BEST SCHEDULING SOFTWARE FOR CONTRACTORS

Transcription

1 BEST SCHEDULING SOFTWARE FOR CONTRACTORS

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction... The Top 5 Software Options... KickServ... BuilderTrend.... Co-Construct... Procore... Build Tools..... Conclusion

3 INTRODUCTION It's 8AM - do you know where your employees are? For contractors, scheduling and tracking field laborers is one of the most difficult jobs that must be dealt with. During any given week, multiple job sites must be tended to, and labor must be divided up across the city. Superintendents, project managers, foremen, journeymen, apprentices...these workers are constantly being moved from place to place. Unfortunately, beyond looking at a piece of paper or making several telephone calls, there's really no way for you to know who is where...and when - or why! Wouldn't everything be easier if you could have access to real-time updates about where all of your crew were located and the status of your projects? Modern technology seems to think so. Instead of relying on dry-erase boards, paper planners and crossed-out calendar pages, software applications have been designed to simplify the scheduling process. The only problem is knowing where to begin. Sure, software applications have been developed for contractors, but which ones are actually any good? There's no need to worry, though. We've been pouring through the heaps of apps on your behalf and have narrowed our picks down to five. If you're looking to streamline your scheduling process and become a more efficient business, take a look at our five favorite apps - you won't regret it. HERE 3

4 KickServ Because KickServe is designed to meet so many diverse needs within the construction industry, it is a great tool for those that need a comprehensive construction management system. The software is intended to simplify your processes and be helpful to everyone on your team, including sales, project managers, field laborers, accountants and more. Android, iphone, ipad, Mac, Mobile Web App, RIM-BlackBerry, Web-based, Windows, Windows Ph. KickServ is also compatible with platforms like Open API and Quickbooks Intuit. Shared Calendar - Construction managers, schedulers and dispatchers can immediately gain access to where their resources are located, simplifying the process of assigning field personnel to a job site and remaining on schedule. At the same time, laborers can easily see where their supervisors are located, enabling them to be tracked down quickly if help is needed. Sales & Estimates - Keep tabs on where you are in the bidding process. You'll never again lose out on a bid opportunity because a request fell through the cracks. Invoicing and Online Accounting - This feature will make it easier for you to send invoices to your customers, collect online payments and monitor when retention billing can be closed out. Detailed Reporting - By syncing up job estimates, labor costs, equipment costs and change orders, you can take an objective look at how your operation is running and become more efficient. Self-Service Portal - Allow your customers the opportunity to see how things are coming along with this handy feature. Customers will HERE 4 be able to look at job progress and make requests.

5 BuilderTrend BuilderTrend is ideal for residential contractors and remodelers. Not only does the software make it much easier for you to manage your scheduling and any special customizations, but it also allows your customers to stay involved with what's going on. Android, iphone, ipad, Mac, Mobile Web App, Web-based, Windows. Dynamic Scheduling - The feature sends out automatic updates and notifications to alert your crew to any changes that have been made so you're never left wondering where your laborers are. Automatic schedule shifts are also available, so if something changes at the last minute, the scheduling will re-calculate to become accurate Lead Management - BuilderTrend allows you to take a look at all of your prospects and know exactly where they are in the buyer cycle so that your sales team can follow up and close deals faster. Bid Management - Stay on schedule with the bidding process as you are able to quickly collaborate RIFs with subcontractors, share notes, track due dates, and more. Daily Logs - This tool allows you and your crew to share notes and information about the project's status and update supervisors if major problems or changes arise. To-Do Lists - Assign tasks to specific crews or individuals, and hold subcontractors accountable for completing their work on-time. Customer Access - Allow direct clients and subcontractors the ability to log into their job and see what's going on with it. HERE 5

