The US construction industry will grow by 4.5% by 2022. This expansion can be attributed to increased investments in technology, transport, and construction businesses.
This rapid growth has led to more contractors and construction companies using advanced tools such as Bridgit, which streamlines the construction process. This software helps them manage the project’s timeline and workflow.
Apps for contractor scheduling can also increase the productivity of the construction crew. How do you choose the best scheduling app for your company? This article will help you find the best contractor app for your construction projects.
How to Invest in a Contractor Scheduling Application?
There are currently more than 20 online scheduling tools for contractors. All of them have one purpose: to schedule contractors’ construction activities. There are also some negative aspects to this job.
Before you make a final decision, ensure that you look at the following features of a contractor scheduling app.
1. Compatibility with other Devices
The scheduling app should be compatible with modern and common devices. Apple devices run on macOS and iOS, while Microsoft devices run on Windows OS. These are the two most popular OSs in the world.
The construction site or headquarters may be different from an office environment. Construction teams must run complex software on their systems to accomplish different purposes.
- Modeling – A digital representation of the building’s functional characteristics and design is called a construction model. To model, you need a powerful software.
- Estimation – This includes the estimation of construction costs, resources, as well as activities.
- Blueprint – Generating a detailed project’s architectural design on blue paper marked with white marks.
Because contractor scheduling apps require heavy software, make sure they are compatible with different operating systems. The app’s specifications page will provide information about the requirements for your device. This will provide you with a better understanding of the software.
2. Integration Online
Sometimes, the project headquarter is far from the construction site. The contractor scheduling app allows you to share and get construction documents online.
It would be a disaster if the premium software doesn’t offer online integration. Make sure that your scheduling app can be integrated online with other apps and devices.
Online software integration has become a necessity, as no one wants long travels to view a piece of paper. Cloud technology allows for online integration of other software. This feature should be in perfect working order before you purchase the software.
You can still visit the construction site using the online integration feature. This app is used for scheduling purposes. To check on the status of your project, you must regularly visit the construction site.
3. Online Collaboration
Online collaboration is a must for any contractor schedule that you are interested in purchasing. This allows you to communicate with other members of the project regardless of distance and time. They can communicate with you and send and receive documents, without any additional cost.
Another important aspect of today’s construction industry is the online collaboration feature. A report found that 70% of respondents believe poor collaboration leads to project delays and cost overruns.
There are other risks for the construction industry when there is no or inadequate online collaboration.
- Poor collaboration is one of the most common causes of Jobsite accidents in construction.
- Equipment failure – If a clear message about when to shut down is not given, construction machinery could fail.
- Stress Employees can feel stressed when a project is delayed due to poor collaboration.
Collaboration in construction also means communication with project stakeholders and other team members. Always ensure that the scheduling software offers online collaboration.
4. Use it Quickly
It should be simple to use the contractor scheduling app. The scheduler will be used most of the time by the contractor or project.
App developers use cutting-edge technology to create these apps. Users might not know about this technology. This is a problem that contractors and schedulers face in the construction industry.
It is also well-known that changes are difficult and never easy in the construction industry. Experiential contractors still use the traditional method of creating a schedule. They might be reluctant to accept a new tool such as the scheduling app for construction apps.
The only way to convince them to use the app for contractors is to show how simple it is. The app is also available in a free version. While you may not be able to access all features, it is worth checking the ease-of-use feature.
5. Customer Support
Modern construction scheduling software is undoubtedly very efficient. The software can sometimes have bugs or other errors. Contact customer support to resolve such problems.
Imagine that you are about complete the construction schedule together with all stakeholders. The app becomes stuck just before the final review. You must resolve the problem without affecting the construction schedule.
So invest in a contractor-scheduling app that offers 24/7 customer support. These representatives will help you resolve the problem and prevent embarrassment before clients and stakeholders.
6. Review
Last, but not least: read the reviews about each contractor’s scheduling software. You don’t have to worry about the lengthy list. Just search for the best software that schedules construction projects. Then filter the top 10, and then read reviews.
Although it is time-consuming, you will learn a lot about each contractor app. After you have read all the reviews, choose the one that best suits your needs.
Conclusion
All of the features listed above must be present in the contractor scheduling app that you are looking to purchase. You will face stiff competition. Real-time feedback from contractors is a must. These reviews will help you choose the right contractor scheduling app for your construction projects.