Recent studies comparing technology use in construction vs. other industries indicate that construction companies are not readily adopting currently-available technology. It has been suggested that that will have to change if they are going to keep up with the times and remain competitive. What is it about the industry and the technology that makes some construction companies reluctant to adopt construction management software?
Thousands of apps
Thousands of apps on the market address construction topics and challenges. But perhaps that’s part of the problem. It’s a mess of disparate applications that lack interoperability or common navigation.
Technologists tend to be myopic in their approach to problem-solving. They may know their technology, but they may not understand the challenges of construction project management. They may not understand construction data relationships and dependencies or see the big picture of what project management really encompasses. They may not realize that construction project management must sync with the construction operations management side of the business.
Ask yourself these questions:
- How many applications do you use every day to manage construction projects?
- How many of them are integrated or interoperable?
- How many have a common menu/navigation or seamlessly share content?
- What is that costing you in productivity?
Here’s a list of some of the disparate systems you might be using for various construction management tasks:
Estimating – Excel Spreadsheets, Word for proposal, database programs, Cloud programs
Forms– Word for contracts, letters, notices, cloud apps, databases
Scheduling software such as MS Project Scheduling or Primavera P6
Time Sheets – programs, local apps, spreadsheets, paper
Communications – Outlook email, faxes, cloud forum/portals, Dropbox, SharePoint
Billing – Excel Spreadsheets, Word, Cloud apps
Job Costing – spreadsheets, accounting systems, standalone project management
Forecasting – spreadsheets, Job Cost accounting, guesswork
Documents – File folders, SharePoint, standalone programs, cloud programs
Most users find that very few apps integrate or have interoperability. Most lack a similar interface or navigation. Because software varies so greatly and can be complex, most users learn only what they need to do their particular tasks.
What if a construction management solution could integrate all those tasks in a format familiar to users?
Skills and training
Another reason construction companies may not be adopting construction management technology has to do with skills and training. Unfortunately, some companies want to cut down the cost of the technology by cutting the consulting/training budget, hoping their staff will be able to figure out the new software by trial and error. That leads to a lot of error and wasted time, which is also wasted money.
There is a lot of marketing emphasis on how easy cloud-based applications are to use. That may be true to some extent. But any new technology has a learning curve, and skimping on training will have your team missing deadlines, frustrated, and unproductive while trying to figure things out on their own. Some applications require more skills training and regular ongoing refresher training to keep up.
There’s a saying; if it were easy, everyone would do it. That applies to onboarding new technology. The statistics show that in the construction industry, everyone is not doing it. That is, they are not adopting the construction management technology that could help them reach their goals and grow their business.
Training involves more than using the software; it is about how to use what the software does and apply it to critical decision-making. You will not learn that in a video tutorial. You’ll only get it from experienced consultants who understand the software, your industry, and your business processes.
A Solution that Works
Look at Microsoft’s Dynamics group (the application software side of Microsoft). Seamless interoperability is the driving force behind Microsoft’s strategic application development. They are well on their way to leading the industry in seamless integration and holistic solutions. The Dynamics 365 application platform is a great model example.
How can construction companies use that platform and strategy? Look, for example, at IPM Global Project Management, a Dynamics 365 Business Central application solution, and learn what integration can mean.
IPM Construction Management Software
IPM Construction Management is a scalable and fully integrated construction/project management software tool built for businesses within the construction, engineering, and project-based industries.
IPM delivers a 360-degree real-time view of projects, job tasks, and operations – combined with extensive reporting and back-end financial information. Powered by Microsoft Power Apps to provide comprehensive document and contract management features, IPM is supported by native integration with Microsoft 365, including Office 365.
IPM was developed with users in mind so that it is quick to learn and easy to use, making it the construction/project management software tool that staff will want to use. IPM Construction Management Software brings all your tools under one roof for increased efficiency and productivity and for those in the field there is a customizable app.
Don’t let disparate systems and unconnected islands of information hinder your construction management operations, making it difficult for your suppliers, subcontractors, and clients.
Find out how to integrate your existing mission-critical applications with a “single source of all project truth” solution. To learn more about IPM Construction Management Software or request a demo, contact our experts at IPM Global.
By IPM Global, ipmglobal.net
The post How the Construction Industry Can Make Better Use of Construction Management Software appeared first on ERP Software Blog.
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