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Almost weekly I hear contractors say, “I need a software system to manage my company.  Do you have any recommendations?”  The subsequent conversation almost always turns toward some sort of operational inefficiency, inadequate project management, or lack of communication.  In my opinion there is no software program that exists that will solve these issues.  What these companies need is a well defined job process and discipline.  Despite this, most contractors purchase a program and let the software dictate the process based on functionality or lack of.  What a mistake!

My recommendation is to refine the job process to the point where everyone in the organization can recite it verbatim.  Document the process in writing and then begin the search for a software program that has the functionality to replicate that process.  This allows for smoother implementation, employee buy-in, and greater accuracy in the data.  
 
Furthermore, software programs do not manage companies.  People do. The software should simply serve as a depository for information which can be analyzed through reporting so owners and managers can make accurate and informed business decisions.  If the job process is well defined the software can also serve as a vehicle to move information between interested parties more efficiently.  Business owners are investors.  People and software require investment.  Which do you feel provides the greatest ROI for your company?  


Tim Hull

 


Comments

Rob link
08/05/2011 07:03

Tim,
This is a very timely topic. I've been looking for a the perfect piece of software. Thus far its been illusive. We invested in a piece of software about 1 year ago, painfully implemented the product, enforced use of the product just to be thoroughly disappointed at the ability to pull usable information out that helps me manage my company. I'm currently looking to migrate to a different platform. I'm considering threee products, Chronicle, DASH, and Insight 360. Does anyone have any opinions as to weather you like or dislike any of these? Great topic Tim!

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Scott Severe link
08/05/2011 10:16

Excellent post Tim. It is always a good idea to know what you want before you hit the market, and not let the tail wag the dog once you get it home. When you are ready, here a couple of key things to look for in Job Management software:

• Simple – Geico test for employee turnover: new users should be able to be up to speed in 15 minutes or less.

• Powerful – Scheduling should be as easy as using a whiteboard on steroids. Documentation and communication should take seconds to place, find or send. Software should be able to adapt as your process evolves.

• Affordable – Software should serve you as a valuable tool that makes you money; period. Be careful of hidden costs for training, custom set-up, custom reports, annual dues and etc…and NEVER sign long term contracts for service software!

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Carl Krueger link
09/07/2011 08:11

Absolutely on point. It is not the software system but the people who follow the process. The old GIGO formula still applies. If someone is not following the process it doesn't matter which software is tracking the information the results will still be disastrous. My answer is train, train, train, your people. They have to know that your are serious about your process.

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Josh link
10/14/2011 18:34

I agree, the software should not run your company, but should be one of the important keys in communication. I try to teach my project managers that interface with the customer and employees, not just program scheduling, is very important. I have found a good program that does this for us and is very affordable. The program is called Client Runner and works well for us, good luck with your decision.

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