Get More Payback from Your Software Investment

Construction business that are still doing whatever it takes to weather this economic storm have likely already handled the difficult task of reducing their number of employees and identifying expenses to be cut. So those companies are learning to compete and operate with limited resources, scaled back staff, and a critical eye to all costs and considerations. Yet competition remains tight and most contractors must continue to find new and innovative ways to save time and money, while still performing high quality work.

Turning to Technology

To accomplish more in less time with a reduced staff, many contractors have invested in software to automate processes and boost productivity. With tools to eliminate many manual methods and more accurately and quickly perform time-consuming, overhead burdened tasks like takeoff and estimating, contractors can bid more work with better profit margins. Using software to improve the way contractors manage projects, track true job costs, and control processes throughout a project’s lifecycle, companies achieve better financial reporting, can recoup costs (like equipment utilization and maintenance) by billing to projects, properly track and handle change orders, and stay on top of every twist and turn throughout project execution.

Reputable software vendors partner with their customers to provide the necessary consulting, training, and educational resources that help contractors get the most bang for their software buck from implementation throughout the lifetime of the solution.

Take the Time for Training

Even the best athletes with all the right moves and maneuvers show up on training day. Why? Because being the best at what they do demands the proper conditioning, knowledge of new techniques and the right gear, and understanding of what it takes to make the team strong.

This attitude holds true for construction businesses as well. Contractors can have the right software, but if not using it to its best capacity across the team, then there’s the chance to lose … to lose bids, time, money, and more.

To get every ounce of value out of a solution, contractors should consult with their vendor to clearly and thoroughly understand the software’s features and functionality. Each construction business may have needs unique to their particular business and a true technology partner will be able to advise how to utilize the software for the best advantage. And this should be an ongoing dialogue between vendor and construction company as business needs change, as enhancements are added, as users come and go, and so on.

Diverse Options for Different Styles

Contractors should choose to invest in and implement software that’s supported and maintained by the vendor who also backs it with a wide range of training options to accommodate the various learning styles and preferences of a diverse pool of users. Training offerings should include the option to learn in a one-on-one setting, as a group of users from the company, or in classroom setting among like-minded users of the product from other companies.

It’s probably obvious how important it is to accomplish learning when software is first implemented, however, it’s greatly valuable to make learning a regular or ongoing effort. Whether achieved by attending an annual user conference, participating in local user groups, completing online training courses, or periodically scheduling consultative time with the vendor, every user, whether novice or experienced, can benefit from training.

These training methods can be utilized as user’s needs demand. For example, if user requires in-depth learning about unique processes, then a private training session could be the best option. If user needs basic know-how with hands-on experience, then a classroom session could be a perfect fit. When time and budget are of prime concern and online training is sufficient, users could watch a training video or attend a webinar to get up to speed on specific features. When choosing the right option, it’s important to consider how tech savvy the user is, how he/she best retains information, and readiness to apply new knowledge in the workplace.

With comprehensive solutions, such as complete construction management software that can impact processes across the entire organization, it is important that individuals who will benefit, even if not directly using the solution, all receive some form of training on the product. For owners, it is valuable to understand the solution’s financial reporting capabilities to help them know what data is available to help better manage their business. Or, project managers should understand the estimating capabilities to help them articulate what they want included in future estimates to more effectively manage jobs. Understanding the complete capabilities will foster communication and collaboration across the organization.

Support Eliminates the Struggle

If someone is using the software properly but experiencing technical difficulty performing certain functions, he/she should take advantage of the investment the company has made in ongoing support. It’s important to reach out to their software vendor’s customer support department to learn how to best resolve the issue and avoid any frustration. Between online support centers that answer frequently asked questions and provide “how-to” articles, to experts available to assist via live chat or telephone, there are many ways for technology users to navigate in this demanding business climate while levering the investment the business has made in technology.

True vendor partners also listen to customer feedback and innovate product enhancements to maintain the solution to best meet changing needs of users. By staying up to date with maintenance updates and release upgrades, contractors can improve performance, add functionality, keep current with advancements in technology, comply with changing government and industry regulations, and more. When updates are made available and installed, it’s a perfect time to learn about the latest capabilities and take training as needed. This is vital to reaping the most value of the software solution. By protecting a software solution through a regular maintenance plan, contractors will save time, money, and reduce potential for interrupted access to their solution. With the increased size and complexity of today’s software solutions, continued maintenance is valuable investment.

