John Rosch, North American sales manager at Explorer Software recently caught up with Constructech Editorial Director Peggy Smedley to talk about the importance of data, the value of analytics, and how emerging technology solutions are optimizing construction.
Peggy Smedley: Business analytics have increasingly become a greater priority in recent years. Why is this?
John Rosch: Recent technological advancements have enabled us to easily gather, store, and organize data from various sources into comprehensive datasets. Businesses have found that traditional static reports are insufficient and quickly outdated. Advanced analytics now allow for realtime reports that summarize data and provide actionable insights for decision-makers of forward-thinking businesses, leading to a competitive advantage, profitability gains, and operational efficiencies.
(PS): How can business analytics help construction companies?
(JR): Business analytics can significantly enhance the efficiency and profitability of construction projects. By using realtime dashboards, companies can look forward rather than focusing on the past. This proactive approach allows construction companies to immediately identify any gaps or issues on their projects, and course correct proactively. The ability to input and analyze data in realtime means project progress can be reviewed daily instead of waiting until the project’s completion, leading to more profitable and well-managed projects.
(PS): Why is a solid, underlying ERP platform so important?
(JR): A robust ERP (enterprise resource planning) platform is crucial because it manages all facets of a business, providing consolidating reporting into one unified system. This integration eliminates departmental silos and double entries, leading to more efficient workflows. With everything in one ERP system, there is one single source of truth. This consistency ensures project profitability results cannot be altered without impacting the general ledger, providing transparency and accuracy across the board.
(PS): What should construction companies keep in mind as they are looking for ERP software?
(JR): When selecting ERP software, it’s essential to choose one tailored to your specific business needs. For example, a civil contractor should look for an ERP with features like equipment management, payroll processing, and materials handling. It’s best to select an ERP purpose-built for the construction industry, rather than a general ERP with added construction features. This ensures that all features are built specifically to support the unique requirements of construction businesses.
(PS): What new opportunities exist with emerging technologies?
(JR): Emerging technologies are presenting a plethora of new opportunities to optimize construction businesses. For instance, Explorer Software’s Eclipse ERP is revolutionizing how user access, use, and enter data. Recent innovations include an AI (artificial intelligence-enabled text interface that allows users to have dynamic conversations with their smartphone to access realtime project information from anywhere, while their Eclipse Integrator enables the use of Eclipse’s advanced business analytics tools on third-party databases, expanding the potential for data-driven insights. The software also offers data-entry efficiencies like alphanumeric fields where users can type any known details of job names or codes to dynamically populate the field, eliminating the tedious task of referencing or memorizing code lists.
(PS): What step should companies take next on their journey to better manage all the data?
(JR): Companies should evaluate their current systems to ensure they fulfill their needs and are efficient from both data entry and analysis perspectives. For example, collecting data from field staff electronically in realtime, flexible workflow approval, and posting and reporting within the same day ensures that data is accurate, up-to-date, and actionable, enabling better decision-making and improved project outcomes.
For more information, John Rosch can be reached at john.rosch@explorer-software.com or by phone at 847-725-0960.