How Fast Can Your Software Move?
When we talk about software speed, we're not referring to how slick the interface looks or how smoothly the menus roll out. What we're talking about is this: how quickly can your software adapt to your business needs?
In the construction industry, we encounter a unique dichotomy of tools: there are systems that have it all, but at the same time, don’t truly cover everything. Not every tool accounts for every use case. While this challenge might be familiar across many industries, it’s especially evident in construction.
The Complicating Factor: Regulation
Regulations are always evolving. If you're running a business at any meaningful scale, those regulations need to be seamlessly built into your processes. If compliance is required at a business level, then it's something your systems need to incorporate—there’s no getting around it.
But it’s not just about regulation. Sometimes, industry standards evolve too.
Take, for example, the new iCIRT rating system. This isn't a mandatory regulation—you can actually choose not to participate. However, earning a good rating by aligning your processes and systems with the scheme can open up significant benefits.
Is Your Software Flexible Enough?
So here’s the question: is your software flexible enough to move with you?
If your software can’t flex the way you need it to, you’re faced with a tough situation. So, what do you do?
Your Options When Software Falls Short
When the system you rely on can’t deliver the agility your business demands, you generally have a few paths you can take:
1. Workaround with Spreadsheets
Many businesses default to using spreadsheets as a quick fix. It’s manual, time-consuming, and often not scalable, but it gets the job done in the short term.
2. Invest in Specialist Software
You can look for niche software that's developed specifically to solve that new need. While this may close the gap, managing multiple platforms and integrations can create additional complexity for your business.
3. Gain Control by Building Your Own Solution
The fastest and most flexible option is to own the solution yourself. No, this doesn't mean spinning up a software development team in-house—it means leveraging rapid delivery platforms, like Microsoft's Power Platform, that allow businesses to adapt quickly.
Why Staying Agile Matters
Business software isn’t what it used to be. The days of buying an off-the-shelf package from the office supply store and installing it are long gone. Why? Because that model simply doesn’t keep up with the way modern businesses—especially agile ones—operate.
If your business moves quickly, your software needs to move with it. Evolving regulatory needs, changing standards, and innovative ideas demand systems that adapt at the same speed your business does. This means shifting away from static systems and embracing tools that grow and change with you.
In an Industry as Dynamic as Construction
In an industry as dynamic as construction, software agility is non-negotiable. Whether it's adapting to regulatory changes, new standards like iCIRT, or simply optimizing your processes, the key to staying competitive is ensuring your systems serve as an asset rather than an obstacle.