How Specialty Contractors Can Improve Efficiency with A Construction Accounting Software

Over the years, the construction industry has evolved exponentially and, in turn, so has the use of technology and data in the construction business. Since the complexity of projects has increased, specialty contractors have the increased need to access real-time project data in order to keep up with project progress. Also, the ability to track the project data can increase business efficiency and can even help to take the lead over the competition.

In the past, construction has always been an industry with minimal access to digital resources, such as integrated construction accounting technology. But ever since project managers and contractors have developed the need for data to perform their jobs effectively, the interest of contractors in technology has grown even more. In addition to this, the large-sized infrastructure projects tend to possess a very large compilation of documents, emails, and workflows which can be a great source of information to lead projects with similar activities.

Thus, it becomes crucial to have all data related to project performance, payrolls, productivity, resource management, and safety. In addition, the easier the availability of such data, the better it will before specialty contractors to complete projects within a defined budget, along with maximum productivity and profitability.

The data available through technology such as construction accounting and project management software allows contractors to convert raw data into usable information. Here are a few reasons why specialty contractors need to align with a reliable construction accounting software while improving business efficiency:

To Grow Profit Margins

Since construction projects demand huge efforts and resources until the completion stage of the project lifecycle is achieved, the margins can tend to be thin, especially when original quotes are completed outside of the accounting system. It is necessary to create a budget for the project and stick with it in order to survive in the industry.

Most of the construction businesses that fail to generate cash flow is due to poor decision-making based on inaccurate data; this happens due to outdated technology and lack of access to real-time project data.

On the other hand, contractors and project managers who can walk through all the phases of the project lifecycle with easy estimation, planning, resource allocation, payrolls, and other tasks can track all cost associated with jobs and easily protect their profit margins.

Using an all-in-one construction accounting software that allows you to work on project management, CRM, and ERP functions help you to sustain the health of your business. It lets you avoid disputes, ensure accurate documentation, and have the detail of the work completed to avoid any delays in the process. Moreover, the availability of such information makes it easier to track the payments and bills that you share with project owners.

Access to information related to project growth and development makes it easier to prevent productivity loss on the job. Also, quality data visible on the software dashboard can help any general or specialty contractor to create better opportunities through referrals and results.

From a business perspective, it is always crucial to protect the profit margins and with access to all project documentation, it gets easier to predict the bottom line. Also, technology allows the contractors, project managers, project owners, and field teams to stay on the same page in context to expenditures which further reduces the chances of unwanted loss. Consequently, real-time information allows you valuable insights into your project health while creating accurate predictions, developing project efficiency, and making desired profits.

Risk Reduction

When it comes to successful projects, it is the accuracy of accounting and project data that makes it a success. However, it is equally important for project managers and specialty contractors to have access to project documentation and reporting in order to locate potential risks as a practice to avoid errors, overspending and delays.

Also, the reliability of data helps contractors to minimize risk while taking charge of change orders. Since integrated technology such as ProjectPro allows users to have access to project documents and records such as daily reports, change orders, purchase orders, and other information, it helps you to track your work and avoid any discrepancies.

Added Productivity

Last but not least, accuracy in project data helps improve productivity while reducing the time spent on collecting data related to the project. This allows project managers and specialty contractors to increase their productivity while saving time on data compilation. It will reduce lost work hours and lead to more successful project management. From office personnel to field teams, using construction accounting software also helps keep track of all invoice and payroll documentation.

Moreover, collecting data related to labor and resource statistics allows a construction firm to identify the type of projects that have greater returns and on which the firm could perform better.  With all such information available on your construction accounting and project management software, you can simply double the projects of a particular forte, growing your profits and revenue.

Road Ahead

As times have changed and construction projects are becoming increasingly complex, specialty contractors need access to consistent and accurate data. In order to improve efficiencies for specialty contractors, they need to track project progress. Construction ERP software like ProjectPro certified by Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central can help them with construction estimating and help them make crucial decisions.

A new technology that is designed for efficiency can help a specialty contractor deal with problems from information, processes, materials, and equipment. Completing projects on time is a crucial factor to maintain existing clientele and tech can help you set realistic expectations at the beginning of the project.

To improve the bottom line the stakes are high and even a small change can have a huge effect on your project. So by having access to technology, specialty contractors can make better plans, stay within budget and produce faster results. Relying on cloud-based software is an added bonus as it provides mobility and helps you scale your business. Besides a construction-specific software is specifically designed for specialty contractors and it’s much better than any generic, off-the-shelf software.

In a highly competitive construction sector, where profit margins are often razor-thin, contractors need data for decision-making. With the help of software, it helps not only specialty contractors document everything but also helps them in providing meaningful insights. Apart from increasing efficiency and resulting in added productivity, technology can help you be more agile through successful project management.

Conclusion

With the help of construction accounting software, contractors can stay up to date and remain successful while they continue to deal with massive challenges. It helps you estimate red flags and handle problems like insufficient cash flow. In fact, the need to spend crucial hours on payroll processing and time-consuming spreadsheets is also eliminated. Technology can help you eliminate manual tasks and automate operations for the one in charge of the business.

Besides all the above points construction data should help specialty contractors in:

• Scheduling and controlling costs

• Payroll processing

• Equipment tracking

• Inventory and Job Material Monitoring

• Progress Billings

• Precise Project Projections

To generate double-digit sales growth, specialty contractors need the arsenal of technology especially construction software. While the construction market remains highly fragmented and a lot is dependent on how subcontractors perform, adopting technology solutions makes perfect sense.

Many times even the best-laid plans can go awry and construction being a risky business is not immune. Sometimes projects suffer setbacks, delays happen, issues related to payroll crop-up, and keeping subcontractors happy also arise. This is where construction management software will help you plan bids, assist in payroll processing and allow builders to not lose track.

All-in-all COVID-19 has changed the construction landscape. Construction managers and contractors are realizing the need for safety and real-time collaboration. In an industry that is in a perfect storm, technology is sure to bring economies of scale. So it’s time to stay organized, avoid the clutter of paperwork, and prevent profit leaks proactively. Partner with good construction accounting software and improve the overall quality of your work.

Good Luck!

Looking for a reliable and precise construction accounting software that allows you to keep your projects organized for maximum returns and profitability? Try consulting with our team at ProjectPro to explore the services and solutions we can provide to help your business reach your goals.