Is it possible to correctly follow a map and still get lost?
That’s what the founder of one successful construction company did when he implemented an integrated construction management system. Imagine going through a proven process for selecting a software package only to find yourself disappointed after the project was finished.
Two years ago, Contech Construction founder Hal Andrews and his team of users carefully evaluated and selected a system. They had outgrown their smaller systems and were looking for an integrated solution to keep all of their data in one place.
Hal knew that there were lots of things to consider when selecting software (see Mark Mahoney’s article How to Select & Implement Software). He followed a detailed process, included the team, evaluated several packages, and picked one that he thinks has been a great choice. “I can really see the benefits of having an integrated system.”
So why isn’t the bookkeeper, who helped select the system, happy?
Like following a map, we don’t often see where we aren’t going. When companies move from smaller systems to an integrated package they don’t always realize what they’re giving up.
Hal’s new system meets all of the company’s requirements and is, in many ways, more efficient and effective. “Everything is accessible, finding the data is easy and we only have to enter data once.” But there was a sacrifice that Hal didn’t expect.
Smaller systems designed to handle one specific functional area, like accounting, typically have greater flexibility, more power, and allow you to easily customize to your needs. Integrated systems typically focus only on the core processes and features, and are more standardized. For Contech Construction, that meant the bookkeeper lost her ability to customize and solve certain issues easily.
Overall, even the bookkeeper will tell you that the benefits dramatically outweigh the costs. But there are days she still wants to take a sledgehammer to the system because she can’t do what she once could.
Hal’s advice to those considering moving to an integrated system is:
- Explain to the users that an integrated system won’t be as flexible as the smaller, more focused products. There is a sacrifice, but the gains outweigh the pains.
- Consider the smaller teams and individuals when preparing for a change. The resistance doesn’t necessarily happen where you think it will. He expected resistance from his large field team and prepared them appropriately. He never thought the bookkeeper would have an issue.
Hal’s team continues to learn the system and he is confident that, in time, they’ll work out all the issues. Overall, the new system has helped the company grow but it’s important to consider what you are getting, and giving up, when you decide to upgrade.
Looking for Construction Management Software? Check out Capterra’s Construction Management directory to find leading software vendors that match your requirements.
Comments (4)
Flexibility does not need to be lost. The developer of a larger, integrated, software product should be able to “tweak” the software to prevent the company from having to modify their business to the software.
[...] week, there was a blog posted at Capterra titled, Can You Spot the Hole in an Integrated System. It is a great story, and very truthful, about distribution companies moving to larger and [...]
Grant,
You’re absolutely right. Not all integrated solutions suffer from this. Unfortunately for Contech, the accounting module in the construction management system was not as robust or flexible as Quickbooks. We’ve found that it’s rare when moving away from best-of-breed to an integrated solution to get the same functionality, flexibility, and power across the board. This seems to be the case more often than not and especially with industry specific/specialized products like construction management.
Thanks for your comments.
Ryan
Agreed… We have talked with lots of companies that have had to adjust in order to make the software work for them. Good article!