In addition to his responsibilities as the CEO of Foundation Software, Fred Ode finds some time to do a little blogging on Construction Business News and Views by Fred. His latest post features a rather lengthy Q&A session with Laurence C. (Larry) True, managing director of DR Construction Consultants LLC.

For the most part, the two discuss how construction software has progressed over the past 40 years. During this, True explains that the process has been more of an evolution than a revolution:

There are a lot more standardized software applications out there and a lot less custom work is being done. In other words, vendors have moved more toward software that is flexible and offers some leverage with set up options, and relates more to what the contractors will get out of it.

Another interesting topic they touch upon is how construction software can change the roles and responsibilities of employees within a firm. In some instances, the implementation may actually cause some employees' workloads to increase.

True provides a common scenario that occurs in which AP clerks may be asked to add a few more steps to their typical routine. He says it's important for managers to explain to such employees that, "although it may be ten minutes more work at the front end, what they don't realize is that they are saving about an hour of work at the other end of this process."

In the end, if you're interested in the computerization of the construction industry or how the software consultation process works, be sure to check this post out. If not, it's still fascinating to see two construction software heavyweights talk about the direction of the industry.