Yes, there is an app for everything!
Not quite, but you get my point! Well, just a few years ago I was one of those people who used to say: “all I need my phone for is to make and receive phone calls!”. Fast forward 5 years later and here I am, a big fan of everything app, from synchronizing my calendars to reminders and to do’s, I use them all; the ones that I find that make a difference to my productivity, efficiency and overall level of satisfaction for my professional work. And what I like the most about apps is that they can be used on all devices and synchronize automatically. And not to forget about affordability, as they are really within most budgets. With the rise of the smartphone and tablet users (http://goo.gl/yjTpil) the app industry is moving fast into filling in the voids in certain industries.
The construction industry is catching up quickly. Gone are the times when the only option for optimization of construction estimating, reporting and tracking was done by specialized software, time-consuming learning curves and massive data entry and maintenance issues. Welcome to the app revolution. According to this article, How Mobile Apps are Changing Construction Profitability (http://goo.gl/80plk6),
“17% of firms responding to the…survey reported saving between $25,000 and $100,000 annually with the switch to mobile apps. Eighty-one percent indicated cost savings between $1,000 and $25,000.”
My curiosity goes around what is happening for the small(er) contractor in the construction industry in regards to access to technology, affordable technology that is. The large corporations can budget for technology, but a small contractor not so much. And there is another aspect to take into consideration: ease of implementation/use of new technology. So, I like it when I see that things are changing. Apps are by definition easy to implement, very intuitive for the new user and are meant to make our lives easier and more efficient.
I recently come across Site2Site – Automate Your Jobsite. (Disclosure: I am not an affiliate or make any profit from any sales that might happend by clicking the link in this article.) Noticing it was a Canadian company, I stopped to take a closer look. Aiming at increasing efficiency and accuracy of reporting and record keeping, by decreasing the time required to do these tasks, it is an app that would certainly have an impact on the bottom line of any construction contractor. This is what the app does:
- Automated Time Tracking. Keeping track of time spent by construction workers on each job is not an easy task. For the small specialty contractor who is working on multiple worksites, sometimes during the same day, it is a very handy app. Of course, providing that everyone has a smartphone or tablet handy.
- Real Time Job Costing. Cost reporting and control on the go. This is a really useful feature. Real-time reporting of costs, equipment usage and job physical progress is key to achieving efficiency in construction. Most of the issues affecting efficiency in construction are the delay between an event happens and when the decision makers receive the information. Real-time reporting used to be something that large companies could afford. The software to implement such features was expensive and it required extensive training for all personnel who used it. Welcome the app age and the affordability that comes with it!
- Receipt Collection. All field personnel has the ability to take a picture of a receipt, tag it with the job name and upload it into the system. Time-saving and accurate cost recording.
- Instant Job Information. Imagine to have all the job-related information literally in the palm of your hand: job name and address, contacts, subcontractors, job notes, etc. Talking about efficiency, this feature is key to running a job smoothly. Need to call a subcontractor? No problem, just open the app and look up the phone number, notes, etc. No need to run back to the office trailer and use the computer!
- Equipment & Material Tracking. Keeping an eye on the tools, equipment, and materials on the stock is another great feature that comes with this app. Having access in real time to availability of company resources is key for site personnel and for management. It is all about utilizing all resources in an optimal way to maximize efficiency and profit. I am sold.
- Invoicing and Estimates. Another good feature to have integrated with all the rest.
Additionally, estimating new jobs is so much more accurate having access to real project data from projects under construction or completed.
I personally used a computer software, years ago, when I was working for a large construction company, that used to do the same thins as this app. As a cost estimator, I was very impressed by the efficiency and speedy access to information from other projects. Talking about benchmarking, this app will help estimators tremendously. Paperwork is something that almost everyone I know regards it as a waste of time. On the other hand, keeping records is vital if a company wants to operate efficiently. When technology can offer us in the industry a tool to do this and have fun while doing it, I am sold.
The latest updates from Site2Site: integration with Quickbooks is in the works. Closing the loop, really.
I will keep an eye for other apps out there. I like exploring! If you know of an app that helps construction professionals and would like to mention it, please leave your comments below.
As always, I am looking forward to your comments. Please take a moment and let us know if you found this article useful, or have anything to add.
Thank you for reading.