More and more companies are turning to digital software solutions to optimize workflows within a construction project. Good software for construction companies standardizes the workflows between the office and construction site; it is practice-oriented, tailored and scalable. With a networked software solution, processes can be optimized and administrative work can be significantly reduced.
When selecting a suitable software solution for the construction industry, there are numerous criteria that should be evaluated in advance: What are your company's actual needs? Are you looking for a complete solution? Or would you like to digitize individual processes in your construction project? A comprehensive inventory of the current structures and work processes as well as the tools and applications already in use within your project planning is an essential starting point for successful change management.
Important criteria when deciding on software for construction companies
Software solutions for the construction industry are offered by numerous providers on the market. In addition to an advanced or professional solution, there are often basic variants that may be completely sufficient depending on the scope of the project. The following criteria can help you to compare the various offers and select the right software for your company and your specific use case.
Performance and benefits
The most important questions you should ask yourself at the beginning: Who should use the software for your projects and in which specific area should optimization be achieved? Are you primarily looking for a software product that will reduce the workload in a specific area? Do you primarily want to reduce the workload of the architect or site manager? Or would a fully integrated software solution be the right choice to simplify the entire processes and communication channels of all those involved?
A complete solution offers the major advantage of speeding up workflows and coordination between the parties involved in the construction process, which can result in significant potential savings.
The most important facts in brief:
What should the new software do and what improvements would you like to achieve with regard to your current work processes?
What functions should the software perform and who should use it?
How does communication and data exchange take place between the various players within your construction project? Which software tool can you use to achieve improvements in precisely this area?
Use our comprehensive guide to select your ideal software for construction companies.
Costs and profitability
When implementing a software solution, costs are of course a decisive factor. If the software is offered in a subscription model, the acquisition costs are usually limited. Some providers also have a special business plan that includes extensive additional functions and an unlimited number of users.
In addition, the use of a software solution for the construction industry enables faster and more efficient collaboration, which in turn generates savings throughout the construction project. Nevertheless, users will need to be trained in the new program or attend training courses if necessary, which will be reflected in the planned investment costs. A solid business case can provide insight into which cost model is the most suitable for each use case and which budget can be freed up, taking future savings into account.
The most important facts in brief:
How high are the investment costs when implementing a new software product?
What running costs can be expected for subscriptions, maintenance and servicing?
What savings can be achieved with the software and what is the expected ROI?
Integrity and data protection
A software solution for construction companies that enables real-time data exchange and better, faster and more efficient collaboration between all parties involved in the construction process is particularly effective. As soon as different departments and possibly also external parties such as clients, credit institutions, accountants and tax consultants access the software, the use of such a tool offers particular added value.
At the same time, the question of data security arises. Is the software regularly updated by the provider, are back-ups carried out and are secure log-in functions offered? What options are there for linking the new software to the company's own tools and applications via an interface without creating a security risk? When selecting a software provider, look for ISO 27001 certification. Such a provider meets the globally recognized requirements for information security and offers comprehensive protection.
The most important facts in brief:
What safeguards does the software offer with regard to the protection of your sensitive data? Is it an ISO 27001-certified product?
To what extent can the software be integrated into the company's own tools and applications; does it have an automatic interface?
Are regular software updates provided?
Are there other relevant security measures such as automatic back-ups, multi-factor authentication or single sign-ons?
User-friendliness and scalability
Last but not least, software for construction companies should be user-friendly. As a new digital tool, it should integrate seamlessly into existing construction processes and simplify and automate them. There is hardly a worse investment than software that offers advanced services but is not used by employees due to a lack of user-friendliness.
In addition, the tool should be flexible and scalable to meet the specific requirements of your company. Workflows and access rights should be individually adjustable and the tool should have a release function. With a fully integrated software solution for the construction industry, every milestone of your project can be checked, approved and released. This makes it possible for everyone involved in the construction process to view the progress of the project at any time and access the latest version of the construction documents.
The most important facts in brief:
Can the software be seamlessly integrated into existing construction processes?
Does it provide a central data basis that can be accessed by all those involved in construction?
Is the software user-friendly, both for use in the office and on the construction site?
Can the software be flexibly adapted to changing conditions, is it scalable?
What support does the provider offer in terms of implementation, maintenance and servicing?
Fault tolerance and reliability
There is hardly a worse scenario than the introduction of an advanced software solution for the construction industry that suddenly fails in the middle of the project. It's hard to imagine the delays and costs that would arise if the central database suddenly became inaccessible.
For this reason, the software should be fault-tolerant and provide protection against the risk of failure. Solid fault tolerance ensures smooth operation, even if system components fail or are faulty. Some providers also offer a special service that supports the implementation and maintenance of the new system so that downtimes can be kept to a minimum.
The most important facts in brief:
To what extent is the software protected against default risks?
Does the system have a solid fault tolerance that ensures smooth operation even if individual components fail?
Trimble Viewpoint for smart construction processes
As a networked solution for the construction industry, Trimble Viewpoint offers all the benefits of integrated software for your projects. The centralized document and data management enables the joint administration of project documents, drawings and photos in one tool. The standardized data basis ensures a seamless flow of information between project planners and implementers. Viewpoint is flexible, scalable and adapts to the individual requirements of your company.
You too can use the award-winning software for construction companies in combination with the Trimble construction site documentation app.
Our comprehensive guide will help you decide on the best software for construction companies.
