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Success comes from companies who continually stay focused, outsmart their competitors and find new ways to keep their overheads down. So in this economic crisis, how can you not only keep your business above water, but turn the recession to your advantage? One common claim by experts is that software can be a valuable weapon, helping you manage and grow your business, but are these claims really true?

Here we are focussing on the recession hit construction industry.

According to the Construction Financial Management Association's 2008 Information Technology Survey, the majority of large construction companies are now using software for functions such as cost estimating, accounting, project management and scheduling which suggests software can provide real benefits in these areas. The problem is, there are just as many different ways to run and manage a construction company as there are general contractors who run them, so how do you select the software that’s right for you?

The most valuable feature in any software program is its ability to adapt to your companies needs easily. Boxed or “off the shelf” software often does not provide the flexibility to accurately mirror your business processes, which can limit the benefits it provides as it requires you to work round the software rather than the software working for you. In simple terms, boxed products are often not bespoke enough.

On the other hand, buying a purely bespoke system also has its limitations. A bespoke system can be extremely expensive, as every component is developed from scratch, and less reliable as it does not have a large user community using it on a daily basis. In simple terms, sometimes bespoke is too bespoke.

One potential solution to this is to buy a product that is designed to be “tailored” to your business rather than a bespoke system developed solely for your business. This sort of hybrid approach usually allows for new functionality and integration with existing software, such as accounting packages. With a well chosen flexible product, your company can get the best of both worlds: a system which mirrors your business processes but which is affordable, flexible and extremely reliable.

When Brent Ropelato, a general contractor, was asked how he felt software is used within the construction industry today, he stated “From my perspective, a program that I can bend to fit my needs is an asset I can't work without. Customisation is perhaps the most important factor when considering software, because an adaptable program will pay for itself and be easier to use accurately.”

The Building Maintenance Company, an independent maintenance service company agrees with Brent. “We chose to buy software to give our company a technical advantage over our competitors. We chose Maintenance 360, a software product by GreyRidge Software, designed for building maintenance and facility management companies, because unlike “boxed” products that we had used before, the system fitted our business processes perfectly, yet could be integrated to our accounting package simply” states Charlotte Ridley, Company Director.

So why do some experts believe that buying software in these hard times is a waste of money? It could be through lack on understanding. Brent Ropelato explains “The learning curve for using a software program will be greater or lesser depending upon your computer skills. There are several programs that are inexpensively priced, relatively easy to use and, with a little effort and patience, will free up some of your time”.

For all firms considering software, it is important to consider how it integrates and interoperates with your database and existing software applications used by your firm and its subcontractors. Your company size will also help dictate the complexity of the program you should use. Many programs have tutorials, online help, training classes and online demonstrations for support, making it user friendly. You must always keep in mind that your competition may already be using one. To remain competitive and achieve a professional quality in your presentation documents, do your homework and select a product that will suit your needs now and for the future.

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