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Month: August 2021

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Tips for Using Construction Software to Improve Performance

Construction companies upgrade their construction software for lots of reasons. One of the main reasons being to improve, you guessed it, performance. This includes being more profitable and more efficient, both in the field and the office. There are many ways to improve performance working with construction software, including choosing the right software, getting an ERP solution, changing processes, gathering data, and using analytics.

1. Get the right software for your business

One size software does not fit all. Before selecting construction software for your company, you need to do research to make sure you’re selecting the program that is best for your company. Get something too simple, and you’ll quickly outgrow it. Get something too complex, and you’ll never use it properly or understand what the data is trying to tell you.

Start by assessing your current system, even if you’re still using spreadsheets. Determine what’s missing and what information you wish you had. Shop around and look at multiple software options. Don’t rush this process or you’ll quickly be overwhelmed by all the information you receive. Look for software that allows for flexibility and growth in your company and the data you collect. You’ll want to be able to grow into the software and still have it serve you several years down the road.

Choose the software package that best suits your needs and gives you the most options for additional data collection. Some software packages target specific contractor types or are better suited for certain trades. Choose one that fits your company and the work it does, both now and into the future. Choosing the right software lays the groundwork for improving your performance and improving efficiency.

2. Get an ERP

An ERP software program, or enterprise resource planning, offers companies a holistic view of their operations and finances. In the construction world, it combines project management and accounting into one solution that is linked by data. This type of software solves a critical missing link in construction – it links the office to the field. Information entered in one area can be immediately seen by the other, making real-time decision-making possible.

ERPs have several advantages over standalone accounting software, including the ability to see data in real time, integrated data, and a larger view of company performance. All of these allow management to assess and act on trends in the business. They can spot problems both in the field and the office and proactively address them.

3. Don’t be afraid to change

New software often brings new processes. No software program does things the same way as another, and companies need to be flexible in changing their processes. Using the software’s process will improve efficiency and avoid extra work. It can also allow for additional data collection, which can be beneficial in assessing productivity.

New software provides the opportunity to learn more about the company and its processes through the collection of additional data. Even though the company hasn’t collected certain data in the past doesn’t mean you can’t learn from the information.

4. Gather data

Data is key when it comes to improving performance in construction. By being able to gather data from both the field and the office, management can assess performance companywide and make improvements to increase efficiencies and improve performance. Without this data, management must rely on anecdotal evidence and assumptions about what is happening on site.

When companies gather more data, they have an opportunity to learn more about the company. With limited information available, management has to make assumptions to fill in the gaps. But with concrete information coming from the field, management can monitor both growth and performance in real-time, allowing them to make better decisions.

5. Use analytics

Analytics help companies predict future outcomes based on past events. The more data the company has available for analysis, the better the predictions are. Since construction software allows for the collection of data from the field and office, analytics can provide insight for both areas and allow project managers and company management to make better strategic decisions.

Analytics can predict incidents and problems ahead of time, like forecasting the possibility of safety incidents depending on the type of work being performed. This proactive response helps prevent problems and allows companies to improve performance and increase efficiency.

Conclusion

If your company is looking to increase efficiency and improve its performance, construction software is a key part of that journey. Start by making sure you have the right software for your situation by assessing multiple options before deciding. If it makes sense for your company, select an ERP solution that connects the office to the field. Don’t be afraid to change your internal processes to match the software’s procedures. Gather as much data as you can and use analytics to help you predict outcomes for your business. Premier Construction Software has all the tools you need to improve your key performance measurements. Contact us to request a demonstration.

To learn more about how you can improve performance with a construction software, schedule a call with our team for a live demonstration.

Author Biography:

Dawn Killough is a construction writer with over 20 years of experience with construction payments, from the perspectives of subcontractors and general contractors. Dawn has held roles such as a staff accountant, green building advisor, project assistant, and contract administrator.  Her work for general contractors, design firms, and subcontractors has even led to the publication of blogs on several construction tech websites and her book, Green Building Design 101.

