Article written by Andy Holtmann on the Viewpoint blog

It’s a special thing when you can see just how your construction organization is driving success — especially when you have a deep understanding into the activities that happen out in the field. However, pulling that data together in ways that are meaningful and timely has been a consistent challenge in the construction industry. Reliance on manual processes and/or different disconnected software programs has meant that oftentimes data from the field is incomplete, inaccurate or just too outdated to properly assess and take action from by the time it actually gets reviewed.

Article written by Natalie RItchie on the Viewpoint blog

If you do a little digging, you may notice that many industries utilize development and maintenance processes that are often repetitive and standardised across the scope of their operations. This may work for them. However, within the construction sector there are multiple aspects which require different approaches, meaning a one-size fits all approach is not appropriate. Each project requires a distinctive output, may be run by various departments, and may be undertaken under a unique set of circumstances. It is akin to a large machine with multiple moving parts and it is because of these multiple parts and unique approaches that there can be a tendency for miscommunication, teamwork issues, and conflicts.

Article written by Andy Holtmann for the Viewpoint blog

Modern Technologies are Letting Contractors Manage Documents; Markup and Share Construction Drawings in Real Time

The one constant on any construction project is change. The end result of a completed building, roadway or other structure is almost never exactly how it was drawn up in the beginning. Once building begins, plans, specs and drawings are tweaked as efficiencies are noted, errors are corrected or work gets completed throughout the process.

That’s why effectively managing these changes is crucial to contractors’ success. When different team members are using different sets of drawings, mistakes or execution errors are likely to occur, and when these do happen the entire project could be delayed while the issues are sorted out or, worse yet, costly rework has to be done.

These mistakes and delays can have a significant impact on your bottom line as a contractor — and leave your clients unimpressed with your teams’ abilities to manage projects.

Article written by Natalie Ritchie on the Viewpoint blog

Managing cash flow for a large construction project is tricky — not just because you don’t get paid immediately, but also because you’re dealing with progress claim preparation, submission deadlines, varying substantiation requirements and variation and claim negotiations — all of which distract you from actually doing the work and finally getting payment.

Adding to the complexity are project durations (which can go from days to years), the broad scope of work, the logistical sequencing of tasks and any conditions tacked onto the contract.

Considering these complexities, it’s easy to understand why, throughout the life of a project, a variety of things can change — directly impacting the original cash flow forecast.

But when underlying project revenue and cost forecasts are inaccurate, even the largest company can tap out its cash reserves, resulting in a failure to meet payroll payments, supplier payments, subcontractor commitments and service payment obligations.

Anirban Basu, chairman and CEO at the Sage Policy Group, Inc., joins the podcast and discusses the economic trends and leading indicators that contractors need to watch in order to be successful. Basu, who serves as the chief economist for the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) and the Construction Financial Management Association (CFMA) notes that while the short-term outlook for the construction industry remains solid, overall indicators point to a potential slowdown over the next couple of years. Effective cash flow management is critical to enduring a recession, and Basu points to new technologies that maximize efficiencies, boost productivity and replace traditional processes. Hear why he doesn’t see a traditional way out of the skilled labor shortage and why a technological revolution is necessary to fill the gaps and keep contractors productive.

Podcast originally appeared on the Viewpoint blog

Article written by Gallit Itzhaki for the Viewpoint blog

Welcome to 2019. It’s a new year. It can be new you. You’ve made a list and checked it twice…or not. Sometimes, that list gets messy or doesn’t exist at all. Either way, it’s OK! Make a list with a new set of goals that can take you to the next level!

And, while you’re at it, there are things you can do to take your construction organization to new heights as well. Maybe one of your company’s goals is to utilize less paper, modernize your construction operations or build the largest bridge the world. No challenge should be too big or too small, but it’s important to create a set of realistic goals.

Now is a great time to start taking steps toward your construction goals. And we’re here to help you do just that — stick to those resolutions like cement to a sidewalk by giving you a few (hopefully realistic) goals you can accomplish this year. With that in mind, here are five New Year’s resolutions for construction industry professionals:

Article written by Andy Holtman for the Viewpoint blog

Recently, we looked at some of the tax incentives that construction companies can take advantage of related to the types of work they do, including the R&D Tax Credit and the 179D Deduction. But as contractors continue to transform their operations through technology and train new generations of workers, they might not be aware that there are a number of tax incentives and credits to help offset these costs as well.

A Renewed Focus on Training and Education

The federal government already offers a number of individual incentive programs for educational credits or deductions through the Internal Revenue Service, including the American Opportunity Credit, the Lifetime Learning Credit and the Tuition and Fees Deduction. And a handful of states have their own incentive programs designed to help offset the costs of training and education, including learning new construction processes, software and other technologies (more below).

Article is a guest post on the Viewpoint blog

There are tax incentives construction firms can take advantage of that could add thousands of dollars to the bottom line.

The voluminous changes in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) leave taxpayers uncertain about the future on tax credits and deductions. Typically creating unforeseen obstacles, there are now unprecedented opportunities for many taxpayers as it relates to R&D tax credits. The two most power tax incentives we’ll discuss here are the R&D Tax Credit and 179D Energy Efficient Commercial Building Deduction.

R&D Tax Credits for Construction

Whether you are a general contractor or specialty subcontractor, you could be eligible for significant R&D tax credits. Check out this video for more on how to qualify. It’s common for our mid-sized construction clients to see $50,000 or more per year in net federal credits.

Article written by Andy Holtmann and appears on the Viewpoint blog

Find out how to centralize your construction document management system and make it easily accessible to your teams.

Document management might not sound glamorous, but effective document management is critical to the success of construction projects. As contractors move from pen and paper to digital, paperless operating environments, they have found a variety of solutions for document management available to them, some more sophisticated than others.

Still, many contractors use a mix of paper and digital documents, and even if they’ve gone fully digital, they may rely on a mix of software applications. A survey of the Viewpoint community found many contractors still rely on basic digital tools like spreadsheets to manage their projects. (Last year’s Construction Technology Report from JBKnowledge reported similar findings).

Article written by Andy Holtmann, Dexter + Chaney

How smart companies regain & retain skilled talent in the construction industry

The skilled labor shortage spans several major industries in the United States (and overseas)—a trend that has hit construction particularly hard in recent years. During the Great Recession, the construction industry hit some low lows, but along with the problems of a declining economy comes the hope of an eventual recovery. The construction industry achieved a notable resurgence this year, with growth across commercial and residential projects, including roads, bridges, and other infrastructure.

Unfortunately, during the recession, economic decline forced a number of workers—many of whom worked years to master their trade talents—to move out of construction and pursue work and active income in other industries. Thankfully, there has been an increase in construction activity over the past few years, which is welcome news for the remaining contractors who have been waiting patiently for the other shoe to drop. Because a large number of skilled workers have not returned to the industry, employers are left to identify suitable replacements as industry growth continues.