Construction Software Buyer's Guide

What to look for in a construction software vendor

When you buy a construction software solution, you're also selecting a new partner for your construction operations. Choosing the right vendor is just as important as choosing software that's easy to use and includes the right features.

First, remember that all construction software packages have different strengths. Look for a vendor who takes the time to understand your needs and works with you to come up with an appropriate solution - not one who just pushes their product as a one-size-fits-all answer.

You'll usually purchase directly from the software company, so it's important to select a provider who will be around for years. In addition to a track record of success, a large installed base offers stability, ensuring that the vendor will continue to upgrade and improve the product. In addition, a construction software purchasing decision is one that you should stick with for many years, so choosing a company you're comfortable with is essential.

Recent updates and new releases also indicate a commitment to the software. Ask how the provider handles bug reports and feature requests, and how often they release new versions.

As with any complex software, you should expect occasional problems or outages. While "guaranteed 99.5% uptime" and other vendor assurances are fine, more important is how they react when something does go wrong. Inquire about their support policies: when do they have live support staff available by phone? Do they guarantee a specific response time? What kind of training do their reps have? Are there fees for support?

The vendor should offer training for everyone who will use the system. Many businesses prefer having a trainer come to their office, but that's not always possible. Web-based training can also be effective, if done properly. Regardless of how it's conducted, training should take users through the basics of entering data, running reports, and troubleshooting typical problems.

A related question is installation: what assistance does the vendor provide to get you up and running? If you're migrating existing data, this question is even more critical. Also, find out if installation is an additional charge, or if it's built into other costs.

Finally, the vendor should be able to connect you with references who use their software. Ask for references to customers similar to your business in size and specialty, if possible. Call the references and ask questions such as:

• Has the system improved your operations? How?
• Does it do everything you expected? What is missing?
• Are your employees satisfied with it? What do they like or not like?
• Has the software helped you stick to schedules and budgets?
• Has it helped you reduce expenses? How?
• How does the vendor react when you have problems?
• What do you like least about the software?
• Overall, was it a good investment? Why or why not?