It's no secret that paperwork and documentation play a large role in the construction industry. From writing bids and contracts to calculating returns-on-investment and everything in between, it's easy to get buried in a sea of paperwork. Over time, document management issues can cause a lot of unnecessary strain on your business.
Fortunately, there are plenty of apps out there that are designed to help save time and streamline document management for those in the construction industry. Ultimately, these apps can even help your business maximize profits.
Not sure where to begin? We've compiled a list of five of our favorite apps to help with document management issues within your business.
1. Construction Return-on-Investment Calculator
Before tackling any construction bid, you need to make sure the project is going to be worth your time and resources.
Calculating your ultimate return-on-investment is an important aspect of determining whether or not a project is suited for your business. However, the process of calculating returns-on-investment for any given project can be very complex and drawn-out.
There are many factors that need to be taken into careful consideration:
- Total amount of time the project will take.
- Which assets you will need to provide.
- Resources the project will require.
- Gross profits from the completed project.
The Construction Return-on-Investment Calculator streamlines and simplifies this entire process by doing all the calculations for you; all you have to do is enter the figures and you'll instantly receive an estimate of your ROI.
From there, you can enjoy greater confidence when accepting projects and giving bids.
2. PlanGrid
If you don't already have this app, download it now; it's one of the most popular and top-rated construction apps on the market and has been for many years.
PlanGrid can assist with various aspects of managing your construction projects, allowing for easy collaboration and communication among team members and supervisors as well.
This app has many features that will come in handy, especially if you have crews working in numerous locations at-once:
- viewing specs, photos, and project plans in real-time
- convenient plan-viewing integration
- cloud backup
This app is designed to save your business time—which, in turn, will save you money.
3. Skysite
If you're currently using DropBox for the majority of your document management needs, Skysite provides a solution to many of the problems and limitations of a traditional Dropbox account.
Specifically, this cloud-based app designed for the construction industry:
- Supports any document file formats, even those you may have had compatibility issues with in DropBox.
- Allows you to have one single location where all your project-related documents can be stored, edited, and accessed in real-time, allowing for easy collaboration.
- Has the ability to edit permissions, so you can grant file/folder access to selected individuals or groups as needed. This especially comes in handy for situations where you're working with confidential documentation or sensitive information.
Simply put, Skysite provides a custom-tailored cloud storage solution that saves you the time and hassle of handling paper documentation.
4. iQuick Contract Maker
Contracts are a part of everyday business when you're in the construction industry, but paying a lawyer to develop a contract template for you can be costly and impractical if you’re just starting out in the biz.
iQuick Contract Maker saves you the cost and hassle of consulting with a lawyer by generating a contract template that suits your needs; you get to decide exactly what to include in the contract and what to keep out.
When your contract is generated, use the app to easily email it directly to your customers from any Apple device and you're good to go!
5. Tool Tracker
If you've ever had to replace a lost tool or piece of equipment, you already know the kind of financial havoc this can wreak on your business. But if you’re tracking your tools on paper, that could lead to a whole mess of documents to keep an eye on, too. Surely, there must be a better way?
The purpose of the Tool Tracker app is to keep an inventory of all construction tools and equipment on a given job site at all times.
Each piece of equipment receives a barcode sticker, and workers can be instructed to scan each piece in and out using the app itself. This helps you know where your equipment is at all times, thus reducing the risk of losses and damages to improve your bottom line.
This app allows for tracking of up to 10,000 tools at once, so it's unlikely you'll need to worry about exceeding that maximum limit!
Don't let document management issues plague your construction business; take matters into your own hands by implementing these apps into your everyday operations. In doing so, you'll save time and hassle, while also improving efficiency and collaboration among your workers, putting you on the path to greater success in the industry.
