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Construction CRM Software Buyer's Guide
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Amid seemingly fierce competition, only businesses with digital transformation have recorded 100% survival. Today, when the world is severely suffering from a pandemic crisis, construction companies are among the ones facing trouble in customer retention and attracting new clients.
Construction firms revolve around client relationships and retaining lead opportunities. Unfortunately, they are falling behind because of a lack of digitalization and the right software implementation.
This article will guide you on the importance of digitalization and the benefits of implementing CRM software for construction.
» What is Construction CRM Software?
Construction CRM software is a customer relationship management system tailored specifically for the building and construction industry.
The CRM market has grown 10x larger and has been adopted by most industries. In recent years, the construction industry has been adapting CRM for construction for its advantageous features.
The construction industry is based on clients’ trust and healthy relationships. Mostly, builders, developers, and general constructors are awarded projects based on relationships they have built over the years.
» What are the features of Construction CRM Software?
A good project management system is the key to a successful business. Construction CRM software lets you manage projects from the bidding process to post-sales. It minimizes the need for site visits and hands-on intervention, which helps builders focus more on construction projects.
The construction business requires focus and willingness to adapt new methods and techniques. Lack of product insight, undefined goals, and lack of knowledge and training may lead to subsequent failure.
Here are the features of the best construction CRM apps that will help you choose better construction management software;
› Contact management
Contact management is one of the basic features of any construction CRM software. Every business runs on customer relationships, and the construction business is nothing different.
This feature helps the business track leads, store and organize customer data efficiently, and maintains communication history.
Construction business uses this feature in processing sales pipeline, which helps in improving lead generation and maintaining customer relationships.
› Opportunity management
Small construction businesses always lookout for opportunities for business growth and progress. When you plan to implement the best CRM for small businesses, it must feature opportunity management.
This feature enables the business to monitor the sales funnel and provide the necessary information to complete sales.
Opportunity is about generating revenue through contacts or accounts properly, without which a business may fail to achieve its goal.
› Account management
Account management is one of the primary features without which a construction business can come to a standstill. Best CRM for builders features account management that keeps records of accounts of businesses that your construction company deals with.
It captures account records and directs the construction company accordingly.
› Order management
Construction companies are based on bidding, quotes, and grabbing opportunities. Order management feature assists construction companies in finding opportunities, visualizing bids, and finalizing quotes to get hold of new projects.
CRM for construction businesses automates and streamlines order processing capacity, responsibility, and sales visibility.
› Proposal management
Construction management software not only assists in managing orders but offers enough viability to make proposals. The software creates professionally designed proposals with the help of automatic proposal generators.
These generators develop creative sales proposals that instantly grab customer attention.
In addition to all the features discussed above, a construction CRM software must possess the following qualities:
• Blueprinting, file imports, and drawing
• Bookkeeping and record maintenance
• Staff management, attendance tracking
• Manage bids and orders
• Manage client data and contact data
• Forecasting, estimation, and budget management
» What are the benefits of construction CRM software?
Customer relationship is one of the key benefits that any construction CRM software provides. Establishing better interactions with clients means generating more deals, more loyalty, and more profit.
Apart from building relationships with architects, engineers, fellow builders, and project stakeholders, the best construction CRM software offers numerous benefits, which are discussed below;
› Streamline operational process
Contractors and construction CRM software streamline complete work processes like scheduling appointments, account management, contact management, contract management, analytical tools, reporting, forecasting, and estimating budgets.
The construction management system is not restricted to a single process but relies on a complete package. The CRM software specially meant for construction businesses streamlines each process, thus enhancing efficiency and increasing productivity.
› Automation
We are living in a digitalized era. Hence, everything ought to be automated. Construction CRM apps virtually manage construction businesses. A construction company deals with multiple projects every day.
Tasks such as generating leads, closing sales, client interaction, and assigning work routines are time-consuming when managed manually.
Best construction CRM software allows companies to automate routines. Managers can set parameters and assign roles. Whenever a new project is finalized, CRM software automatically assigns roles, saving both time and errors.
CRM software also sends emails to clients. These emails are predesigned to suit sales proposals, feedback surveys, and fixed quotations.
Automation helps optimize repetitive work, which saves both time and money. Employers and team members are left with enough time to personally work on high-priority projects.
› Generating sales and revenue
Business deeply relies on lead generation and customer relationships. When the company is not aware of where its leads are coming from, it becomes extremely difficult to process. Without sales visibility, a construction company cannot forecast its revenues and sales growth.
Best CRM for small construction businesses provides an option to keep track of leads, how the team interacts with leads, and the number of deals closed successfully.
CRM for construction businesses helps companies know their client requirements and client base, access repeat sales, and make efforts to generate leads.
CRM software also helps companies analyze their profit margin based on deals acquired. In case of low revenue, managers can analyze and evaluate the issues smartly and make a proactive approach to regain clients’ trust.
› Build customer relationship
Customer relationships are one of the essential aspects of any business. CRM for construction businesses streamlines customer data in one place. This helps the company view all the contacts, map their customer journey, and send promotional emails.
