There are key considerations when selecting and implementing new software in your construction company. Once you have done all your homework and chosen the best possible construction management software for you, it’s time to start implementing it. Very little if any hardware is needed, now that technology has come so far, and it is a much faster and easier task then ever before.
Even though the process is smoother, you will still want to have your team properly prepared for this step, from technician to team worker. Forgetting to do this step will create problems in the future and really a simple thing to do to prevent them.
Avoiding Implementation Frustration
Although construction management software has gotten a lot more simple, it still isn’t as easy as click and you’re done. Part of the software package you decided on hopefully comes with a full service agreement, so that the technology company will help you to install the software and collate all of the business data you are using now. They will help you set up workflows and customize them to your company and train all end users to have a successful implementation. Talk to your service provider about any concerns ahead of time and find out just how long this process takes when implementing new software.
Once you have sat down with your service provider and gotten a good idea how much time the implementation will take, formulate a game plan. Develop an easy to understand plan to complete this task. Make sure the specialists from the service provider and within your own company completely understand the company’s needs and what you need to get out of the software. Being proactive through this step is vital.
During the implementation process, your business is sure to be disrupted. Plan ahead for this disruption as best you can and keep everyone on your team apprised of the situation as it develops. That way nobody is shocked when they can’t get to their desk, or their tablet isn’t working exactly like it should.
The most monotonous and frustrating jobs is processing documentation. Be very careful when filling in the details with the new software. Once this information is in your new construction management software, you have the ability to decide what you want to do with it and how you want the software to interact with it. For example, deciding what will trigger a report to be produced, how that report will alert people, who will get those alerts. Going through this process can seem time consuming but in the end it will make easy work out of a lot of details. The more you can set up in the beginning, the less likely you will be going in and adjusting things once you are up and running.
Train all of your team members yourself and have them train with your software provider. It’s essential that the end users are involved from beginning to end to ensure a smooth transition. Take their individual job needs into account and address questions and concerns at the start. Training your team workers like this will help you get the most out of your new construction management software.
Getting Everyone on Board
Change is extremely hard for some people, whether it is in their personal lives or the work environment. You will most likely experience some resistance from some of your team members when you are implementing new software. Technology can seem daunting to people who don’t have much experience with it. It’s important not only to take extra time training these individuals, but to continually check in with them after the new software has been implemented.
Find effective ways to handle resistance from your team members. Ask questions and get them involved in the process to make them feel more in control of what is happening. Remember, you are not doing this to them, you are doing this with them, and the outcome will be an easy to use software program that helps you company save time and make money.