FIVE WAYS YOUR BUILDING SUPPLIES SOFTWARE CAN HELP YOUR CUSTOMERS

As the world adopts a more digital approach, it is highly likely that you have, or soon will, outgrow your usual working methods. If this is the case, when managing your business, you could be looking to move from using manual processes to investing in more mature, innovative construction software.

As the world adopts a more digital approach, it is highly likely that you have, or soon will, outgrow your usual working methods. If this is the case, when managing your business, you could be looking to move from using manual processes to investing in more mature, innovative construction software.

Choosing the right platform that works for you can seem a bit daunting. The key is to understand how your software can help to streamline your operations. Tasks such as planning or estimating projects and their subsequent costs, as well as managing supply chain issues, inventory and communication can all be solved with the right digital solution.

Here we offer five ways your building supplies software can help you and your customers, and in turn help you to make the right choice when selecting one that works best for your business.

Benefit #1: Streamlines communication

Sharing data across the industry, such as communications with contractors, clients and other suppliers, has traditionally been done manually or on a stand-alone platform. With this, there is a risk of a less efficient and arguably more problematic approach with lost data and a lack of communication across different departments. This not only makes it harder to access up-to-date information, it can also require staff to input information more than once.

An integrated software management system such as ECI Spruce offers users the ability to access complete customer and project profiles any time from one central location, within seconds. This helps businesses to increase value by delivering more effective, personalised sales, service and customer communications at any given time, unifying all your business operations. As well as clear communication, results also include a reduction in costly errors and manual mistakes giving you more time to focus on growing your business.

Benefit #2: Controls your costs

An efficient and streamlined software provider can help construction businesses to not only manage their costs more effectively, but also make key savings and turn a higher profit. Without the need to dedicate long hours to time-consuming manual approaches, users will simply have immediate access to orders, contracts and budget details. This streamlined approach combats important issues and inaccuracies, dealing with them as soon as they arise, helping you to save money by making more accurate business decisions.

In addition, choosing software that helps you to simplify purchasing is just one example of how the right approach can save valuable time and money. This supports you in ordering the right items without stocking too much unnecessary inventory and tying up much needed cash flow.

Benefit #3: Simplifys supply chain management

There are many functions that popular software platforms such as Spruce offer, that can support better supply chain management.

A systematic approach to activities such as accounting, partnerships, point of sale and construction supplies distribution, all on a single platform, not only assists your company but also your suppliers and customers. This easy-to-understand approach provides your stakeholders with everything they need from transparency, and cost savings to strong communications and efficiency. This means you are able to share comprehensive and valuable information to everyone that needs it.

Benefit #4: Supports necessary inventory management

Software that supports effective inventory management is crucial, particularly with shortages of staff and materials across the country continuing to weigh on construction volumes. This, as well as a reported 23.5% increase in average material costs compared to a year ago heralds the need for a streamlined and thorough inventory management for all construction companies. A robust approach is vital to ensure that you aren’t stocking up the wrong items in place of much needed, and currently difficult to source, materials. The implications of which could tie up cash that can be invested in other areas.

Good building materials software supports the management of your inventory by simplifying purchasing with vendors. A robust integrated system helps you to know you are ordering the right items. Look for software that consolidates purchasing, allowing multi-location customer access. Platforms that offer many purchasing options such as automated ordering (saving on manual input and much needed time) as well as the ability to order stock based on past POs are also crucial.

Benefit #5: Boosts efficiency

In any construction project efficiency is key and every effective software provider will deliver integration across departments to boost it. Knowing that you have instant access to all elements of one or multiple projects also helps to give peace of mind and relieve stress.

The right software will enhance your projects, supporting everything from planning and budgeting to reporting and analysing. High performing construction software will help to make any project thoroughly efficient from beginning to end, reducing costs, delays and supporting communication.