6 Co-Construct Punch List Management - Mange your tasks and keep up-to-date with subcontractor tasks with this helpful tool. Customer Access - Keep customers happy and in-the-loop with the scheduling of their job and any updates or changes that may have occurred. Co-Construct is designed for mobile construction project management. It's well suited to those working both in the designbuild and remodeling sectors. Android, iphone, ipad, Mac, Mobile Web App, Web-based, Windows. Co-Construct will also integrate with Quickbooks Intuit, Xero, and Porch. User-Friendly Calendar - Instead of making last-minute phone calls to re-direct workers, enjoy the ease of using Co-Construct's scheduling feature. You'll be able to take a broader, more comprehensive look at all employee and job schedules throughout the business. As you drag and drop tasks and work schedules, updates will be made automatically and both field and office personnel will be immediately notified. Job Progress Updates - With daily notes and logs, you and your crew can instantly see how the job is progressing. By allowing customers access to certain notes, you can also immediately alter them to what is going on. To-Do Lists - Access and make changes to your project to-do lists, anywhere and anytime. Bid Management - Always know when your next bids are due, get fast access to the information that you need, and get estimates sent in fast with this feature. Accounting Capabilities - Simplify your billing schedule by syncing up your Co-Constructor app with your accounting software. Billing will go out much more quickly and more easily than ever before. HERE 6

7 Procore Change Order Management - In the event that alterations are made to the contract or change orders are submitted, you can take advantage of this feature in order to plan for any scheduling or budget changes. Punch List Management - Finish each job strong by creating and managing punch lists within the Procore system. Procore will help you to get the job done quickly and correctly. The software system is ideal for anyone managing multiple sites and resources, making it easy to manage your jobs wherever they are. Android, iphone, ipad, Mac, Mobile Web App, Web-based, Windows. Procore is currently in the process of integration with Quickbooks Intuit. Simple Scheduling - The great thing about Procore is that it actually integrates with your existing system so that you don't have any unnecessary complications or knowledge gaps. What Procore does is provide you with the power of online search within your program. In this way, you're able to instantly access the scheduling information for any of your ongoing projects, for workers or for ongoing task lists. Timecard Management Your employees can quickly enter their hours, tie them into the correct job number or name, and even include specific notes. Daily Log - You'll always be aware of the project's current status so that you can anticipate any scheduling changes or hiccups in advance. Because notes can be attributed to the creator, you'll also know who recorded what information so that you can quickly get clarification when needed. Bid Management - Procore makes inviting and reviewing subcontractor and vender bids a cinch. You can create a flexible schedule for when bids are due for all vendors or by each bid package, depending on your preferences. HERE 7

8 Build Tools Budgeting and Accounting Capabilities - BuildTools is another software that is compatible with QuickBooks. As a result, it's really easy to manage your billing schedule, send out invoices and schedule in a timely manner and get paid as soon as possible. Punch List Management - With this tool you'll be able to see which items still need to be taken care of before job closeout BuildTools is uniquely designed to suit the specific demands of custom builders and remodelers. iphone, ipad, Mac, Mobile Web App, Webbased, Windows. Comprehensive Scheduling - With BuildTools, you are able to immediately access the scheduling information for your employees and subcontractors and notify them of any changes automatically. In addition, you'll have the ability to create a calendar for every phase of your various project including meetings, deadlines, to-do tasks and more. Job Notifications - BuildTools offers a feature that is specifically designed to improve communications for everyone involved with a specific job. Notifications about scheduling changes, project updates, photos, deadlines and more can be generated in a weekly report. Bid Management - You're able to track all bids as they come in, set deadlines and reminders so you don't miss sending out your estimates and schedule bid due dates for vendors and subcontractors who will be working on your behalf. Change Order Management - Whenever a change occurs, the schedule and budget will be altered. This particular feature will enable you to keep subcontractors and customers in the loop about these changes so that there are never any unpleasant surprises. HERE 8

9 CONCLUSION By getting started with these powerful software applications, you'll improve the quality of your work, streamline your processes and leave your customers happier than ever before. Feel free to reach out to our team at Braen Stone if you have questions about the materials we offer at our quarry locations. We pride ourselves on the relationships that we develop with contractors like yourself, and we'll go the extra mile to ensure that your needs are met. HERE 9