It is said that the perfect organization is an employee of one – yourself – and when you move beyond that, things happen (or don’t happen). Opportunity to reduce office-field communication gaps are everywhere. Thoughtfully streamlining your communication processes will allow you to tackle more work orders and building lasting relationships with you customers. Here are three ways to bridge communication between owners, managers and employees – and no, the answer is not simply: technology. It is how you use technology.
Technology is an enabler, technology is not a solution. Carefully choose the technology that works for you.
1. Set Pre-Job Exceptions
Instituting expectations, a plan and a process for monitoring progress is key. Consider this the tried and true old-fashioned way. Remember when you were a kid, and your parents told you to clean your room? While you thought the finished product was “clean”… your parents had a different definition. It does not matter what the age, or what task is at hand, clear communication and setting expectations before a project begins is essential for smooth communication. A basic need that all contractors face is discussing field production; establishing exceptions, the process that will take place and the technology that will be used will eliminated unnecessary hiccups.
2. Be Selective
Technology seems to be the answer that everyone throws around. However, too much unnecessary technology is just as bad as no technology. Be selective. What will work best for your company? Working from smartphones or tablets? Would you want a computer software, or would an app fit your needs?
Look for software and apps that serve a dual purpose, or will streamline a process you already have in place. You don’t need to recreate the wheel. Sometimes newer and better isn’t always better.
3. Top Construction Apps for 2016
All of that being said… here are some of the industry’s top trending construction apps for 2016, as according to the Daily Reporter.
- JobFLEX: allows contractors to create estimates quickly and efficiently. The program was designed by people in the field, allowing real solutions for real customers.
- SmartBidNet: A bid management system for the iPhone that allows you to create and track the bid process at every step.
- ClockShark: Say goodbye to messy paper time sheets. This app seamlessly allows supervisors to track the time and GPS location of employees using various devices.
So remember, you don’t need an app to organize your apps. Be selective and trust your instincts. Technology should work for you.
