Five steps to choosing the right construction software
By Dion Langness, Software Consultants
Delicious
DiggJust about every construction business requires the ability to accurately handle large amounts of data and manage a dispersed, mobile workforce while complying with regulations and maintaining security. Choosing the right software product(s) can provide the necessary capabilities and framework upon which a successful construction business can operate.
This article outlines the basic steps any construction company should follow before purchasing a construction software product. These steps apply to any construction management software product you are considering — estimating, job cost accounting, project management and scheduling, or even specialty applications designed for distinct segments of the industry.
Step 1. Pick a team -- The first step in any software selection is to look inside your company. Choosing a new software product is the start of a long-term relationship, and if your company's goals and resources aren't identified at the beginning that relationship can quickly sour. Choose someone to lead the process and identify everyone who should be involved. Don't forget to include the end users! If your company doesn't have the expertise, find a consultant who does.
Step 2. Create a plan -- Once your team is in place, it should first create a basic plan that answers the question, "Why does your company need this kind of software?"
The team should ask questions such as the following:
- Are you trying to solve problems caused by a lack of control and visibility into your company's functions?
- Are you trying to increase efficiency and profitability?
- Is your company ready to expand, or just trying to stay competitive?
You can't expect any construction software to do what you need until you know your needs and goals.
Step 3. Determine how much time and money you can spend -- Many construction companies take the list price of the software they are considering and add that as a budget line item, but the actual cost of a software package is much greater than the cost of the software itself. The actual cost can vary from several hundred dollars to hundreds of thousands.
Some of the additional expenses you will incur include the following:
- Implementation costs
- Additional staff or consultants if you lack the required IT expertise in-house
- Integration with existing systems or processes
- Downtime during implementation
- Hardware and network upgrades if your current infrastructure can't support the new product
- Training
- Maintenance and upgrades
Make sure you take all these factors into consideration and develop budgets for costs and time, and examine their effects on your business.
Step 4. Find solution(s) -- Once you've completed your plan and you know what your company is trying to achieve by purchasing a new software product, you need to find out which products might be right for your company. Make some calls and find out what other businesses like yours are using to achieve the results you desire.
Some questions to ask include:
- What product did they select and why?
- Does it fit their current needs and budget?
- Do they think it will allow for growth and change in the future?
- Is their software easy to use and compatible with your own?
Once you have your short list, it's time to contact the vendors and give them a detailed list of your needs. Providing an RFI or RFP is a good idea. Make sure to ask vendors what kind of implementation and ongoing support they provide. Request a list of their customers with businesses similar to yours for customer reviews. Always ask for a demo, and make sure to involve the potential end users of the product in evaluations and demos.
Step 5. Don't let construction software become "shelfware" -- Even the best software is worthless if no one uses it. Make sure everyone is properly trained and on-board with the new system. If the selection process was carried out properly, with managers and end users involved from the start, everyone should be looking forward to using the new product to make their jobs easier while improving the company's bottom line.
Conclusion -- The appropriate construction software can save time and money, reduce (or eliminate) errors, assist your company in future expansion and growth, and keep you competitive in a tough market. In order to ensure that you have chosen the software that is right for your company, these steps should be considered.