1. Why construction technology is important
In this section, we cover some of the tasks construction technology can help with, including:
Accounting
Bid management
Cloud storage
Estimating
Field management (like Raken)
Project management
Field management software improves visibility for the field and office-streamlining communication and project data.
We then take a look at how construction companies are using technology. In 2020, STACK conducted a survey that found that while most construction companies don't use project management software, 76.7% of companies using construction software felt it gave their company a strategic advantage.
But how do you know which software will work for your company? Finding the right software can sometimes mean creating a tech stack, or using multiple types of software.
2. What's a construction tech stack?
In the next section, we look at tech stacks, or the combining of softwares to meet your needs.
According to STACK's 2020 survey, 30.3K construction companies use 1-2 apps at a time, and 2.5K companies use 3-5 apps at a time.
There are two main types of apps: all-in-one platforms and point solutions. Each has their own set of pros and cons, the biggest differentiator being the complexity of the software.
All-in-one platforms offer a wide variety of features, but they are also more complicated to use. Point solutions have limited features, but they are much more intuitive to use, and usually are quicker to implement.
We recommend combining all-in-one and point solutions to get the most out of your software, so you can increase ROI and efficiency. Look for software integrations to make combining solutions easy.
3. How to build the best tech stack for your business
Building a tech stack can be intimidating, but you can make it easy by following these four steps:
Choose which workflows to digitize.
Set your goals.
Try out different products to see what works best.
Implement and get feedback.
You may have to test out several apps before you find the one that has buy-in from your team. Thankfully, many apps have free trial periods, so you can test out different software options for free. You can also schedule a demo with a rep for a more detailed walkthrough of the software.
Remember: Software works differently for everyone. When choosing software for your company, make sure to include the employees who will use it from the very beginning. That way, you can choose something that addresses everyone's needs and workflows.
4. Develop your construction tech stack with Raken
Raken helps you collect, manage and store your field data-all in real time.
Raken offers the following features:
Daily reports
Time cards
Equipment and materials logs
Safety and quality checklists
Toolbox talks
Raken also offers integrations for additional solutions, including:
Project management
Cloud storage
Accounting solutions
Because Raken is a field-focused software solution, it's incredibly easy to use. Its simplicity makes its implementation time shorter than most technologies, making it a great foundation to build your tech stack.