 

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5 Tips for Successful Construction Software Implementation

For those of you who might just be starting off in the construction industry or have even been in the construction game for quite some time – implementing new construction software is a tough task for any team. While we try to make the transition process as easy as possible here at Premier Construction Software, there’s no getting around the amount of work that’s required. However, there are some things you can do to make the transition process smoother and as pain-free as possible. Here are 5 tips to help make your construction software implementation a success!

1. Clean up your data

There’s no reason to transfer inaccurate data to your new software system. It’s a waste of time and money to deal with data you don’t need. Cleaning up your data before you begin implementation will save you time in the long run.

Start by reviewing all of your data for accuracy. You’ll want to make sure everything is as accurate as possible before transferring it to the new system. If adjustments need to be made, make them in the old system, so your data in the new system is clean. For example, write off all your bad debt before transferring your accounts receivable balances.

The next step to cleaning up your data is to delete or inactivate old customers and vendors. If there’s been no activity in more than a year, it’s safe to delete or inactivate them. You can always add them back to the new system.

2. Be willing to change your processes

Each software system has its own workflow. Trying to implement an old workflow with new software is not efficient. Most software workflows are designed for efficiency and to ensure that the data gets where it needs to go. By circumventing the prescribed workflow, you’re adding time and frustration for your employees.

New processes can bring efficiency and effectiveness to your data processing. Work with the processes in the software until the software is fully implemented and you understand the system. Then, if the process still doesn’t work for you, you can change things.

3. Test new features with a small group

When bringing new features online, it’s best to test them with a small group of employees first before rolling them out to everyone. Choose the key employees for that feature or your most adaptable workers to be guinea pigs.

Use the small team to test the process and work out the bugs before going live to everyone. Gather feedback from the team and adjust your process or software set up as needed to improve efficiency. Work with customer service for your new software to develop the best workflow for your company.

4. Communicate

You’ll want to maintain an open dialogue with the initial testing group and the team implementing the new software package. You’ll need honest feedback so you can adjust processes or software setup to get the most from your investment.

You’ll also want to keep your whole team updated on the status of the implementation. Let them know when you expect to roll the new software out and how testing is going. Everyone will want to know when and how they will be affected by the new program. Don’t keep them in the dark.

5. Persevere

Remember that any change will bring growing pains. Employees may get frustrated when they don’t know how to do something, tasks may take longer, and information may be difficult to retrieve for a while. Most of these inconveniences will fade away as workers gain experience with the software.

During the implementation process you may be tempted to go back to the old system but remember that change is messy and doesn’t come without some growing pains. Keep persevering, knowing that the rewards won’t be immediate, but they will come. Everything will take longer in the beginning, but as employees learn how to perform tasks and retrieve information, efficiency will improve.

Conclusion

Implementing new software is a process that takes time. Have patience with your team and try to implement as many of these tips as you can, and you’ll have a better experience. Clean your data, be willing to adjust your processes to fit the software, use a small group to test new features, and communicate and persevere. If you do all these things, you’ll have a smooth transition and be up and running live in no time.

Author Biography:

Dawn Killough is a construction writer with over 20 years of experience with construction payments, from the perspectives of subcontractors and general contractors. Dawn has held roles such as a staff accountant, green building advisor, project assistant, and contract administrator.  Her work for general contractors, design firms, and subcontractors has even led to the publication of blogs on several construction tech websites and her book, Green Building Design 101.

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ERP Vs. Construction Accounting Software

What’s the difference between ERP and Construction Accounting Software?

If you’re starting to feel like your construction accounting software is reaching its limits, and you’re working countless hours trying to marry data from separate systems, it may be time to look at an ERP solution.

In this article, we’ll list the capabilities of accounting software versus ERPs, talk about some benefits of ERPs, let you know when it may be time to move to an ERP, and finally give you a couple of tips to make the transition smoother.

