Focus on the Details When Selecting New Construction Software

Selecting new construction software can be both rewarding and trying.  Choosing the right software for your applications requires you to consider numerous details about how to integrate your current business processes with software that has, to some extent, been designed for a generic scenario.  On the other hand, you may have a difficult time figuring out how to change existing processes to take advantage of the new software’s functionality.

The bottom line is that you must remain committed to the aforementioned details throughout the process of selecting new software.  Only by remaining committed will you find the right software and implement it correctly.  If you fail to consider every detail, chances are that you will end up with a less than optimal solution.

However, when you do get frustrated, remind yourself that the rewards will come in time.  Your organization will benefit from being able to create and carry out new strategies using a software solution that will serve you well for many years to come.

Try thinking of selecting new construction software in similar terms as buying a new car.  In both cases there are more possibilities out there than are practical to “test drive.”  Therefore, the best strategy is to determine what you need from the investment and move forward from there.  Every person has preferences in car style, driveability, etc. just like every construction company will have processes or ways of doing things that are unique to themselves.  Finding the optimal solution can take time and can get frustrating.  In the same way that you would read performance reviews for a new car, check construction software reviews to get feedback and ideas on new software packages for your company.

Another thing to consider are your familiarity with the technical jargon that will be used as you speak with software vendors and review potential software solutions.  If you feel like your subject matter expertise is lacking in this area, make sure you enlist the help of somebody who will understand and will be able to explain your options to you.

More than likely, you will be soliciting input from various individuals at your company during the new software selction process.  Their feedback not only brings concerns to light that you may not have considered, but it also ensures that your entire business structure and the various ways that different sectors of your business interface with the software are considered in the selection process.

Again, the key to making the most out of selecting new construction accounting software and getting the maximum benefit from the new software is staying focused on the details.  Remember that you are in control.  If the details get confusing, take a step back and get other opinions before moving forward.  A vendor’s goal is to sell you software, regardless of whether or not it is the optimal solution for your organization.  Staying committed to your plan and addressing all of your concerns before making a purchase will ensure you end up with the best possible construction software for your applications.

Evaluating a Construction Accounting Software Vendor

Selecting new construction management software largely consists of evaluating three things:

• Product
• Software Vendor
• Technology

All three are important.  The main focus of this post is what to consider when evaluating the vendor.

Product
There are many vendors to choose from, and most vendor demos will be impressive.  The question is:  How do you know which is really the best choice for you? One way to sort things out is to look at other  important  considerations.  Relying on salesman assertions and product demos that are designed to show off their best capabilities can get you in to trouble…

Software Vendor
In addition to the product, you need to consider the software vendor’s training, support, product development, financial security, and commitment to the future.   Choosing a vendor to do business with is a critical component of the selection process.  It is critical to understand that your software provider is someone you need to feel comfortable working with both in the short and long term.  Below, I have made a list of questions that you should consider when evaluating construction software vendors.

The answers to many of these questions are not readily apparent.  They can take a great deal of time and effort on your part, but are critical to the long term success of your software investment.  Finally, if you are working with a dealer make sure you clarify if the answers pertain to the dealership, corporate, or both.

• How many different products do they support in addition to the construction software you are interested in?
• Are their salespeople experts at demonstrating the product and answering your questions?  How well do they know the industry?
• How many employees are committed to your product?
• What is their recent product development history?
• What are their plans for future product development over the next 5 years?  How much do they invest in R&D?  What new features have they released in the past six months? How often do they provide system updates beyond an annual update for tax changes?
• Do they use negative sales tactics that are disparaging the competition?
• How will they train you on the new software?
• How good is the quality of both training and support?
• Do they have a continuing education program?
• How long does it typically take to return phone calls for product support?
• How long have they been in business?
• How many clients do they support on your product?
• Are they willing to share financial information?
• Does the construction CPA community support them?
• Do they rely too much on maintenance revenues to sustain their business model?
• What do their customers have to say about them?
• What is their long term vision?
• Finally, what does your “gut feeling” tell you?  Is this a company you believe you would enjoy doing business with?

Technology
Accounting software is one of the first computer applications made available to businesses.   Consequently, there are a number of older products (legacy systems) that can have certain limitations and risks.   For example, although a legacy system may be very feature rich, it may lack the efficiency and depth that newer applications provide.   These can easily be identified with proper evaluation of the software.   However, what may not be so apparent is how difficult it is for the software provider to change and enhance the software.   After so many years, an application can become so cumbersome that certain changes become impossible or impractical.    Thus, keep in mind that the system you buy today may change very little over the years.  Changes of any significance may make the application even more cumbersome and error prone, making it difficult to work with.   In the construction industry, it is critical to invest in construction accounting software that will continue to evolve with your business and the industry.  Often, the main challenge is determining if an application is an older application made to look more current or if it is really a current technology.