With technology consistently developing, choosing the right software for your company may be a daunting task. Between data digitization, BIM, and everything in between, differentiating between the tools you want and the tools you need can be challenging. Cost may also be an influencing factor in adding software tools to your company’s resources. At Robertson, we rely on a variety of software tools to help us stay on track – from customer service management systems, to software programs designed to aid our builders stay productive. And, these user-friendly systems support our team productivity by integrating between all internal departments.
The first step to finding the right software is simply communicating with yourself and your employees. Consider the needs of not only your department, but also how the software will affect other departments throughout your organization. Some questions you might ask: “How will this software be utilized? How will this help streamline tasks in my department? How will it save me time and money? What are the pros and cons? What are the strategic goals?” Keeping your company goals in mind when choosing a new software system is imperative, because you will be better equipped to decide which programs can help keep you on track. When deciding which software programs would be best for Robertson, we had several needs that had to be met. We needed a program that centralized information and simplified integration, we needed to reduce time inputting information into the system, and we needed to ensure quality and consistency throughout the organization.
Robertson’s primary software system is Oracle Software. Oracle offers an endless range of industry applications; from supply chain and manufacturing, enterprise performance management, customer experience tools, and more. Every Robertson employee uses Oracle, as it helps our company keep track of centralized information and gives us the ability to access data from other departments for scheduling purposes. This program aided our organization in streamlining tasks and saved time inputting data. In addition, Oracle offers training and multiple resources for companies to ensure they are receiving the most out of the software. When it comes to introducing a new software program, companies can often face challenges in learning while operating, training, or data entry, so you want to make sure the software you choose offers ample learning resources for your employees.
If you’ve made the decision to switch to a new software program, it’s a good idea to take advantage of a free trial or demo before committing to the new program. Most software companies offer free demos so you can get a feel for how the program operates and its usability. When possible, have multiple departments participate in the demo in order to test the level of integration and accessibility. It’s important to be aware of the challenges that may be presented as your employees learn to navigate through a new system. Learning how to operate new software can be a challenge for some, so it’s important to remain patient as people adjust to new best practices. Additionally, the quicker you onboard your employees, the better. In the beginning, it’s common for employees to revert to old programs because they are familiar. The key is to remain consistent and give your employees the tools they need to succeed. Once everyone is accustomed with the new system, you will find that your productivity and organization will have significantly increased.
Once you have acclimated to your new software, continue to “check in” on your company goals, and make sure the software is still answering the questions you asked yourself before implementing the new tool. Also, keeping consistent with software updates and new best practices will help ensure productivity. Being open to improvement will set you up for success in the future. Software programs are an invaluable resource to construction companies in today’s environment, but if you aren’t using the right programs, you could fall behind. For more information on the resources and tools Robertson has to offer for our builders, visit our website.