Construction accounting software capabilities

Most construction accounting software packages include similar capabilities. Some are part of the base software package, while others may be available as an additional service.

Construction ERP System Capabilities

An ERP, or enterprise resource planning, the software package is focused on overall business risk management. It provides a more cohesive picture of the entire business and its activities, not just the financial portion. A construction ERP system will have the following capabilities:

Benefits of ERPs

Besides the additional features listed above, ERP software packages provide several advantages over traditional construction accounting software.

Increased organizational efficiency – ERPs improve resource use throughout the company, leading to greater efficiencies, saving time and money.

Integrated systems – Data no longer has to be manually transferred from one system to another to get an overall picture of the company’s health.

Common database – Everyone in the company uses a common database to record and search for transactions and communications. There’s only one place to look for a piece of information or data, saving hours of lost search time.

Real-time data – Project team members and management have access to live data to assess situations and take proactive action when needed. They don’t have to wait for reports to be run or data to be collated.

Common user interface – Since everyone’s using the same software, everyone has a similar user experience, simplifying SOP development and training.

Ability to collect and compare metrics – Managers across departments can pull reports at any time to compare the information with other departments or gain new business insights. Data relationships may be discovered that hadn’t previously been noticed due to data silos.

A complete view of business performance – Management dashboards provide real-time data on business performance across departments and divisions, allowing managers to see patterns and interdepartmental trends.

Scalability – ERP systems are able to handle large amounts of data, so companies don’t have to upgrade again in a few years. The ERP system will grow with them.

Collaboration – When everyone is using the same system, team collaboration is improved and made easier. Members can review documents at the same time and discuss changes or action plans as needed.

When to move to an ERP

There are several signs that it may be time to move from construction accounting software to an ERP solution, like Jonas Premier Construction Software.

  1. You’re using separate databases/spreadsheets/software that requires manual data management between systems. Entering data manually into different systems increases the chance for human error and incorrect data.
  2. You’re using out-of-date information and analytics to make business decisions. Without real-time data on the status of projects and financial information, you’re flying blind when it comes to making important business decisions.
  3. Daily processes are time-consuming. If workers are spending hours performing duplicate work or searching for documents, they are losing time and the business is losing money.
  4. Your customer experience is suffering. If estimators aren’t following up with customers, or projects are getting lost in the shuffle, your customers will find someone else whose systems are more efficient.

Tips for converting to an ERP system

If you decide to convert from a construction accounting software to an ERP system, there are a couple of mindset changes that will help you embrace and get the most out of the new system.

First, the team has to be willing to try a new system and let go of the old software packages they’re currently using. If you have employees that insist on using old software, it could interfere with the ability of the new system to provide the information needed and to be effective. Ask these employees why they feel that way and what features are most important to them. Then work with your ERP provider to figure out how to implement those features in your system, if possible.

Second, the entire team must be open to making changes in their current processes to match the processes of the new system. Trying to maintain old processes with new software will only slow things down and prevent efficiency improvements.

Change isn’t easy

Making a change from construction accounting software to an ERP system shouldn’t be taken lightly. However, it’s a business decision that can save your company money, improve efficiency, and help management make better business decisions in the future. And with the right partner, the transition can be smooth and seamless. If you’re ready to take your business to the next level, then contact Jonas Premier today.

Author Biography:

Dawn Killough is a construction writer with over 20 years of experience with construction payments, from the perspectives of subcontractors and general contractors. Dawn has held roles such as a staff accountant, green building advisor, project assistant, and contract administrator.  Her work for general contractors, design firms, and subcontractors has even led to the publication of blogs on several construction tech websites and her book, Green Building Design 101.

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Tips & Advice Trends & Technology

A Way of Attracting Younger Construction Workers? Technology.

Many construction industry companies are looking for ways to attract the younger generations to work with them so their businesses can continue on into the future. But with a labor shortage throughout the country, and particularly in construction, companies have to work harder to attract younger workers.

