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Integrate software for construction into your systems

The user-friendly options available in construction estimating software make using the programs easy and accessible for any business now. Small, medium and large companies can eliminate the need for extensive paper trails and the long management meetings in favor of desktop and mobile software that can operate within your entire workflow processes.

I recommend: Make bids and estimate projects more efficiently with the construction software offered by Discover. Find reviews of the most popular construction software at Construction Software Review.

Go online for construction management software

For many of the newer online programs you don't even have to download any special software to your systems if you choose to engage online construction software. These operations typically allow you a trial period, which you should take advantage of as well.

I recommend: Construction Resources is a good place to look for a variety of packages that include web-based and CD software programs and information about the industry. Go to Software Advice for free articles for developers, architects and contractors to find the right construction software providers for your company.

Bring in contractors to run the construction contracting software

Once you've opened up the possibilities of running your business with the assistance of construction contracting software, you may need to call on consultants to handle projects until you can get your team onboard with the programs. Your managers should be able to use their own desktops to display reports and manage projects after you've used the software for a while.

I recommend: Find the best vendors and keep up with the industry and the offers made through tested partners of the Construction Financial Management Association. Contract Management Consultants can help you find the right kind of software packages and show you how to use them. They also provide a number of online resources that answer many questions about the changing industry.

Learn best practices from the construction software makers

Construction software providers offer training for their products with online tutorials and in-person visits.

I recommend: Learn how to use leading construction software packages such as A-Systems JobView or Sage Master Builder through the software makers' training programs.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Before deciding on a construction management software program, let your key employees try out the free demos to help you in the final decision. And make sure that your subs can interface with the programs when necessary.

Guide to Construction Software

Software for construction improves your building projects from the ground up

By Marianne Cotter, Freelance writer

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Integrated construction management software

Integrated software for construction that covers the complete project cycle from back office accounting functions to daily scheduling of people, equipment and materials may be the answer for contractors who work on substantial - and often multiple - projects.

I recommend: Sage Master Builder offers a complete construction management software package including estimating, production, accounting and analysis. Penta Construction Enterprise Software is a construction management software suite that includes modules for financial management, equipment management, labor management, project management, service management and document management. ProCore is a web-based construction management tool that archives all your project information online.

Construction management software modules and stand-alone solutions

Construction estimating software, construction scheduling software and accounting software can be either stand-alone programs or modules in a construction software suite.

I recommend: Foundation for Windows is a stand-alone comprehensive construction accounting solution that handles job costing, payroll, general ledger, subcontracts, time and material billing and more. For additional stand-alone options or modules for construction accounting software, construction cost estimation software or construction scheduling software, check the listings at Business.com.

Field force enablement in construction software solutions

While most construction companies have a field force automation solution in place, there are advantages to having one that is integrated with your construction management software solution.

I recommend: Penta Mobile is a web-based construction software module that can be deployed across different devices including SmartPhones, Java-enabled phones, PDAs, laptops and tablets. Jonas Field Force Enablement works by combining Jonas e-Services and Jonas Mobile with the Jonas Dispatch system. Construction management software provider Explorer Software’s Explorer Communiqué module uses Microsoft’s .NET platform for wireless access via the BlackBerry and many other devices.

Construction software designed by market and role

One way to narrow the field of software for construction is to find a solution that is targeted for your particular construction market or your role within that market.

I recommend: Dexter & Chaney’s Spectrum Construction Software offers separate editions for different construction markets including electrical, heavy/highway, general construction and utility. BuildTopia is web-based construction management software with targeted solutions for homebuilders, residential developers, general contractors, sales brokers, warranty service providers and trade partners.

Construction software featuring online partner collaboration

Using the Internet for collaboration is a natural in the construction trade where multiple partners often coordinate activities on the same project.

I recommend: Meridian Systems offers collaborative online scheduling accessible to clients, vendors and suppliers. InfoGraph’s Construction Collaboration Software allows owners, engineers, architects and contractors to share and collaborate design documentation. BuildTopia TradeNetwork is a free collaboration tool that allows you to market your services, participate in online bidding and share documents, such as sitemaps, plans, and drawings. BidClerk allows you to search thousands of projects nationwide that are in the planning, bidding and construction phase.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If your technology budget is limited, consider construction estimating software and construction scheduling software as stand-alone solutions.
• •  When shopping for construction software, consider the communication and collaboration needs of workers in the field.
• •  Before buying software for construction, decide whether you want to combine front and back office applications in the same package or keep them separate.

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The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Share information with construction business software experts

As construction software providers learn more about how builders navigate the Web and utilize their products, they are becoming savvier about the kinds of tools that are most important to estimating construction costs per foot. You need to stay on top of the construction contractor software trends.

I recommend: Design Cost Data is an industry magazine that is also involved in developing construction estimation software for architects and contractors nationwide. Keep up with the industry news and trends as well as maintaining important relationships through the Associated General Contractors of America, one of the largest and oldest industry trade groups in the country.

Stay on top of construction management software trends

While you can't spend your whole day reading about industry changes, you need to stay informed about the latest news affecting your industry. Find niche publications that can narrow your focus and regularly feed you with the important news that you need to have each day.

I recommend: Keep up with the headlines at Great Possibilities, on online provider of construction industry news and trends in the technology shaping the business. Read up on who’s doing what and where you can find the latest emerging software products for you best interests at CTS.

Get involved with construction cost software specialists

You often can hear about the latest news affecting your industry before it even hits the press from a good networking group. Find ways to interact with your peers and be prepared to share important information on construction software.

I recommend: Facilities Management Link is a good resource to find software news across the industry sectors. Subscribe to Construction Executive, the magazine of the Associated Builders and Contractors.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Encourage your team to read an industry publication and present regular reports on the construction contracting software news that they've found in staff meetings.

Guide to Construction Software Key Terms

Learn key terms for applications of construction software

By Heather Topham Wood, Freelance Writer

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Quantity takeoff

This is a feature of construction software that allows the user to measure plans and to get figures on the quantities needed to complete a project. The software can electronically capture plans and then give the contractor the data needed to make estimates on building materials needed and the amount required.

I recommend: Review a more in-depth definition of quantity takeoff on Software Advice.

Document control

Many documents are involved in the process of building. Documentation may include change orders, submittals and vendor requests. Construction software allows you to save all of these documents electronically instead of potentially misplacing crucial documents.

I recommend: Read the bullet points on document control within construction software on Construction Software Review.

Estimation wizard

Another key feature of construction software is the incorporation of an estimation wizard. An estimation wizard allows you to plug in relevant numbers to get a cost approximation so that you can budget your construction project more effectively.

I recommend: Rondo shows how to use an estimation wizard on its page.

GTCO digitizers

GTCO digitizer is a useful tool utilized by many contractors during different construction phases. GTCO digitizers automate the process of making measurements for blueprints. Professional construction software has GTCO digitizers built into the program.

I recommend: Read about GTCO digitizers through the manufacturer CalComp.

Remote data entry

Being able to remotely enter and save data is an essential feature of construction software since many times you will need to use the program while at a job site. Remote data entry is where you input data on the job and then later transmit the information into the software program.

I recommend: Determine the features and benefits of a remote data entry system through Computer Ease.

Encryption

Encryption is a method that software programs used to protect the data stored. Encryption methods may include secure webpages and password protection. Some advanced construction software programs will also require fingerprint detection for log-ins and form approvals.

I recommend: The FAQ section of Project Mates expands upon encryption and data security on question 9.