How can apps and online tools help me run my construction business?
Apps, software, and online tools can give business owners more options to streamline their operations. Embracing these can help increase efficiency and save money across the board. There are a variety of tools and services that can help business owners:
- Get contracts reviewed by lawyers and signed electronically by clients.
- Streamline human resources.
- Help with employee scheduling.
- Support OSHA and other regulatory compliance obligations.
- Manage billing, costs, and more.
The right tools can make a big difference when it comes to accounting and project management. Some systems may allow business owners to see real time information on projects to share with clients, or to improve operational efficiency. When it comes to billing and invoicing, and bidding new jobs, having accurate accounting tools can make those processes more efficient. Additionally, many apps and online tools may be accessed from anywhere, allowing bids and invoices to be generated on the spot, when needed.
Legal help is also available on demand online and via mobile apps. From making, sending, and signing a Construction Contract, to getting help with legal compliance, or protecting your business, technology has made legal help so much more available and affordable. Asking a lawyer a question has never been easier and more affordable.
How can digital tools help me manage construction clients and projects?
Client and project management tools can help prevent cost overruns, delays, and logistics issues, which, in turn, may increase profits. The digital tools available today can improve coordination, communication, and efficiency between workers as well.
Project management software can often help with scheduling, tracking project details, managing documents, and forecasting costs. It can improve accountability for projects and therefore decrease delays. With the right information at hand, communication with clients also becomes easier. Having quick access to documents regarding costs, statuses, processes, invoices, and more, can make answering questions simple.
In addition to improving your client communications, organizing your projects using project management tools may allow you to collaborate better with your subcontractors.
How can I use cloud-based tech to manage time and resources for my business?
Before cloud-based and online tech, managing a large project and onsite workforce required a lot more manual reviewing of paperwork. By implementing cloud-based systems, construction business owners can automatically transfer field data from the job site to anywhere using smart phones, laptops, and tablets. This information can be used to manage schedules, work timetables, workers, estimating material needs and costs, and more.
One simple way to use this type of tech is to manage employee hours using an online or cloud-based platform. Workers can punch in and out with an app from the job site or office, often from their own smartphones.
What digital tools can I use to manage business finances and legal compliance?
Bookkeeping software and apps can often help construction businesses keep their finances clear from tax or other regulatory penalties. Getting finances organized can make all the difference when it comes to legal compliance. Whichever service or app you choose, it may be able to help you:
- Generate invoices.
- Record incoming and outgoing payments.
- Identify and follow up on past-due receivables.
- Run financial reports.
- Review operation costs.
Complying with regulations and other legal requirements takes more than just good bookkeeping. Construction businesses may be able to utilize project management tools to streamline their process for applying for permits. It can also be important to schedule important dates for paying taxes, filing for license renewals, business permits, and renewing insurance.
Rocket Lawyer offers a variety of services for businesses. From the required filings for forming a business to keeping up on legal compliance, getting legal questions answered, and trademarks registered, help is available from anywhere and on any device.
How can I utilize drones and 3D printing to level up my construction business?
For many construction businesses, using drones or 3D printing may be more for marketing than for practical applications. For some clients, however, being able to show off drone footage, or a 3D printed model, may allow you to charge a premium for your services, or avoid dangerous site visits. Beyond drones and 3D printing, using cutting edge technology can often entice clients who are interested in seeing state of the art technology in action.
In some situations, drones can give a bird's eye view of a construction site for an inspection, or help large equipment operators better navigate difficult maneuvers. Some drones have surveying and mapping capabilities that can do the work that normally would have to be performed by a person.
If you have legal questions about using online tools for your construction business, reach out to a Rocket Lawyer network attorney for affordable legal advice.
This article contains general legal information and does not contain legal advice. Rocket Lawyer is not a law firm or a substitute for an attorney or law firm. The law is complex and changes often. For legal advice, please ask a lawyer.