The answer to the question of how to reach younger workers and encourage them to join the industry is technology. By updating systems and software, using the latest in tech gear, and focusing on recruiting young workers, construction companies can make the industry attractive again.

An aging workforce

Workers younger than 25 make up only 9% of the total construction industry workforce. Roughly 40% of workers in the industry are 45–64. And according to data from the Center for Construction Research and Training, workers aged 55 and over increased from 17% in 2011 to 22% in 2018.

Add to that the fact that the industry has struggled to attract younger workers and it’s a recipe for a shortage in the near future. High school students are encouraged to go to college and choose a career path from there. The trades and other construction-related occupations are not given as much fanfare.

Contractors are complaining about the lack of skilled workers available, but the truth is the industry doesn’t do a good enough job attracting potential workers. The younger generations have grown up with technology by their side and have come to rely on it for every aspect of their lives. However, construction has been slow to adopt new technology, and many workers still rely on outdated resources to perform their work.

If contractors and other construction companies want to attract younger workers, they’ve got to adopt the latest in technology. This will allow them to take advantage of the benefits of younger workers’ skills. Students in construction management programs are getting trained on the use of scheduling software, project management software, estimating software, and electronic material takeoff. Administrative and accounting professionals are being trained using new software with new functionalities. Asking highly trained workers to use outdated programs discounts the education they worked so hard to get.

By asking workers to use systems they are not familiar with also slows down the training time and increases costs. Companies that still do manual takeoffs will struggle to teach a Millenial worker about scales and manual calculations. This leads to a longer onboarding process, costing companies more money while they wait for a new worker to become productive.

Upgrade your tools

Companies that want to attract younger workers need to upgrade their tools to the latest technology can offer. You don’t have to be on the bleeding edge, but there’s a lot of researched and tried-and-true technology that construction has been hesitant to implement. Companies need to adopt tech to help match the skill sets, education, and training those future workers are receiving.

Accounting

In accounting education students are quickly trained on the debits and credits, then they are moved to software. While most construction companies use accounting software, not many use software specifically designed for the industry. QuickBooks and other general-purpose accounting software can be useful when a company is starting out, but as they grow and want to attract a higher level of talent, industry-specific software becomes a necessity.

Since construction accounting is so different than any other industry, using industry-specific software becomes even more important. Trying to show someone the intricacies of construction accounting using software that isn’t built for those intricacies can lead to a lot of confusion. New workers need a straightforward process that often isn’t available when using generic software.

Project management

Students in construction management programs are learning project management and documentation by using software packages. These packages make tracking correspondence, submittals, and RFIs much easier than using an Excel spreadsheet. If companies aren’t using these tools, they could be losing the opportunity to work with some of the best and brightest.

Estimating and takeoff

When it comes to estimating and material takeoffs, integration is the key. Too many companies rely on outdated software or manual methods to create project estimates and do material takeoffs. Those amounts then need to be entered into another software system once the project is approved. By integrating and automating the estimating takeoff process, companies can improve speed and accuracy. Both of these lead to more work and higher profits.

Scheduling

Scheduling software allows project managers to build dependencies and relationships between tasks on a project. This makes updating the schedule a lot easier because tasks automatically move depending on their predecessors. Having to spend hours manually updating a schedule can be costly.

In addition, some schedules can be imported into the project management system, allowing the team to view the day’s activities and adjust the schedule as needed.

Update your software with Premier

By implementing the latest in technology and bringing processes into the 21st century, construction companies can attract younger, skilled workers. Companies that do not upgrade will continue to struggle to recruit new workers and attract the best and brightest.

If your company is ready to upgrade your accounting and project management software, contact us to see a demo of Premier Construction Software.

Author Biography:

Dawn Killough is a construction writer with over 20 years of experience with construction payments, from the perspectives of subcontractors and general contractors. Dawn has held roles such as a staff accountant, green building advisor, project assistant, and contract administrator.  Her work for general contractors, design firms, and subcontractors has even led to the publication of blogs on several construction tech websites and her book, Green Building Design 101.