Getting your building work achieved has been made so much more efficient, consistent, and easier to maintain with the introduction of digital tools to the building industry.
Nowadays, with the help of construction management software, we can communicate, update records, and check costings in real-time, giving you a more consistent and efficient service that enables you to have a closer relationship with your builder and a better understanding of the building process. Not to mention, a deeper knowledge about various softwares (along with the internet, of course) also helps one understand the various nuances of safety standards and compliance audits that the construction industry must adhere to at all times.
Building companies like Dependabuild already integrate such tools into their everyday working life, allowing them to work more efficiently and focus on what’s most important: the client.
Through this piece, we wanted to take the time to outline some of what we believe, are the most effective, easy to use digital tools that we consider essential to the construction industry. Of course, you would need all your physical tools and equipment – excavators, tractors, steel bollards, safety gear too, nonetheless!
Xero
Xero is a cloud-based accounting system that enables you to check on your accounts, quotes, bills, and contracts anywhere at any time. Xero keeps all of your business essentials in one place, ensuring easy storage and access for the user to all information and documentation regarding current jobs, costs, amounts payable and amounts receivable. Xero enables the business to send invoices, quotes, or payment reminders to clients to a set date, automatically, taking the stress of trying to ‘keep up’ away.
Xero works in real-timereal time and is customisable, enabling you to change data input and add items such as logos and personal terms and conditions to documentation. Once set up, Xero automatically populates your customised settings, ensuring you do not consistently have to edit your documentation and giving you the reassurance that the information is present.
Google Drive
Google Drivedrive is an easy to use and effective tool as a client and as a builder in the construction industry. Google Drivedrive is a place where the client and builder are able to connect, sharing receipts, and progress information regarding the job.
Google Drivedrive can be utilised in cost-pluscost plus contract jobs as a tracking tool, allowing the builder to communicate effectively with the client in real-timereal time by developing spreadsheets and files which display information relevant to the job.
The most effective way to utilise a google drive account in the construction industry is to;
- Develop a file for the job
- Within the file, add folders addressing information on the job such as receipts, paid to date, upcoming payment schedule, cost sheet.
- Share the file with the client via email
- The client
Clientis then able to access the folder and keep up to date with information regarding the job.
The builder is also able to add receipts for the client’sclients review which will assist the client in their budgeting. This tool is useful as it is easily accessed, updated, and understood. Strengthening honesty and transparency between the client and builder and giving the client a level of control over their work.
iPad/Tablets
Ipads and Tablets are so portable which makes them a great tool for carrying around plans, emails, and any documentation for any construction worker. Through having access to an iPad or tablet. Builders are able to refer to their plans and always have them at hand. Ipads and Tablets on-siteon site also enable builders and clients to maintain up to date relevant information via email as well as easy access to information regarding materials or suppliers. Ipads and Tablets also have the calendar/diary feature which enables builders to schedule while working in a busy space. Ensuring information and plans never get missed.
So how do digital tools assist the construction industry?
Digital tools assist the construction industry in their planning, quoting and everyday work through ordering materials, communicating with clients and managing the books. Without digital tools, these processes would be slow and drawn out. Digital tools enable us to complete these tasks in an efficient and timely manner, enabling the builder to remain productive and involved in on-siteon site duties.