Make the Software Work for You

Software is typically designed to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of a specific function or multiple functions within an organization. Not leveraging the fullest potential of a software solution can lead to inefficiencies and contractors can’t afford to lose time, money, or productivity because of their lack of interest or ability to maximize their investment.

For those construction business owners that have done what it takes to sustain the right team and technology to be a profitable company, it’s important to not overlook maximizing the investment made in the people and the software that get the work done. By staying current on upgrades, taking advantage of training, and consulting with the software vendor, contractors can best understand how to utilize the product and streamline processes for optimal profitability.

About the Author

Lisa Stotts is Vice President – Professional Services at Maxwell Systems, a leading provider of complete construction software solutions for estimating, job cost accounting, and project management. For more information, please visit www.maxwellsystems.com or e-mail lstotts@maxwellsystems.com.

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Sigfusson Northern LTD

Sigfusson Northern LTD uses Maxwell Systems StreetSmarts as its job cost accounting and project management software solution. With StreetSmarts, SNL manages all of the accounting practices and job costs for their seven entities across the U.S. and Canada; maintain information in one place, in one format; manage payroll in-house; track and bill equipment expenses; and streamline workflow between the office and job sites.

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Our Story of Complete Construction Software

Maxwell Systems provides construction software solutions that help contractors to streamline workflow, increase productivity, and improve profitability. Furthermore, we understand that today's contractors must optimize processes across all business areas to gain or maintain an increasingly important competitive edge and ensure a successful business. Critical, to that end, is timely and efficient communication and information access among estimating, job cost accounting, and project management teams.

By using a Maxwell Systems complete construction software solution, you'll be able to better operate your business with increased efficiency and streamlined operations, and confidently increase profitability on every project. You will have the tools you need to accomplish more in less time; taking the guesswork out of reaching true profit potential; and improving financial stability for long-term benefit.

Why Maxwell Systems?

Maxwell Systems is truly unique with its ability to offer contractors a complete, seamless software solution that allows:

A new level of continuity and productivity among estimating, job cost accounting, and project management
Better insight, analysis, and financial oversight for owners to make informed and timely decisions
Improved operational efficiencies, cost reductions, and increased profits

Contractors value having an end-to-end solution from one company:

All applications work together seamlessly
Efficient access to comprehensive support and services
A stable technology partner committed to customer success

How Your Business Benefits

A complete construction software solution from Maxwell Systems provides end-to-end control of your business so you can see a day's profit potential at a glance, identify and prevent potential financial losses, spot discrepancies and errors, and manage projects with accurate information in real-time.

With tailored features designed to fit each member on your team, construction company management software ultimately allows your business to:

Attain end-to-end control and increased visibility
Achieve easy and accurate reporting with real-time data
Optimize project execution for maximum profitability
Streamline operations with seamless workflow

The Bid-to-Cash Cycle Explained

Managing each of the key process areas of a construction business – Estimating, Construction Accounting, and Project Management – requires vastly different talents and areas of expertise. The reality is that each of these functional groups is related and dependent on one another.

For your organization to run in an optimal fashion, the groups much work together in an optimal fashion. Together, these functional areas compromise what we describe as the Bid-to-Cash Cycle. And our goal at Maxwell Systems is to provide software for construction so you can bridge the needs of the functional groups, better manage this cycle, and so maximize profitability.

When construction estimating software, construction accounting software, and construction project management software are working together in a seamless system as a complete construction business management software solution, then a contractor is truly poised for optimal profit and productivity.

How does a complete solution fit your part of the cycle? Here are a few examples:

Owner: It's all about reducing waste, uncovering lost opportunity, exposing shortcomings, and maximizing resources – all which impact profit and the bottom line. With end-to-end visibility of every project, executives can hone business strategy, improve control of cash flow, and keep financials in the black with accurate ROI.
Estimator: Beyond estimating projects, the estimator can access more accurate information in regards to how the project actually performs. This will allow the estimator to improve accuracy on future estimates with actual labor and production rates, updated material prices, and other resource related items.
Accounting: Not only a company's construction accounting system, a complete solution helps to streamline the procurement processes for optimal efficiencies and produces more accurate purchasing processes. Additionally, billing processes, inventory issuances, and many other processes are streamlined. Less data entry, better accuracy, and reliable audit trail allow convenience and peace of mind.
Project Manager: The seamless workflow from Estimating to Project Tracking allows for a streamlined method of creating the job and then tracking performance against the estimate. Within the complete solution, the construction project management programs also provide the detail required for the Project Manager to understand what the Estimator was thinking when the bid was put together. Plus, by accessing real-time information whether in the office or in the field, the project manager can track progress, be more agile, and better handle all aspects of jobs from beginning to end.

