Tools and Services that can be Customized for Contractors

Construction businesses have modernized over the years thanks to innovative new technologies. Connected devices allow for instant access to important information like financial and other data that aids business decisions that affect the future of the business. Technology also allows contractors to easily track project costs and schedules. Take a look at some of the key tools and services that can be customized for contractors and improve business operations.

Hybrid Software

Contractors can utilize software suites that combine financial programs, project management, CRM software, and client communication modules to provide an integrated approach to daily operations. The advantage of utilizing hybrid software is being able to access all information in one central program without the need to import or export data, or use separate programs.

When utilizing a variety of microservices applications, it’s a good idea to use API gateways. An API gateway interfaces with a backend service or data and applies policies, authentication, and general access control for API calls to protect valuable data. How does an API gateway work? For starters, a gateway is the main proxy connecting customers with services and support administration and security functions such as authentication, metric collection, input validation, and response transformation. An API gateway is the best way to control access to back-end systems and services while optimizing communication between external clients and backend services, resulting in a seamless experience. Gateways are key to API management because they ensure scalability and the high availability of microservices.

Project Management Software

Project management software helps contractors delegate and track the necessary tasks to complete a project. This software allows for the planning and tracking of the job timeline, who is assigned to which task, and provides a centralized list of sub-contractors and contact information. Combining a to-do list and a calendar makes for more effective scheduling. The best management systems allow for scheduling, delegating, tracking, and following up on each stage of the construction project.

The more streamlined a construction business is, the more valuable time and labor costs can be saved. A great way to gain greater control over operations and business needs is to utilize all-in-one software that allows you to create custom bids in minutes. With fencing software from Contract Accelerator, contractors can sketch fence lines and gates and include common landscaping features found in residential yards like air conditioners, patios, decks, utility boxes, and more. This allows fencing companies to give homeowners a clear idea of design patterns and how the final project will look. The all-in-one business management app for fencing contractors streamlines the entire business workflow from collecting leads, creating bids, blueprints, and scheduling to tracking project statuses and ensuring the collection of payments.

CRM Software

Customer relationship management (CRM) software keeps all client and vendor contact information in one database for easy access throughout the business. This software tool improves business relationships by helping business users manage customer relationships across the entire customer lifecycle during each marketing, sales, e-commerce, and customer service interaction.

Financial Software

Financial software is key for the quick and accurate tracking of business expenses and income. It’s important to find a program that allows you to create and track invoices, as well as estimate and tracks individual project costs. Financial software includes stand-alone desktop applications, web-only applications, or a combination of the two. These can even be integrated into existing software.

Client Communication Software

Websites, along with email and texting, provide comprehensive communications with clients. Websites provide information about allow items, change orders, material, and color selections, as well as communications between contractors and clients and staff and sub-contractors. Client communication programs are helpful when working with remote clients because you can easily upload photos of the project’s progress. Having a central repository for all project documentation ensures that everyone has on-demand access to the latest information.

Utilizing the right tools and services helps contractors better manage projects, communications, finances, and business operations.