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. ...

Contractor Exit Strategy 1 of 6: Winding Down or Liquidation
Contractor Exit Strategy 1 of 6: Wind-Down of the Business or Liquidation. This “exit strategy” can mostly be seen as the lack of a clear exit strategy and plan.
From More Generalized to More Specialized with Growth
Job roles, tools, and equipment progressively get more specialized as projects and contractors grow. These changes must be balanced with versatility and talent development.
Situational Awareness: Learning to See (3 Levels)
Outcomes are determined by quality decisions and actions. Those decisions will never be better than the situational awareness they are built upon. There are three ascending levels of situational awareness which can all be evaluated and developed.