Bottom Line

To succeed in today's competitive marketplace, construction business owners must improve productivity and have end-to-end visibility to see how jobs perform (and turn profit) from start to finish. Maxwell Systems knows construction company software and can be your partner by offering truly unique products (as well as support and services) that address the entire construction project lifecycle – from digital takeoff through final cash payment. Our seamless system provides your company with all the capabilities you need for estimating, job cost accounting, and project management, and ultimately for superior insight and analysis of your business.

Imagine the flexibility and insight by having one solution for estimating projects, for construction accounting programs, and for construction project software! All that and more in one system will help your business be more competitive and profitable.

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Industries Served

General Construction

Learn how Maxwell Systems software can help general construction companies improve overall project performance, including bidding process, labor and material allocation, team communication and collaboration (whether in office or at the job site), and managing changes for maximum profitability. It’s general contractor software to run a better business!

Heavy Construction

Maxwell Systems helps thousands of heavy/highway contractors more profitably execute and manage projects. Work can range from construction or repair work for streets, roads, and highways or bridges, dams, and tunnels, or underground utilities, excavation, paving, and much more. Read about the heavy construction software we can provide to help you boost profit.

Concrete & Masonry Construction

It’s critical that you have a keen eye on plans, materials, labor, equipment, budgets, and schedules to ensure your concrete and masonry projects are profitable. That’s why you should learn how our contractor software is tailored to your unique needs.

Electrical Contracting

Whether you do new construction, replacement, or maintenance for the residential, commercial, and/or industrial markets, electrical contracting demands that you can properly review specifications and estimate costs, schedule crews, manage inventory, and schedule equipment to ensure that you fulfill each contract according to schedule. Learn how Maxwell Systems electrical contractor software is tailored to fit the way you work.

HVAC Contracting

From installation of furnaces, air conditioning units, and refrigeration systems to maintenance and repair work to fabricating sheet metal, HVAC construction work is varied and demanding. That’s why it’s wise to invest in HVAC contractor software designed with features that fit so you can acquire and manage projects for best profit. Find out why.

Mechanical Contracting

For many mechanical contractors, work may begin with the underground piping and not end until systems are in operation for occupancy. And many probably also provide expertise about various specialty trades and handle responsibilities spanning engineering, installation, and operation. To estimate, manage, and fulfill each contract accurately and profitably, mechanical contractors rely on Maxwell Systems software for construction. Read how you can too.

Plumbing Contracting

Whether you install fixtures for residential or commercial properties, or even install gas appliances and pipework, and/or perform maintenance and repair work, it’s likely that your profitability depends on volume of work and managing projects efficiently and accurately. Learn how you can use Maxwell Systems construction company software to quickly and accurately bid projects, schedule workforce, track documents, manage complex payroll, control job costs, and more.

Other Specialty Trades

The world of specialty trades and subcontracting is diverse and complex. That’s why Maxwell Systems provides subcontractor software tailored to the needs of contractors in framing, carpentry, siding, roofing, building finishing (drywall, ceilings, painting, flooring), glass and glazing, landscaping, and renovation. Read how you can simplify and streamline your processes.

Property Management

Whether you own real estate and actively manage your own properties or you hire a property manager to operate your buildings, you can leverage Maxwell Systems property management software to track complex lease information, work orders, and preventive maintenance; manage data and gain insight into performance of properties, and control budgeting and forecasting. Find out how you can use property management software for a better bottom line.

Canada and Australia

Maxwell Systems construction management software is specialized for Canada CAN and Australia AUS. The software helps Canadian and Australian contractors improve estimating, accounting, payroll, project management, and more. Our software helps contractors across Australia and Canada save time, cut costs, and improve profitability.

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