Custom applications can be a huge asset for any company, especially in the construction industry. Most construction companies still work with the pen and paper method, and information can get lost or misunderstood. Over the past couple of years, more construction companies have added technology to their business processes and it has only helped increase efficiencies and productivity. Here are some of the top benefits of custom application development for your business:
Reduce Redundancy and Errors
One of the biggest benefits of using a custom application instead of the pen and paper method in the construction industry is that it reduces redundancy and errors. For example, custom applications can be built for scheduling employees, equipment and tracking quantities on jobs. Without a system to enter the data, paper documents can get lost or misplaced, causing payroll errors. Also, by having employees enter data into a system instead of writing it on a piece of paper, administration employees won’t need to manually enter information into their accounting system. This leap in efficiency can save a great deal of time and resources.
Get Real-Time Information
When information is digitally logged in a system, managers can get real-time information on projects. They can see the progress of any project at any time. As soon as information is entered into the system, managers can review information and run reports for any project. For example, it can help keep track of employee’s time and quantities completed on projects, giving managers the ability to better set and manage project expectations. Clients can be better kept up-to-speed on the status of their projects, and it is much less likely that “surprises” will arise along the way. All of these benefits can result in a much more satisfied client who is likely to return for business or recommend your services to others!
It’s Made Just For You
Another benefit of custom development is in the name: it is custom made for your company. Very few companies solve all of their business needs with an out-of-the-box solution. Normally, they will have to make sacrifices when using an out-of-the-box solution, which can lead to frustrations and inefficiencies. With custom application development, you will get everything you need to solve your exact business problems. This also makes it easier for employees to accept the change and commit to using the company’s new investment. A lot of construction employees might not want to make the switch to technology because they have very little experience working with computers. When using a custom built application, the application can be designed to mimic what employees are used to doing manually. This will facilitate quicker adoption of the application, ultimately leading to a more resourceful and efficient company.
Works with Existing Systems
Custom application development can easily work with any existing system your company currently uses. For example, a custom application can integrate with your accounting software to easily keep your information up-to-date. This makes it easy to integrate with payroll and updating equipment information. You won’t be spending a great deal of time, energy and money modifying existing systems, or suffering through the inefficiencies that arise when platforms aren’t compatible. You’ll know from Day 1 that your application will work the way it’s supposed to on the system you already have.
It Grows with You
Another benefit of custom application development is that the system can grow with your company. When a new business need arises, developers can incorporate it into your existing system. That is something that normally cannot be done with an out-of-the-box solution. If your company grows and suddenly you need enhanced functionality to maintain a greater level of efficiency, you’re out of luck unless you’re ready to invest in a brand new system. With custom application development, however, the ability to build to your specifications is always an option. This flexibility works great in the construction industry because developers can create custom reports that can be used for bidding future jobs or make any additional changes that can help improve your company’s productivity.
Overall, companies in the construction industry can really benefit from the use of custom applications instead of the old fashion pen and paper method. It can help increase productivity and reduce many payroll and billing errors. If you’re interested in further exploring how custom application development could take your company to new levels of productivity, give our experts at 4CTechnologies a call! We’ll listen and explore your business thoroughly to build you a custom fit solution that takes care of all your business needs, as well as giving you a great foundation for future growth!
Contributed by Jennifer Edwards, former Consultant at 4CTechnologies
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