In the second part of our software selection journey, we will look at what is most important when considering buying a new homebuilder management software to run your back-office operations. When comparing software platforms and vendors, it helps to employ a framework to ensure that your team emphasizes the correct areas of the search. It is best to consider this framework as levels of building a pyramid. The base levels of the pyramid are necessary to support the upper levels which are the true keys to success. Once you’ve established your internal operational needs, there are four key points to consider when evaluating a construction management software.
The 4 key considerations when evaluating construction management software for homebuilders
#1
Product
Does the software enable your company to meet the objectives outlined in your 5-year plan? While features and benefits are important in making a final decision, they should not influence the answer to this fundamental question. Software should help the organization achieve its goals rather than hinder them. Does it integrate/work with your Accounting Software?
With BuildTopia, a powerful cloud-based construction management software for residential home builders, you won’t have to spend time learning a whole new accounting system, you can simply continue using the software you prefer. This is due to BuildTopia’s seamless integration with popular construction estimating and accounting software for builders, like QuickBooks, Sage, and Microsoft
#2
Price
Consider how many homes you build in a year, then forecast the next five years. Determine how much you are willing to spend on the software for construction management – per home – and how you expect that platform to return your investment by increasing your operational efficiency and profitability. Consider the cost of software implementation, including computer hardware, software licensing, maintenance, and the time it will cost your team. Consider the cost of not implementing a construction project management software.
#3
Partner
When you choose a Homebuilder Management Software, you are also choosing a software company that will become a long-term partner in your company’s success. Ensure that your software vendor is stable and has the necessary resources to stay in business for the long run, is committed to improving its software by incorporating new technologies, capable of implementing and continuing to ensure that the software is used effectively throughout the organization by providing the desired levels of support and training for your team.
#4
People
Without skilled hands to operate it, even the most advanced and comprehensive Homebuilder Management Software platform is ineffective. Effective User Adoption is the key to any successful ERP software implementation. To ensure effective software adoption across the organization, every employee in your company must understand the importance of the software to the organisation’s bids, estimates, project scheduling, and cost management operations, not just in their department, but across the whole organization.
Now that you know what to look for when considering buying a new homebuilder management software, you can prepare your business for new tools and begin your journey to selecting the most suited construction management solution for your homebuilder needs in just four simple steps, as well as learn how to determine whether it meets your technology needs. In the third part of this five-part series, we’ll go over the first two steps to selecting and purchasing construction estimating and project management software.