Construction Software
What is construction software?
From providing cost estimates to managing materials and employees, construction software is designed to help construction companies manage their operations profitably. Whether your company specializes in commercial, industrial, highway, utility or specialty construction projects, there is a construction software option that can address your needs.
Basic construction software features The basic modules you'll find in construction software include:
- Estimating software - Typically includes a database of standard pricing and historical pricing from previous bids within an organizational framework designed to help you create estimates quickly. The module should include the ability to account for markups and shipping/handling costs as necessary. Usually also includes templates you can use to prepare bids.
- Project management - Tracks your project's schedule and costs. Includes project management calendaring and scheduling tools. Job costing software can be used to monitor material, labor, and equipment costs, helping you keep a close eye on profitability.
- HR management - Monitors all labor-related issues. Track payroll hours, salary information and vacation accruals.
- General accounting - Some software vendors provide an integrated accounting package that can be used to manage billing and receivables. Other vendors offer integration with standalone accounting software packages.
Construction software vendors will offer some or all of these capabilities in their software programs.
Additional features
In addition to these basic functions, some software programs address various realities of managing construction projects. For example, document imaging can be used to make digital copies of all your paper-based documents and plans. This can be a real boon for any company that has turned an office upside down in search of a file.
Mobile access is another useful feature that allows project managers to update information like equipment hours and labor hours via a wireless handheld device. This can be a very effective way to make job tracking more efficient.
User interface
While vendors may offer very similar features, each will have a different way of doing so. Take the time to compare the user interface across the programs. Start with online demonstrations and then see if you can get trial copies of the software to test. Go through the your most common tasks, like updating project-related information or computing employee hours, to see how easy the software is to use.
Evaluating vendors
In addition to evaluating the programs, get a sense for the company producing the software. You'll want top-notch support and a program that will be maintained and updated over time. To get a sense for a company's commitment to the product, check their release history. A series of recent upgrades is a pretty good signal that the company will continue to commit resources to improving its software in the future. In addition, make sure the vendor offers training to help you learn the more complex aspects of the software.
Construction software buying checklist
- Does the software run on my platform?
- Will I need to provide remote mobile access to the software?
- Who will be using the software? Do I need to restrict their access?
- Does the software need to integrate with accounting software? Other applications?
- Can I integrate the software with the National Trade Database?
- How does the software handle change orders?
- What type of support is available to help with troubleshooting? What are the hours? What is the typical response time?
- Are the reports easy to understand? Can I easily generate the specific reports I need?
Construction software pricing
Expect to pay from $2,000 on the low end to $10,000+ on the high end for a construction software package. The price you pay depends on the modules that you select.
Tips
- Construction software can come stuffed with functionality that you may never need. Be careful not to pay extra for more features than you need.
- To ensure buy-in, involve people who reflect the range of potential users in the selection process.
- Don't be lured by promises of features that will be available "in the next version." Base your decision on what the software does now.
