The emergence of mobile apps over the past decade has changed the way companies do business, making time-consuming tasks more manageable. The construction industry in particular has embraced mobile apps for everything from billing to submitting work orders. However, implementing an app isn’t without challenges. If implementation does not go well, even a good app won’t be effective.
Once a mobile app is implemented, it is an ongoing process to ensure that it continues to be used effectively. There are factors that may hamper a mobile app’s performance after it has been updated. New hires may need training or new features may be introduced that require further explanation. Companies should have a plan in place to ensure the app continues to be effective.
Implementation Tips
- Provide a clear rationale. Get employee buy-in. Explain how the mobile app will directly benefit them. If they can see that it helps them just as much as it helps the company, they will be more engaged and eager to see it succeed.
- Get foremen onboard. If foremen explain the benefits of the mobile app, jobsite crews might be more inclined to get on board. Laborers work directly with their foremen on a daily basis, so they may share a closer bond and value the foreman’s opinion more. Jobsite employees may be more inclined to take the word of people they know rather than individuals higher up.
- Bridge the gap. Younger employees may be more open to adopting mobile technology, while older employees may prefer to stick with their current system, rather than learn a new one. Implement that app gradually so everyone can get used to it..
- Over-prepare. Prepare for the worst. Although employees may pick up the technology quickly, it is best to plan as if they will not. Train the foremen first; when they are up to speed, employ them to help train other staff members.
Post-Implementation Tips
- Continuing education. Even after going live with the mobile application, hold weekly meetings with foremen and other employees to see how they are using the app. Review the basics and share any tips or tricks to improve the user experience. When new features are added, make sure employees know how to use them. Continuing the learning process will help build employees’ confidence in using the app.
- Provide troubleshooting tips. When using a mobile application in the field, support field employees every step of the way. To mitigate problems, provide employees simple troubleshooting tips for solving common problems.
Troubleshooting Tips
- Ask “Is this limited to one device or multiple?” By far the most important step is to find out whether the issue is limited to only one device or others. If it’s just one device then it is easier to locate the issue; most likely a problem with the device itself. If multiple devices are experiencing the same problem then may be an issue with the app.
- Do they have a connection? Most apps require an internet connection for the app to communicate with its servers. When an employee reports issues with a particular app, ask them where they are located, if they have a stable connection or whether they are relying on their phone’s data connection. If a poor connection is the problem, provide them with a mobile hotspot for a stable mini Wi-Fi connection.
- Are the settings within the app setup correctly? Some apps require certain configurations in order to properly work with the device, which can be controlled from the “settings” menu.
- What kind of device is used? Not all devices are equal. This is especially important for Android devices. Since Apple is the only maker of iPhones, developers can easily create apps that work across multiple versions of their devices. With Android, there are multiple distributors such as Samsung, Motorola and LG. Not all devices may be compatible with the app. So before downloading, check for compatibility.
- Check out the developer’s Twitter account. Almost all app developers have Twitter accounts to communicate with users and make announcements. When looking for a solution to a problem, look on the developer’s Twitter feed. If it’s a widespread problem then they likely will tweet about it.
- Contact the developer. There is no better source for support than the developer.
These troubleshooting tips empower employees to solve their own problems. For example, a service tech is unable to connect to the mobile app. Rather than calling for help, the tech referred to his or her checklist and saw that one of the first steps was to restart the device.
Changing the Game
Over the next decade, the growth of mobile applications in the construction industry will take on more core functions. The possibilities are limitless as long as companies continue to look for innovative ways to improve how they perform their tasks. These steps can ensure a smooth transition to using mobile apps, which can result in a more productive and profitable company. Once implemented successfully, companies must do due diligence to make sure users are getting the most out of the mobile app investment.
