Preventing Construction Software Integration Issues

In any business, you’ll find people that get so caught up in the day-to-day action that they often work inefficiently.  In the case of a construction company, this often means that they do not put their construction management software package to proper use.  Frequently it is not until after the system is implemented that the fruits of improper preparation come to the forefront.

After a period of time in which new users learn the new system, clogging from inferior, inaccurage data is inevitable.  This leads to inaccurate reports, which lead to poor decisions.  A snowball effect follows shortly.

In order to prevent some of the more commonly experienced integration nightmares, it is imperative that a construction company can ensure that its operational procedures, processes and practices readily adapt to a software package’s functionality; or, the company needs to seek out construction software which is fully customizable, and can be designed for just about any business model.  Of course, we like to think either solution is acceptable; however, it is still widely variable in that regard, since all business models are not alike.

Construction software execuctives do a lot of research to make their product the “best” for a number of applications.  However, it is nearly impossible to design a “solution in a box” for most construction companies due to the diverse processes and procedures that different companies follow to complete similar tasks.  Since it is often easier to find software that adapts to your processes than adapt your processes to fit a software package, doing research up front will pay huge dividends in the long run and will help avoid integration issues down the road.

Additionally, the company should focus on end-user training and involvement.  A significant amount of “up-front” work may be necessary to ensure a smooth transition, but the end result will be worth it.  Many companies do a thorough analysis of the software solutions available externally but fail to do a thorough internal analysis – which leads to problems.

Some questions construction companies sould ask before they settle on any one package:

1. Are company processes, procedures, protocols and other operational parameters where they need to be for current construction industry best-practices?

2.  Is old data structure compatable with the new software?

3.  Are our data collection methods and analytics in line with new software functionality?

Of course, there are a lot more similar questions construction companies should ask themselves before jumping in too deeply.  And, part of the difficulty with construction project management software selection is based in this very paradox – that of knowing all the right solutions from both angles: the construction company’s and the software system provider’s.   The real secret, of course, is to know all the right answers before you begin.

How to Deal with Staff Reluctance to Change Construction Accounting Software

Deciding to switch to a new construction accounting software system is a big decision that affects almost everyone in your organization.  One group that is often overlooked in this process is the people that actually use the software on a daily basis.  Good software is useless if you have employees that use it improperly.  Often, these end-users do not see the point in switching software as the current software is something that they are comfortable with.  As such, they are often resistant to the change.  Here are some things you can do to make the transition smooth and encourage your end-users to quickly adopt the new system.

Everyone at the company must understand the benefits that the new software will provide for the company and themselves.  Before you make the transition to new software, speak with everyone in the company about what the new construction management software will accomplish for your company and how it will make things better for the company.  It is also important that employees see how the software will benefit them on a personal level in relation to doing their job more accurately, faster, etc.  Studies have proven time and again that new software is more successful in companies where all users understand the benefits.  Your worst nightmare is a group of employees who think the new software will only make their jobs more complicated and difficult.

It is also important that your company insists on everyone participating in a thorough training program.  Giving users the confidence to use the new software through training will reduce their reluctance to use the new software and will speed up the transition process.  If they still have questions and concerns with the new system, provide one-on-one training to ease their concerns.  Make sure things like phone numbers for support, manuals, and links to online resources are readily available.

Third, speak with employees about the new software and ask their opinions.  Get feedback on the good, the bad, and the ugly parts of the new software.  Not only will you be able to identify ways to improve current processes, but your employees will feel more valued as important pieces of the puzzle.

As your staff becomes more confident with the new technology, begin to recognize achievements.  Not only will people begin to realize some of the benefits that were discussed prior to the new construction software being implemented, but they will also be encouraged to expand their technological capabilities and confidence in using the new software.

Last, but certainly not least, it is important that management remains positive throughout the process.  Problems will arise and your staff will look to you to get cues on how to respond.  If you remain confident and encourage them to work with the new software to solve these problems, they will respond by doing so faster.  Remember to be a positive role model, no matter how difficult the implementation becomes.

Staying positive and making sure that everyone is clear about what is expected and how to do it are the best ways to ensure the smoothest transition to your new construction management software.  Given time, experience and confidence will grow among your end-users and sooner, rather than later, your company will begin to realize some of the benefits that prompted you to buy the new software in the first place.