So, you want to get on board the technology train and start streamlining your construction business. You aren’t the only one! The frequency of folks hopping on the trades technology bandwagon is ever-growing and implementing construction-curated tech and other process-perfecting programs into regular business practices is becoming the norm. Using technology can not only make business easier to conduct but can also allow the services you receive from your legal counsel to be more informed and in-depth. What’s not to love? There is just one problem; there are so many options it can be a challenge to know where to start. Fortunately, Jim Evans from BidClips has collaborated with us to tackle some tips and tricks that can make the selection process easier.
Research Trades Tech First
There is no reason to use tech your team does not need. There will be things that work seamlessly in any business and things that cause a hassle for everyone involved. The first step to choosing the technology you want to implement in your construction company is touching base with your team members to see what needs there are in your business’s operations—check in with your office team and the guys in the field. Contact your construction attorney and ask them what they need to better protect and defend your business. See what would make their lives easier and consider where you would like to be putting your time in contrast to where you are currently putting your time.
After speaking to your team, narrow down what technology meets your company’s needs with some dedicated research. Read reviews, request demos, and connect with users of software that interests you to see the benefits and downsides from a user’s perspective. This preliminary process should give you a strong place to start when beginning your trades tech search.
Don’t Pinch Pennies on Construction Industry Software!
We know sometimes spending extra money is a hard pill to swallow, and it might seem tempting to opt for a cheaper way around whatever issue they encounter. Take it from us, when it comes to trades technology, you want the best. Don’t be cheap! Our industry is notorious for being afraid of technology, so we often don’t want to invest. We buy useless things that sit in our warehouses and go unused; we constantly waste fuel, time, and materials. We will hire consultants, make time to take product tours, do research, and join mastermind groups of the leaders in our industry to find out what is working. Yet, all this to say, we won’t invest in tech that could save us thousands in labor costs and time spent, all while helping us solve the issues. The aid is worth the investment, so don’t pinch your pennies when it comes time to choose your tech.
Additionally, like wasting fuel, time, and materials, we can buy technology and only use a portion or none of it if we don’t take the time to learn it and have our team do the same. Letting the potential of the software you spend your money on go untapped is a waste of money. That is why it is important to make sure any trades technology you buy also has onboarding and training with a real person. Nothing is worse than buying technology and never reaching a real person when you need help with implementation and training in your company. Trades tech is created to help you solve problems, not create them. To reap the benefit of time on the back end, you must invest time on the front end.
If we start seeing construction industry technology as our new workforce, we will approach it with the same vigor as finding technicians and labor. Using it as a tool to resolve problem areas can save you considerable time, money, and other resources, but finding strong solutions for your company’s problems calls for investment. Investing your finances and time is the best way to ensure you get the right bang for your buck.
The Cromeens Law Firm is here to protect you and your business. Our hope is that you never get stuck in a legal battle because you were not adequately informed or prepared. Work with us to equip yourself with the knowledge you need to protect your business and your hard-earned money.
Your Construction Industry Software Should Work for You, Not Against You
When you consider what types of technology you want to use in your business, also be certain that the technology you settle on is working in your favor in all respects. Not only do you want your technology to meet your needs, but you also want the software you use to work well with other technology you may use and to work for your clientele. Some technology can even satisfy multiple needs and do more for you with its multi-functionality.
When working with other technology, some software has integration abilities. When conducting your research and choosing what tech you will use, note what other programs the products you are interested in will integrate. When your technology works together, you make it easier for your teams in the field, office, and courtroom to learn and utilize it, which is more advantageous for your company.
Additionally, you want to make sure your technology’s advantages can also work to serve your clients. When a job is easier for your client, it is easier for you. Communication, access, timeliness, and organization can make or break your business and determine whether your bid is the one a potential client chooses.
For example, if getting signatures has always been a struggle for you, look for a software that allows you to bid on a job and then send a client your contract and have them sign it virtually. For example, technology like BidClips allows customers to book and reserve estimates with terms, contracts, and conditions attached. It also has a transparent communication system that cannot be deleted. The only thing better than signatures is pictures and videos of the project.
These not only add value to the customer and help protect owners when jobs go wrong, but they also serve as protection for your team in the event of a dispute. If something goes wrong, you can usually see what happened and where it went wrong in the activity history, allowing for thorough and supported arguments if your lawyer needs to step in. It is also easy to search and scope, if needed, for the use of your accountants and attorneys. The activity tracker and timelines also validate when actions happened so that providers do not have to “guess” or “remember” what happened. Utilizing technology with this kind of accessibility provides dual benefits.
Technology that functions to satisfy your problem areas, works hand in hand with your other processes, and provides benefits to your clients is an ideal choice. These are beneficial elements to consider when looking into what technology will best serve your company. Research is key! Do your part in ensuring that you select the best products for your company, as well as their parent companies!
In Conclusion
New trades technology is created every year, all with the intent to serve construction professionals like you. However, some of them miss the mark and others may not be a fit for you and your team. It is important to take the necessary steps to vet the products on the market and find what will serve your company, systems, potential clients, and current clients as best as possible. Let the insight here act as your guide to your trades technology search, and you will be in great shape.
This article is intended as a general educational overview of the subject matter and is not intended to be a comprehensive survey of recent jurisprudence, nor a substitute for legal advice for a specific legal matter. If you have a legal issue, please consult an attorney.
