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RELATED ARTICLES: 10 construction software companies to know; Plant management software
CW discovers the major advantages construction software can bring to a business and its projects.
Change isn’t easy and it isn’t always welcome. Moving from site to site and adapting to a new team or environment takes some getting used to. But, after a week or so of adjustment, the benefits of change can often make initial worries and concerns seem unnecessary.
The same can be said for taking on new technologies, such as construction software. Staff must be trained to use the new system, which can take time, and letting go of traditional models can feel like a real hassle.
However, the returns gained from amending how you manage your project through construction software are said to outweigh these challenges.
“Construction companies are generally lagging behind other verticals in the adoption of technology to solve their business problems,” says Causeway Middle East COO Paul Madeira.
“We believe that in order to overcome the challenges of change companies should select and implement software that is logical, easy to use and makes people’s lives easier so they become a keen adopter and promoter for this much required change.”
Causeway’s cost and financial management solutions aim to help organisations minimise risk, control cost and increase profits.
Abdel Muneer, marketing management for Tekla, a supplier and manufacturer of building information modeling software (BIM) also believes that using construction software isn’t as difficult as it sounds and that construction companies just need to have a little patience.
“Sometimes our offering is too broad for people to handle – we have 11 applications so these need to be introduced slowly so that the contractor can maximise the software’s use and get the most benefits out of it,” he says.
“We work closely with the customer and advice them on what applications are vital and then they can choose to add further applications if they wish.”
Sounds convincing, but what’s wrong with using conventional systems to manage a development? And, how can construction software improve business?
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OUT WITH THE OLD
According to experts, programmes like Excel are just not a good enough tool to track project progress.
“Developers can’t really know what they are spending with a normal accounting system,” said Buildsmart managing director Peter Cheney. “With construction software we can get an accurate view of what people are spending and what they have left to spend.”
Construction Computer Software (CCS) provides solutions to the construction industry through two software product offerings; Candy and Buildsmart.
Candy consists of modules for estimating, planning forecasting, cash flow, on site valuations and earned value management, while Buildsmart is a web-based construction orientated accounting and costing business solution, comprising procurement, accounting and wages modules.
“Developers and contractors can track changes in the project and make sure that their budget takes into account these variables. If you beat what you are allowed to spend then you can maximise profits,” adds Cheney.
Muneer adds to this argument by saying that using traditional systems can leave a project wide open for errors, which, in turn, wastes times and money.
“It’s out of date. You are going to make mistakes with Excel because you cannot visualise what you’re doing like you can with BIM. You’ll get the job done, but you won’t see the benefits like you can with our software,” he says.
“We illuminate a lot of the rework because you can track what is happening on site.”
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