Five Apps for Small to Medium-sized Construction Businesses
There are hundreds of apps on the market to help small to medium-sized construction business increase productivity and decrease costs. When choosing software applications, look for functionality, business goals and overall usability.
Construction business needs range from construction accounting software that covers subcontracting costs and helps the business owner bid on projects to an all-in-one solution that’s user-friendly and helps contractors and subcontractors get more done faster and under budget. Contractors and subcontractors that spend much of the time in the field should consider the mobility of the application, which will allow them access to the information they need on-the-go.
Project Management
Construction businesses need software to help them manage and schedule projects; handle time sheets, user management, deliveries, site access, procurements and RFIs; and have the capability to upload documents and compare estimated versus actual costs. Also helpful is the ability to create tasks for projects, set deadlines and track progress and create custom forms. Project management software should be user-friendly and allow contractors to communicate easily to their managers while on-the-go. Some project management apps include:
- BuilderStorm;
- Fieldwire;
- PlanGrid;
- Co-Construct;
- WorkflowMax;
- Procore;
- BuildTools;
- BuilderTREND; and
- UDA ConstructionSuite.
Estimating and Bid Management
Estimating software allows construction businesses to create professional bids for projects on a time and material basis. Being able to do this in one app can make a big difference in productivity. Bid management software can help contractors contract services to subcontractors. Estimating and bid management apps include:
- Estimate Rocket;
- JobFLEX;
- SmartBidNet;
- ConvergeHub;
- STACK Estimating;
- Clear Estimates;
- CoConstruct;
- HeavyBid;
- UDA ConstructionSuite; and
- B2W Estimate.
Job Costing and Accounting
Job costing/accounting software performs job costing and main accounting functions to help manage products, services, invoices, quotes and payments or just one of these items depending on how full-featured the accounting software is. Accounting software is vital because projects and all of their associated costs need to be thoroughly tracked. Businesses can use a standalone accounting software or use accounting software deeply integrated into a CRM. This allows the business owner to get a 360-degree view of the project including accounts related to it, documents related to the account and/or project, bids on the project, invoices and payments. Job costing and accounting software includes:
- QuickBooks;
- Xero;
- Freshbooks;
- ConvergeHub;
- ComputerEase;
- Foundation Construction Accounting;
- ProContractor by Viewpoint; and
- Vista by Viewpoint.
Customer Relationship Management
Client management is extremely important, especially when dealing with a growing construction business. Customer relationship management (CRM) software helps track client contact information, job history, meeting history and more. Contractors can see what the sales pipeline looks like and nurture relationships through follow-up with prospective customers.
CRM software should communicate easily with current accounts and prospective customers. Being able to make calls from the CRM and send electronic faxes, outbound text messages and mass email campaigns in one platform helps save time and money. Look for full-featured, converged software with built-in business automation and ease of use. CRM software includes:
- Procore;
- ConvergeHub;
- BuilderTREND; and
- Project-SalesAchiever CRM.
Photo Annotation
Photo annotation apps enable contractors to take photos on their cellphones and note dimensions directly on the photos. Text can be added to any photo and can be exported into a JPG or PDF file. Some photo annotation apps include:
- Photo Measures;
- Skitch;
- Bosch Site Measurement Camera;
- Measure & Skitch;
- BluVue;
- Photolightning;
- Drawboard; and
- Field Notes App.
Construction businesses should consider some of these apps if they’re looking for ways to increase productivity, decrease costs and win more clients.