Download
this construction software article
|
 |
| |
 |
See why contractors use FOUNDATION as their construction accounting software!
(click here) |
|
 |
|
| |
 |
| |
|
Tech Trap No. 4 — The Research is Thorough
Editor’s Note: Following is the fourth of our ten part series called “Technology Traps
and Mishaps,” by Fred Ode, CEO, chairman and founder of Foundation Software.
Finally! After months of discussions
and deliberation,
the decision has been made.
You have the go-ahead to
replace—or introduce—a
new technology product that is critical
to your company’s operation. So
where do you begin?
The best place to start is at the
end. That’s right, at the end. And
then move backward.
Most new tech buyers make the
mistake of starting at the beginning
and jumping right to the end. They
decide on a type of product they
need, identify three or four products
and then buy the one that looks the
“best.” Often, the best thing about
the chosen product was the slick
salesman, a jazzy presentation or very
cool features.
Starting at the end means that
you define where you want to be and
move backward to exactly where you
are right now. Before considering any
specific product or technology, your
research should include these five
steps:
1. Create a workable and realistic
time frame. Starting at the
end and working backward will
not only help you create a realistic
timeframe of deadlines and
goals, but it will help you resist
the temptation to rush out and
fill that technology void. Before
the “shopping” phase for new tech
products begins, time should be
allotted for evaluating needs and
processes/procedures currently
in place. In general, the greater the investment, the more time should be allowed for
research, selection and implementation.
Unrealistic time frames, particularly when it comes
to installation of new tech products and user training,
can lead to ineffective purchase decisions. A general
contractor looking to replace their project management
software, for example, wants to go live January
1, and it is now mid-November. Depending on the size
of the company, the number of jobs and other factors,
this is probably an unrealistic goal. And if the product
search is limited to only those vendors that can meet
the deadline, this contractor could end up with a
poorly matched product.
2. Identify major problems and current product deficiencies. The first phase of research should always
begin with the current product or processes. Problems
that you are having now—i.e., the pain factor—will
help you define exactly what you will need in a new
technology product.
However, prepare to dig deep in identifying problem
areas, so that these deficiencies are not present in
the next investment. An understanding of why your
current product is inefficient will provide you with
greater knowledge when shopping the second time
around. Inadequate job cost features of an entry-level
accounting software, for example, cause much pain for
a growing contractor. A thorough evaluation reveals
that the system lacks the capacity to handle multistate
and prevailing wage payrolls, AIA billings and
change orders.
3. Identify valuable features that must be kept. When
replacing an unproductive technology product, you
certainly don’t want to “throw the baby out with the
bathwater.” That is, make sure that your new “state-of-
the-art” investment is not missing those features or
services which you value most. You can’t assume that
new programs will duplicate what you are now using.
Your company, for example, depends on a detailed
billing format which comes standard with your old
accounting software. If this is a must-have feature of
your new accounting application, you’ll want to make
sure all products you are considering offer a similar
format.
In addition to the specifics, don’t forget about the
bigger picture. Companies often make the mistake
of switching to a new product only to find that their new feature-rich system is totally
lacking in customer support…or
the high-tech solution is too difficult
to use…or the “integrated
package” offers little depth in any
area.
4. Identify areas where you might
need to compromise. Okay, now
that you have identified your list
of painful problem areas along
with your list of “must-keep” features,
it’s time for a reality check.
The chances of finding one product
that meets the criteria of your new
“wish list” is probably very slim.
That said, it might be necessary
to identify “deal breakers,”
or those features/items that you
absolutely cannot do without.
Coming up with this list will
help you weed out the products
that simply don’t make the cut.
An excavating contractor with a
large fleet of vehicles, for example,
decides that their next job costing
system must include a module or
features for scheduling maintenance
and repairs. That’s the dealbreaker.
Having a dispatch board,
however, is not as critical.
5. Examine the products that meet
your criteria. Armed with the
knowledge of what you must have
and what you must avoid, it is now
far easier to create a short list of
new tech options. Finally, it is
time to examine these select products
closely. Ask to see product
demonstrations; talk to contractors
using the applications;
consult with industry experts;
and do everything you need to do
to narrow your search and come up
with your “best-fit” product.
We can all agree that research
is essential to new technology purchases.
So why not spend the time
researching not just new products
available, but also your own company
needs and where you’d like to be?
Starting at the end and working backward
is the road less traveled when
it comes to research. Though it may
take longer to get there, the journey
will be well worth it—in terms of new
tech products that perform more efficiently
and more profitably for your
company.
Fred Ode is the CEO/chairman of
Foundation Software, developer of construction
job cost accounting software
called FOUNDATION for Windows. For
further information on FOUNDATION
for Windows, visit www.foundationsoft.com.
Fred Ode can be reached directly
by phone at 800.246.0800 or e-mail
fred@foundationsoft.com.
|
