Insights and Advice for Enabling More Efficient and Sustainable Construction

Why Choose Construction-Specific Software

15 March, 2021
4 mins read

From project management tools to enterprise accounting systems, when it comes to selecting a software solution for your construction business: the benefits cannot be overstated. However, when presented with the choice of either generic or construction-specific software; what is the difference and why is one option better than the other? Why choose construction-specific software over general project management software? Keep reading to find out.

Designed to address the general needs of as many individuals as possible, generic software is widely available to the public in an off-the-shelf format or a system designed platform, that boasts many features; even when most are not required or will ever be utilised by the majority of users while critical features and processes are missing.

On the other hand, as the name implies, construction-specific software is tailor-made to address the explicit demands of a single customer or business within the construction space. As a result, these solutions offer highly specialised features and are developed specifically for an organisation by a dedicated software company.

Comparing traditional enterprise planning (ERP) systems with construction-specific ERP solutions, the former may integrate all areas of a business just as well as the latter but when it comes to the additional and unique complexities associated with the construction industry generic software often falls short.

With numerous interacting and evolving parts to keep track of, from materials and equipment to subcontractor management, generic software is not geared to handle the particular challenges of the construction industry. Off-the-shelf software, of course, can be customised to meet your needs but this will be costly, and still not result in the best solution and more of a delivered work-around.

For this reason, dedicated construction software is usually the best choice. Personalised to meet the precise needs of your business, these solutions provide the functionality you require with none of the hassles. Their benefits include:

The Power of the Cloud

With cloud-based construction software, both you and your teams enjoy access to a single integrated system designed specifically for data entry, retrieval, and project management in the built environment. This helps ensure that everyone is on the same page, at all times, for increased efficiency and superior control.

A Unified System for All-Inclusive Workflows

From estimating and job costing to scheduling and reporting, a construction-specific solution caters to the needs of this specific industry. With generic software, similar functionality can only be obtained by adding different modules to the core package at an additional cost.

True Flexibility

Generic software is built on compromise, requiring users to change the way they work when they need to accomplish something the system is not accustomed to. Construction-specific software is designed for construction and has the required construction nuance built-in.

Choosing software for your construction business is no easy task and while generic solutions may seem appropriate at first glance, unfortunately, they can’t compete in the long term with construction-specific solutions.

For more than 35 years, RIB CCS has created bespoke software that caters specifically to the needs of construction professionals and the unique complexities of the built environment. To find the fit-for-purpose solution that’s right for your business, speak to us today.