Compiling a list of tools needed on a construction site would be an exhaustive process. Heavy machinery like excavators and bulldozers. Handheld tools like hammers and screwdrivers. And new tech-driven advances like site sensors and power-assist suits might all make the cut. However, there’s one tool that can fit in the palm of a worker’s hand that doesn’t affix boards together or slice through tile, but it’s just as important. It’s field service management software, and it can change how construction companies operate on a daily basis. And EnSight+ has some of the best contractor management software on the market.
Despite the profound impact new technology can have, the idea of integrating software into the company’s workflow can leave project managers wanting to bury their heads. There are plenty of common software integration challenges. Questions and concerns often arise around the “three T’s”: training, testing, and troubleshooting. For instance, do you train the staff before or after the new software implementation process? Is the vendor’s testing extensive enough? Are you able to recreate likely scenarios in advance to see how the system will perform? In the event of a problem with the software, whether before, during, or after implementation, do you know who to call when you need help? More importantly, is tech support equipped to get you back up and running quickly?
These are likely concerns that have gone through your own mind as you’ve considered integrating new software. But have you considered the significant benefits for your construction company? Some construction companies use a variety of different systems to track operations. They often have software integration problems as a result of separate platforms in place. HR functions like employees clocking in and out, accounting duties like billing and invoicing, and project management tasks like work order flow. While most people would assume that a sophisticated piece of software would be able to accommodate each system’s data, even that may require significant maneuvering and customization.
A company can be deep into a software integration plan with a vendor before learning the truth. As a result, the company might attempt to course-correct by rejecting the new software and reverting back to its original approach. Not only can this be financially damaging, but it can also cost you in productivity because one of the biggest benefits of an integrated software system is newfound efficiencies. If you’d like to read more about finding the right vendors for your company, read more.
One of the worst-case scenarios is when the systems the company uses reach end-of-life (EoL) status, and the vendor will no longer provide the same level of tech support and care it once did. Especially for a now-obsolete product. Systems that use monolithic architecture can make software integration particularly troubling. In this case, the platform’s original developers built it with interwoven properties rather than separate components.
So, for instance, solely extracting data processing details isn’t possible without also grabbing user interface data. The best way to approach this conundrum is to be upfront with any vendors you’re talking to. Ask about where your data lives today and what will be migrated to a new system. Extracting and transferring data can be time-consuming and arduous. Make sure the construction software vendor you’re working with has a sound strategy in place before you get too far into the process. If you’re experiencing software integration challenges, talk with your vendor about your options. See how their other clients have handled migrating contrasting data sources into one unified platform.
Data migration and integration issues are nothing new, with some notable problems in the news lately. In what some called the biggest data migration fail ever, Myspace — the one-time social networking giant — lost some 12 years of photos, videos, and audio files earlier this year. Don’t let this type of data loss happen to you. When contemplating a software upgrade, make sure your vendor can keep all of your data secure. If your construction company is ready to implement a new field software solution that integrates and streamlines processes for the whole company, reach out to EnSight+ to request a demo of our software. We’re here to answer any questions you have.
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