As a business owner, you know that managing your contractors is essential to the success of your company. According to research, the average cost of a bad hire is $17,000. This number increases for highly skilled positions, which makes the hiring process even more critical.
The best way to avoid a bad hire is to have systems and processes in place that help you make informed decisions. One such system is contractor management software (CMS). A CMS can help you keep track of your contractors, their projects, and compliance-related information.
It can also help you automate some of the more tedious aspects of contractor management, like onboarding and payments. The question is, in a US construction management software market worth $426 million, how do you select the best one for your business?
This article discusses the key factors you should consider when selecting a contractor software solution.
Research Construction Software Features
When you’re looking for the best contractor management software, it’s important to first understand what features are available. This will help you narrow down your options and find a system that meets the specific needs of your business.
Some of the features you may want to look for include:
- The ability to manage projects, contracts, and invoices in one system
- GPS tracking and job site monitoring
- Online payments and contract management
- Employee scheduling and time tracking
- Customer relationship management (CRM) tools
These are just a few examples. There are many other features that may be important to your business.
The most essential thing here is to evaluate and understand your business needs. Do you need a system that can track employee hours?
Do you need to be able to create and manage contracts online? Do you need a robust system that can handle multiple projects? Knowing the answers to these questions will help you select the best contractor management software for your business.
Consider Ease of Use and Functionality
The software you select should have a user-friendly interface and provide the functionality you need to manage your contractor relationships effectively. If the software is difficult to use or doesn’t have the features you need, it’ll only create frustration and make your job more difficult.
The best general contractor software solutions are designed with the user in mind. They’re easy to set up and intuitive to use. Look for systems with a clean interface and straightforward navigation.
You should also consider the learning curve and how long it’ll take you and your employees to get up to speed. The best contractor management software solutions are designed to be used by businesses of all sizes, so they should be easy for anyone to use. Moreover, they should provide training and support resources to help you get started.
Determine Your Budget
Contractor software solutions can vary widely in price, so it’s important to set a budget before you start shopping around.
As a general rule of thumb, you should expect to pay between $50 and $100 per month for a basic system. If you need a more robust solution with advanced features, you may have to pay closer to $200 per month.
Of course, these are just estimates as the actual price will depend on the features and functionality you need. With a budget in mind, you can start looking for contractor management software solutions that fit your needs and price range.
Compare Different Solutions
Begin by creating a list of must-haves and nice-to-haves. This will help you narrow down your options and make the selection process easier.
Once you have your list, research different software solutions. Reading online customer reviews is one of the best ways to gain insight into how good a software program is.
Additionally, most software companies offer free demos or trials. This is a great way to see how the software works in real-time and decide if it’s a good fit for your needs. Be sure to take advantage of these offers before making your final decision.
A good example of software with a free demo offer is this quote software for contractors.
Check for Technical Compatibility
Make sure the software is compatible with your current operating system and any other software programs. You should also confirm that the program can be integrated with any other systems you may need to use it with in the future.
It’s also vital to ensure that the software is mobile-friendly. With more and more people working remotely, it’s essential that the contractor software can be accessed from anywhere, at any time.
Does the Company Offer a Trial Period?
This is important for two reasons. First, it’ll give you a chance to see if the software is really a good fit for your needs. Second, it’ll allow you to test out the customer service and support before making a long-term commitment.
The trial period should be long enough for you to get a good feel for the software and how it works. A week or two is usually sufficient. Once the trial period is up, you can decide whether or not to subscribe to the program on a monthly or yearly basis.
Does the Company Offer Customer Support?
Things happen, and you want to know that you can reach out to someone if you run into any issues. The thing is, not all software companies offer the same level of customer support. Some are available 24/seven, while others only offer limited support during business hours.
Ideally, look for a company that offers 24/7 customer support. This way, you can rest assured knowing that someone will be there to help you, no matter what time it is.
Consider the Total Cost of Ownership
The total cost of ownership includes the initial price of the software and any recurring costs, like monthly subscription fees and maintenance costs.
You should also factor in any training or support costs that may be necessary. It’s important to choose a solution that you can afford and that will fit within your budget.
Finding the Best Contractor Management Software: A Guide
Choosing the right contractor management software can be a challenge. However, by following the tips in this article, you can be sure to select a solution that’s right for your business.
Take your time, do your research, and don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions. With a little effort, you’ll soon find the perfect software for your needs
If you enjoyed this article, please feel free to share it with your friends or colleagues. Also, be sure to check out our other blog posts for more great tips and advice.