Building a Systems Development Team - Apps

Can’t I just buy an app for that?

Steve Jost Profile Picture
Share
Contributors Chris Hodge Profile PictureChris Hodge David Brown Profile PictureDavid Brown

One of the biggest shifts in the construction technology ecosystem is the transition from a few large monolithic packages, which might include:

  • ERP System
  • Accounting Package
  • Project Management System
  • Scheduling System

To a regime that includes not only a few large comprehensive software packages, but also many smaller apps that may only do one thing or solve one single problem. The question “can’t i just buy an app for that” has more than one answer, with usually begins with “it depends.”

Sometimes, a single app is the perfect solution for a test to prove-out an idea or as a short-term gap filler, while a more full-featured solution can be implemented. Sometimes, the best thing to do is just try SOMETHING to find out what doesn’t work. This is especially true if the path forward is filled with unknowns.

A major drawback to single-task apps is that they’re so relatively easy to download and try that you can end up with a multitude of single-use apps, which can become extremely hard to manage and even harder to integrate the data throughout the organization. Ultimately, apps have earned their place in the construction technology ecosystem and should absolutely be taken advantage of while also being cautious to not over-do it.

This is Part 13 of an 18-Part Series


Topics Covered in the Series Include:

  • Outsourcing
  • Software
  • Mistakes
  • Risk
  • Starting

All relationships start with a simple conversation. Let’s schedule some time to talk about your specific challenges and opportunities.


Building a Systems Development Team - Apps
Construction technology innovation is accelerating and the contractors that learn how to effectively integrate technology into every aspect of their business will dominate tomorrow. ...

Building a Systems Development Team - Apps
Construction technology innovation is accelerating and the contractors that learn how to effectively integrate technology into every aspect of their business will dominate tomorrow. ...

Multiple Dimensions of Talent
People are muti-faceted, there is no precise way to measure any dimension, and people are constantly changing. Understanding just some basics about the various dimensions of talent can help you be a better manager and design better jobs.
Resource - 2 Second Lean
Dozens of practical and fun ways to save a few more seconds each day. 3 minutes per day of additional productive time on tools (ToT) equals about a 1% labor savings - or $10K for every $1M in job cost labor. Helps develop a continuous improvement culture.
Impacted Productivity - Dilution of Management
Dilution of management will compound an already impacted construction project. It is important for teams to realize the full costs of impacts as they start to occur.