learning and Growing with eSUB’s Customer Advisory Board (CAB)

Being a part of the eSUB CAB has been an enlightening experience for Andee. The collaborative environment allows members to share best practices and learn from each other’s experiences, which in turn informs the development of eSUB Cloud.

“I think it’s also educating people to improve business practices and workflows,” Andee remarked, noting that the exchange of ideas within the CAB has led to tangible improvements in the software, directly benefiting the broader user base.

Why eSUB Stands Out

Despite the myriad of software options available, Andee remains committed to eSUB for its subcontractor-focused approach. “I like that separation,” she said, referring to the clear distinction between subcontractor and general contractor data. This focus ensures that subcontractors’ data is secure and their needs are prioritized.

Additionally, eSUB’s emphasis on risk management and the ability to handle complex claims processes sets it apart from other platforms. “We place a great deal of importance on the contemporaneous Field Notes that accompany images from the field.  Our Foremen can easily dictate a description of an image into his phone, and the office is instantly aware of the issue. 

“Our Foreman can easily dictate a description of an image into his phone, and the office is instantly aware of the issue.”

Andee Hidalgo, Founder and CEO of Spearhead Construction

Additionally, we rely heavily on the Correspondence Toolbox, which offers pre-populated templates for drafting contractual correspondence, such as Notices. Attaching a professional Field Note document to a timely Notice has become a Best Practice for Spearhead’s risk management.  A claim will not survive without concrete documentation, and thanks to eSUB’s capabilities, we have comprehensive records at our fingertips when needed,” Andee said, highlighting how critical these features are for her company’s operations.

The Future with eSUB Fusion

Looking ahead, Andee is optimistic about the continued evolution of eSUB Cloud. She is particularly excited about the fusion version, which promises even greater integration and usability. “It’s far more robust,” she noted, anticipating that the new features will further streamline workflows and reduce the need for workarounds.

Conclusion

Andee’s experience with eSUB Cloud underscores the platform’s significant impact on profit protection and claims management for subcontractors. By providing tailored solutions, real-time data, and a collaborative approach between field supervision and project management,  eSUB Cloud empowers subcontractors to manage their projects more effectively and protect their profits.

“It’s hard enough to be a subcontractor. It’s a relief to have a professional platform to manage each project in detail and then be able to pull back for a bird’s eye view of the entire business.”

Andee Hidalgo, Founder and CEO of Spearhead Construction

As Andee succinctly put it, “It’s hard enough to be a subcontractor. It’s a relief to have a professional platform to manage each project in detail and then be able to pull back for a bird’s eye view of the entire business.” For subcontractors looking to elevate their business operations, eSUB Cloud offers a comprehensive and reliable solution.