Eight out of ten say share more data

A survey by software company RedSky IT has found that surveyors and operational project staff should have direct access to critical real-time business data.

Eight out of 10 of the firm’s clients claimed that getting the data would help them finish contracts on time and in budget.

William Sapcote & Sons associated director Mike Hughes said: “We have more than 100 employees and up to 50 projects on the go at any one time. It is crucial that everyone who needs access to data can have it, that they can update this data remotely and in turn keep an eye on the budgets for each project. This means surveyors can check spending against the original costing and take action if things go awry.”

The firm claims it has seen a 30% growth in turnover using RedSky IT’s Summit Financial software.

The reason is logical enough; giving access to real-time information and reporting on progress on a daily basis empowers staff. In turn they will ensure projects are carried out in the best possible way.

The findings come at a time when the industry is widely acknowledging the need for change. Most contractors now recognise the urgency for contract managers to have access to project performance data, which had traditionally been available only to the central accounts team.

RedSky IT's managing director Mark Chambers said: “We have speculated for some time that there has been a change in the industry mindset over access to data and our survey confirms this. In the competitive and low margin construction industry it can be easy to lose track of contracts and our clients recognise the very real need for software solutions that ensure the contracts run smoothly by allowing wider access to data.”