The construction industry is slow to adapt to change, but the rail sector is traditionally even slower. Until now.
CP6 is a fresh challenge and the industry has gone with remarkable rapidity from being very nervous about embracing new digital technologies for work, to adopting them with great enthusiasm. However there have been some growing pains, which have resulted in some companies sitting on the fence – nervous about taking on such digital solutions for themselves.
Well, you shouldn’t be! The problem is not necessarily with the products themselves, but with the use of them. In the last few years alone the wider construction market has been flooded with dozens of software packages offering everything from inventory management to safety reporting. It may even seem as though some of these packages offer the same services under a different brand name.
But in reality, these software packages can provide very different user experiences. And if it's an experience that the firm doesn't want to have, the results can be expensive and frustrating. That's why when contemplating software purchases, project teams should first ask themselves three key questions:
- Can this software fix a specific problem or need that my team has?
- Can my users actually understand and use this product consistently?
- How much post-sale support is available?
Can This Software Fix A Specific Problem Or Need That My Team Has?
Is this software helping my project teams work more efficiently? Is it saving time, saving money and ultimately providing the best value project delivery possible? If it doesn't, then why change?
Good reporting software is expertly crafted so that your team collect the information you need in accordance with industry standards. It should vastly reduce the time wasted collecting and processing data and give you the actionable insights you need in real time.
Can My Users Actually Understand & Use This Product Consistently?
The software might have worked perfectly in the classroom, with the trainer standing next to you, but can your team move away from a classroom setting and use the product day in and day out? Can they easily navigate it and is it compatible with all different devices they have?
The user always comes first. Every aspect of the product should be verified and tested extensively with different users and consistently reviewed as part of a commitment to consistent improvement. At Raildiary, for example, our head product designer is a UX (user experience) specialist. As a result, each element of the product is built with the user's needs in mind.
How Much Post-sale Support Is Available?
Companies can spend hundreds of hours on training but despite all this preparation, real-world events happen and your teams need help. A printed training manual with step by step guides just won't cut it.
Make sure you have access to a dedicated customer success team that offers support and assistance to all clients and users 365 days of the year. Support that is available online through how-to videos, detailed online support and also over the phone from your dedicated customer success manager.
That’s Where Raildiary Comes In…
Raildiary offers all of the above, and more. With our rigorous, detailed training and free trial process you’ll never have to question purchasing construction reporting software again.
To find our more book a demo with one of our product specialists.
Nick Woodrow
Operations Director
Chartered Civil Engineer. Over 20 years of experience of successfully delivering complex projects and leading teams at C-level.
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