How to Choose the Right Construction Management Software
While construction management software is often categorized as ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) system, RedTeam Flex and RedTeam Go stand apart by placing project management at the core of the ERP experience. Unlike many alternative construction management platforms that rely on external tools for contractual and financial records, RedTeam uniquely integrates these critical functions into a single, purpose-built solution. In today’s construction landscape, success hinges on having a modern, unified system that aligns with your workflows, one that doesn’t just manage projects, but serves as the system of record for the entire project lifecycle.
If you’re evaluating technology to bring clarity, efficiency and connectivity across your projects, you’re not alone. According to a 2024 industry survey, 93% of companies that successfully adopted a construction management solution saw meaningful improvements in their processes.
Let’s walk through the key factors to consider when choosing the best solution for your general contracting business.
Why vendor support matters in construction management software
Integrating a construction management solution into your general contracting firm is a lengthy process. Working with a vendor who will offer support from pre-purchase to post-purchase is essential. Support can help ensure that your firm maximizes the benefits of the software.
One way to ease the transition is for your firm to try the platform before purchasing it. Whether through a demo, workshop, or pilot program, usage before purchase can build confidence, interest, and excitement among impacted staff. It can also convince doubters that the platform will indeed be helpful. If it’s not useful, it’s not the right software for your company.
And once your team does purchase the solution…
Teams must adjust to the software, which is often challenging and frustrating. Even the most user-friendly interface will require outside support to walk staff through the ins and outs of the system. Ensure the vendor offers training and that they will be there after the sale.
The vendor should offer a guided onboarding experience, which ensures your teams can get up and running quickly, even if you have limited internal IT resources.
The right software includes the right vendor.
Industry-specific vs. general construction management software
Choosing an industry-specific construction solution allows your team to have greater customization. For example, the system will offer features related to bid management, estimating, field management, proposals, submittals and more that are crucial to construction firms. These industry-specific systems make the software very useful.
However, the further you drill down for an industry-specific solution, the fewer vendors will be in the market, which could mean higher costs. The systems may be clunky and less tested than a general system with a broader audience.
On the other hand, a general system will likely not offer the features noted above, making it less valuable. Yet, the features they do offer are robust and well-configured. Some massive business platforms are relevant to construction (budgeting and payroll). There are more vendors to choose from.
Note that general solutions often appeal to large firms. However, small to mid-sized general contractors will get more out of industry-specific software tailored to their scale and workflows.
Construction management software that integrates with your existing systems
One of the most valuable elements of a construction management platform is that it brings a variety of business functions under one roof. However, no solution can realistically replace every tool your company uses. That’s why it’s important to understand what types of systems your solution integrates with.
For example, RedTeam solutions are designed to integrate with accounting systems like QuickBooks and Sage — critical for maintaining financial accuracy and alignment across your projects.
When integration is limited or bumpy, your software may create more data silos — the very issue it’s meant to solve. Make sure the platform integrates with your accounting system and other must-haves to avoid duplicating effort and fragmenting your data.
Cloud-based or on-premise deployment
An outside vendor hosts a cloud-based ERP, while an on-premise solution is installed and maintained on your company’s own servers. Each approach has trade-offs, but for most small to mid-sized construction firms, cloud-based deployment offers compelling advantages.
Cloud-based platforms are quicker to implement, require lower upfront costs, and scale easily as your business grows. They enable real-time collaboration between field and office staff, ensure everyone sees the most current documents and simplify IT demands for your team.
While concerns about internet access or data security occasionally surface, today’s cloud providers follow rigorous security standards and provide dependable uptime and backups. Rather than being a risk, cloud deployment — when managed by a reputable provider — often improves a company’s overall data security posture.
On-premise systems, by contrast, offer greater control and customization but demand more resources for maintenance, updates and hardware. For most contractors, the cost and complexity of managing a secure on-premise solution outweigh the benefits.
The bottom line: Cloud-based platforms are the future of construction management — offering flexibility, security, and the ability to grow with your business.
Scalability
Nearly every company, particularly small and mid-sized, wants to grow. Companies need to ensure their systems can grow with them as they grow. That’s why you must be strategic when selecting software, as it can support your growth.
When considering which construction solution is right for your business, don’t focus only on the current situation. A solution that places artificial limits on the number of users or projects, etc., isn’t a long-term solution.
Look for an adaptable solution. This requires researching the provider. Are they continuously updating the software, revising modules, adding features and expanding the system’s capabilities?
A provider striving to improve the software can support your company as you expand. And if the software doesn’t scale? You’ll have to go through the time-consuming and costly process of finding the right solution a second time.
Make sure the construction management solution you select is dynamic and scalable to support your construction firm as it grows.
If you’re in the market for construction software, consider RedTeam. RedTeam is built by general contractors for general contractors. We understand the real-world processes and challenges contractors face every day.
The solution is an easy-to-use solution that supports small to mid-sized contractors from Bidding to closeout. RedTeam brings the back office, field and financials under one roof in one intuitive solution. It will help your general contracting firm eliminate silos and enhance communication. Request a meeting today!
