INNOVATION FEATURE
Cloud is 'so much easier' BETTER communication and more transparency with clients was the motivation for Amrock Homes in looking to innovate their construction management processes. But they got that and a whole lot more when they moved from a server-based system to a cloud-based program. Better yet, the program could be downloaded by clients as an app on their phone. Amrock Homes contract administrator, Debbie O’Connell said the software had made their entire business process so much easier. “It changes everything we do as a company. It allows clients to login and see everything and by doing that, it really opens up the transparency in the relationship. “Clients can see variations. progress claims, warranty item and contract documentation. We take them right through the process and they can see everything at their fingertips; it’s
easier for all parties involved.”
said had been a huge benefit internally.
O’Connell said the BuilderTrend software also allowed you to schedule appointments through the warrantyphase.
“Because it’s cloud-based, our director might be overseas and can still access it. Or I might work interstate and I’m still able to do my job from New South Wales, Tasmania, wherever. Our clients don’t feel like they’ve been forgotten and nothing falls between the cracks,” she said.
“The tradie must accept the appointment and the owners also have to accept,” she said. “It sends a notification and you can go back and check when the notification was sent, which provides an easy–to-track record of the communication that gives accountability, too.” And the feedback from clients? “Really positive,” O’Connell said. “It allows for great communication as our supervisor can be on site, upload photos instantly to the app and it sends a notification to the client to let them know there’s a new progress photo.” It’s this efficiency and accountability that beyond the benefits for the client, O’Connell
She said often clients were getting in touch and wanting to know what was going on for their build weeks in advance. “With the program, we don’t need to sit there and pull up the schedule. It also makes everything more efficient, you don’t have to print off variations, you can digitally sign them through the app,” she said. “Via the app, you get a notification the same as you would for Facebook. It pops up immediately and you can action it right away,” she said.
31 July
Master Builder | 21