CRM technology has been most underrated in the construction business. However, with the advancement of technology in business communities, the construction business is now getting the hook of CRM software.
Builders can now understand client needs, know customers’ perspectives and improve services accordingly. Building companies run only on client relationships and trust. When they provide better services, they get popular, and ultimately business grows.
Apart from these benefits, CRM software for the construction business is advantageous in many ways;
• Provides real-time access to project-related documents
• Keeps track of bids and follow-ups automatically
• Visibility and schedule of upcoming appointments
• Track labor time spent on tasks
• Keeps track of inbound and outbound leads
• It the streamlines supply chain of materials
• Develops relationships with suppliers and clients, maintains follow-ups with staff on future prospects and deals
• Helps in meeting deadlines by organizing and scheduling work plan
» What things to consider when choosing construction CRM software?
Construction CRM software is chosen according to the company’s requirements. Small-scale businesses may integrate the best CRM for small construction businesses. As small businesses require limited features, they can easily go by limited functionalities.
Large-scale construction companies are complex and require customized CRM. Hence, choosing the best construction CRM software depends on three basic factors;
› Functionality
Choosing the best CRM for the construction business largely relies on business goals. The builder needs to evaluate the firm’s requirements, complexity, and functionality before finalizing CRM software.
› Budget
Not every construction business undergoes regular profit. This is a highly ambiguous sector with uncertain revenue. If the company is new, it needs to establish its base first.
The cost of construction CRM depends on its features. If the company is in its initial stage, it may not require as complex features as an established one. Hence, evaluating the budget is important before choosing the right CRM.
› Set-up
CRM for construction project management is available both on the cloud and on-site. Depending on the company's technological acceptance, choose the hosting software.
Small construction companies readily integrate free software with limited features. Large-scale companies want an all-in-one solution with customized features. In addition to the above reasons, here are some more features to look for when choosing the best construction software.
› Mobile accessibility
Before investing in project management software, make sure it is mobile-friendly. The software must be accessible on smart phones and iPad, same as on desktops, meaning it should offer the same functionalities on all devices.
› Ease of use
No matter how technologically savvy you are, you always want software that is easy to use for your team members. The software you choose must have an easy-to-use interface, functionalities that align with the work process, and an uncomplicated dashboard. Although the software you partner with may provide staff training, it must have a simple-to-understand interface.
› Customization
Not all construction business is equal. Each company has different requirements, as they might deal in diverse genres. Many times, one construction company has different departments, such as interior, architecture, engineering, or renovation. Hence, the construction management system must be customizable to suit specific requirements.
› Communication
The construction management app you choose should be capable of handling both the internal workforce and communicating with clients. In addition, the software must possess the ability to track inbound leads, track current jobs, and send payment requests and emails automatically.
› Security
It is important to choose functional software, but security is equally necessary. If your software is not secure, your data may be exposed, resulting in huge risk.
When choosing your construction management software, make sure that it has mandatory security features. Check for encryption tools and safety protocols to prevent your company from being a breach of security.
› Dashboard reporting
Happy and informed stakeholders contribute largely to business success. Dashboard reporting might not seem a crucial function, but it plays a vital role in the construction business. This feature offers a customizable dashboard reporting system that allows you to put regular updates and detailed reports for stakeholders.
The biggest mistake made by construction company managers when choosing the best CRM is they do not consider alternatives. When you are planning to invest in software, take time to analyze its features, your requirements, and how the new system works.
Investing in just any platform without going through feedback and reviews will not only cost you money, but your whole system might come under huge risk.
» How much does construction CRM software cost?
The purpose of construction CRM software is to manage sales processes and keep track of inbound and outbound leads. However, most construction companies are integrating construction CRM systems to establish communication through automated emails, work allotment, documentation, order management, and custom project management.
Construction management software pricing greatly depends on features, functionalities, and user capabilities. Small building companies require limited features and may sometimes opt for the free version. Contrary to smaller companies, larger businesses require better functional software to suit substantial needs. They readily pay thousands of dollars for the required tools and features.
Typically, before installing the software, you need to pay a setup fee and then monthly or annual fees, depending on the software pricing policy. Numerous construction software offers a free trial period that helps in scrutinizing its features and functions.
Construction CRM software also offers customizable plans, beginner plans, and advanced pro plans, depending on the features you choose. The billing amount may vary from $10 to somewhere approx. $300 per month.
Construction CRM is designed for both small-scale and large-scale businesses. It is important to choose the ones that offer the best pricing based on features and reviews.
Before purchasing the best CRM for construction business, it is always better to directly contact the vendor for custom pricing.
CRM software also provides future upgrades at an additional price. The launching price may range somewhere around $1000. Hence, it is important to spend some time evaluating your company’s requirements before investing in software.
» Conclusion
In comparison to other industries, the construction business has been a little slow in embracing construction CRM software. Today, construction and contractors’ business has seen a growth of 25% after accepting digitized solutions. CRM is a boon for this sector as it has not only improved sales and revenue but has taken care of leads, orders, job work, work processes, and numerous other solutions.
When it comes to choosing a construction CRM system, it might get difficult. Hence, it is always advisable to spend time and find the perfect solution.