IN THE KNOW —
Be brave: it’s time you embraced tech Getting a job management app for your building company sounds daunting. But improving efficiency, a healthier bottom line, and less stress for you and your team sounds like exactly what you want, right? To help get your team on board, you need to communicate the benefits they’ll enjoy. Explain that the new app is not another to-do, but it’s a solution to the problems they face daily. For example, moving all communication from text and email to an online hub will make team and client communication so much easier. Other benefits include: • increases speed of allocating tasks through automation • improves communication and response times • allows your business to stay competitive • ensures long term success, which ultimately, means more work and more money. While change is inevitable and necessary, it’s crucial to do it right.
Avoid classic tech pitfalls Typically, the story goes like this: owner buys a job management app, the team feels overwhelmed by the changes, usage drops until the system fades away, and manual processes return. Sound familiar? Introducing a new app into a business is always likely to fail when: • The wrong system is selected • There’s no clear picture of the future • The team doesn’t understand the benefits for THEM • There’s a lack of leadership, ownership and focus. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, tech proved that it could keep jobs moving. So, now’s the perfect time to find a way to embrace it, or fall behind.
5 steps to tech success 1. Choose software that works the way you do There are at least 10 software systems for builders – so, how do you know which is the right fit for you? First, you need to identify the problems you’re looking to fix, and the goals you want to reach. Perhaps you want to improve communications on site, rethink your financial processes, or secure new leads? Whatever your priorities, pick the app that can deliver them. 2. Get your team on side Change can be a real battle for some people, especially if they don’t understand why. First, you have to get your team to buy into the new vision you have for your company.
3. Choose your Champion Decide who’s taking the lead with the app; who will be the Champion? They will dedicate their time to learning how to use and integrate the new software into your business processes. As the business owner, you may want to be the champion and rollout process yourself. Alternatively, you can nominate someone within your organisation who understands your internal processes and is comfortable with new technology. 4. Create a plan of attack Once you’ve chosen the app, your Champion, and your team is onboard, map out a simple action plan to reach your business goals and maximise your new system’s features. Write a checklist to cover the critical rollout tasks, assign responsibilities, and set a realistic completion date for each one. You’ll need to consider: • the key requirements for workflow, training and equipment • the best time to go live • the benefits of starting small and focussing on quick wins 5. Shout if you need help Tech can revolutionise your business – but it’s tough to go it alone. If you’re not confident about the level of training and support from various software providers, getting independent expert advice can help you every step of the way: from choosing the right app, to integrating into your business, to training your team so you can maximise the benefits.
Don’t forget to celebrate! Once you’ve done the work to create a successful implementation, it’s time to celebrate your success and the extra efficiency, visibility, and freed-up time you and your team will enjoy.
Anna Brooks, Free Up. Free Up is an NZCB National Partner and tech advisor for builders – making the process quick and easy, from selecting the right software to setting up the system to training staff. Anna also operates our Technology and Software helpline for members. For more information visit www.freeup.co.nz
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