Choose the right software supplier

When choosing to invest in construction equipment management software, it’s not just the product features that you need to compare - sometimes the supplier can weigh heavily on your decision, and for good reason!

There are big costs associated with a poor supplier choice or botched software implementation. In this blog, we highlight the four key areas you’ll need to consider when making the best choice for your construction business

This blog article is one in a series developed to share knowledge and equip you to get even more out of your tools and staff. 

Brand and reputation plays a big part in customer loyalty, so it’s important to consider whether your supplier well recognized as market leaders in tools and innovation. Is the software they provide particularly suited for your industry?

Knowing that a supplier has past experience of delivering similar projects on time and on budget, backed up with supporting testimonials from their clients  can help to reassure you’re making the right decision.

Many construction managers are concerned with investing in new technology as they’re worried about their employees having difficulty using it or buying into it. It can be a struggle to get your team onboard and effectively use new tools and technology, and with time pressures on construction sites, you’ll want to ensure the software can be implemented quickly and easily, so look for software with a user-friendly interface.

No matter what type of construction equipment management software you are comparing, it usually always boils down to cost. But it can be difficult get a clear picture of how much you’re going to have to pay for tool management software without an idea of the direct and indirect costs involved. There are various factors that can impact the costs that aren’t always immediately obvious, such as the price of the hardware, including asset tags and any training or support packages that are included. Some providers charge based on the number of users, so the price can increase depending on how many people in your company will use the software. Can your supplier offer transparent costings and are there any hidden fees?

When comparing costs, consider what kind of contract best suits your business. For example, do you want a rolling monthly contract or a fixed yearly contract? Since the economy can be volatile and unpredictable, you may not want to be tied into a contract for a long period of time.

One of the biggest reasons software fails is because it is not implemented correctly at the start. According to a technology survey*, 40% of construction firms say new technology has not been implemented due to lack of support, followed closely by budget concerns at 37% and employee hesitance at 32%.

It can be tempting to buy software ‘off-the-shelf’ online but this usually comes without any training and the much-needed support before and after software implementation. While some suppliers may offer initial training after the point of purchase, does that support continue throughout your contract? Do they provide on-site support and would they be available to do so should any technical errors occur?

If you're looking for an asset management solution that can meet all these requirements and more, why not get in touch with us at Hilti today?

We have over 75 years experience in the construction industry and our service consultants have helped thousands of Hilti customers identify opportunities to optimize their tool park and digitize the way their tools and other assets are managed.