Construction Software Increases Productivity

This article involves the home remodel and construction business. Although this industry isn’t typically associated with digital strategy, a recent consulting assignment highlighted for me that technology finds a place in even the most physical work settings. Using software designed specifically for construction project management, I saw the potential for improved productivity and customer relations as well.

I consulted with a small, local general contracting business to organize and systemize their processes from the point of receiving requests for bids on home remodel projects, through to the completion of the build or renovation. In their second year of operation, the business identified BuilderTREND software as the cloud-based digital solution for managing prospects and projects.

BuilderTREND is a robust program and communication hub that digitally connects and directs the people and processes related to construction and home remodeling businesses. From tracking leads to writing proposals; from estimating project costs to managing project schedules; from keeping clients informed and involved to getting crew connected to the day-to-day expectations and changes, BuilderTREND is a great way to organize the business’s processes by sequence and priority, and then grant access to anyone and everyone who plays a supporting role.

My practical use of the tool within the confines of this particular project included setting up and connecting Internal Users, Subs/Vendors, and Contacts (clients and prospects). In BuilderTREND I mostly used the Lead Opportunities portal for tracking inquiries from the point of initial contact to subsequent activities designed to develop the relationship and provide information with the goal of winning the Project. Involving other team members (Internal Users) was seamless through the communication features, which include an organized system of notes, emails, documents, and schedules. Our process was enhanced through the optional use of text and email notifications . . . keeping everything moving forward on a timely basis.

Once an Opportunity was advanced to a Project, I imported Estimates (created in another software program), formatted them to reflect a multi-level markup formula, and when appropriate, further configured the financial tracking mechanism for ease of use by Internal Users; e.g., by room or by project phases. I then confirmed that access was granted to additional relevant Internal Users, and I invited Clients and Subs/Vendors to access the portions of the Project most important to them – including photos and documents produced along the way to implement and show progress. Mobile access – particularly important to the crew and sub-contractors – made this a snap!

The company I worked with is still in its fledgling stage and, therefore, not yet able to fully leverage all that BuilderTREND has to offer. They are now in the process of building proficiency among select Internal Users with a narrow set of functions offered on BuilderTREND.

From my perspective as a Digital Strategist and Productivity Consultant, once the business has determined the BuilderTREND processes and practices that most effectively support their operations, their next step would be to roll out a well-defined plan for training additional team members, including Subs/Vendors.

Though this assignment didn’t afford me the opportunity to actively use functions such as Scheduling (beyond the basic setup of a Project calendar), Selections (the collaborative process of choosing materials and finishes that are aligned with the original estimate), Bids, and Change Orders, thanks to the unlimited training made available to me by BuilderTREND over the course of this six-month assignment, I understand how these components complement the overall project management process, enhance communication and improve efficiency and productivity.

I am convinced of the potential that can be reached through consistent and committed use of this tool. I look forward to the next assignment with a general contractor that also recognizes how BuilderTREND software can be used to organize, optimize and grow their business.