According to PlanHub’s 2022 Construction Industry Report, 91% of general contractors and 82% of subcontractors are looking to implement new technology in 2023. For many that will include construction software.
Construction software can be used to simplify several everyday tasks, including accounting, estimating, bid management, and project management. According to our report, here’s how companies are currently using software/technology:
| Use | General Contractors | Subcontractors |
| Material take-off | 70% | 72% |
| Accounting | 65% | 44% |
| Project management | 65% | 38% |
| Bid management | 46% | 34% |
| Pay applications | 25% | 22% |
| Field service | 25% | 19% |
If you’re looking to adopt new technology, specifically construction software, in 2023, here’s what to look for and how to select the best software for your company.
What to look for in construction software
Whether you are a general contractor or a subcontractor looking for new software, there are a few things you should pay attention to when shopping for software.
- Accessibility – Make sure both field and office employees can access the information they need wherever they are. These days that usually means implementing software hosted in the cloud. This cuts down on hardware costs and ensures that everyone is working off the most recent data and documents.
- Ease of use – Select the software that provides the services you need in the simplest form. Don’t choose complex software unless you need it.
- Integration – The goal of any software investment is to save you time and money. So, make sure the software integrates with the current systems you’re using. If you have to import or export data from one system to another, this can add time and cost to your processes and lead to errors in your data.
- Cost – Look at the overall cost to implement the new software, not just the purchase price. Include time for set-up, training, testing, and roll-out. If you have to invest in new hardware, add that cost as well.
- Reputation – Ask for a list of customers from the software company and reach out to them for their honest reviews. Choose contractors or suppliers that are similar to yours, if possible. Ask questions about the implementation process and their satisfaction with the software’s day to day operation. A key question to ask is, “What do you wish you’d known before you made your selection?”
How to select the best construction software for your company
- Look at your current system
Assess the pros and cons of your current way of doing things. What do you wish your current system did or provided? Keep in mind any upcoming changes to your business (taking on a new trade, working on a new project type, etc.).
- Create two lists
Create a list of features/capabilities the software “must have” and a “wish list” that it would be nice to have.
- Research your options
As you’re researching your software options, rate each one based on your selection lists.
- Select and demo/test the top 3-4
Based on your ratings, select the top 3-4 options to demo and test. Reach out to each company and schedule a demonstration. Ask questions about the capabilities and features of the software, and note how it handles transactions to see if it will improve efficiency over your current system. Further assess/rate each one on accessibility, ease of use, integration, cost, and reputation.
- Make your final selection
Once a final selection has been made, sign the contract and make payment arrangements. Your team should begin implementation as soon as possible.
For more information on selecting software, see our other blog posts:
Best Estimating Software for Subcontractors
5 Keys to Selecting the Right Bid Software for Subcontractors
4 Reasons Subcontractors Should Use Estimating Software
8 Tips on How to Choose the Right Construction Management Software for Your Company
