Construction Hot Takes

Gregory Gorman and Jeff Robertson, senior consultants at Ascent Consulting, unpack the pros and cons of integrating construction software into your business. Together Gregory and Jeff answer the question: Is construction software all it’s cracked up to be?  

They caution that there is no easy button when it comes to construction software. It’s important to consider the return on investment when it comes to costs and implementation, including training your teams to use the newly adopted software. A lack of understanding about the effort required to effectively implement new technology can lead companies to bite off more than they can chew. Companies can end up paying for software without taking advantage of all its features. 

Gregory and Jeff dig into how to choose the right software for your company. Procore, for example, is best for medium to large-sized general contractors. Once you nail down the most appropriate software, the added value can be tremendous. Gregory and Jeff reflect on how new technology has changed the game, making data instantly available to teams in the field and in the office simultaneously. 

Adam Cooper, CEO of Ascent Consulting, together with senior consultants Gregory Gorman and Jeff Robertson, dig into how to maximize your return on investment after purchasing Procore. All three hosts agree that the construction management software is a Swiss army knife. But Procore is not in the business of helping new users get up to speed on how best to use the system. 

That’s where Ascent Consulting comes in, to help companies that paid top dollar for Procore understand the ins and outs of the robust software. 

Adam explains the pros and cons of Procore, such as the ability to use the software in tandem with other digital tools, and its prominence in university construction management programs. There can be a generation gap with the use of software like Procore. But Jeff points out that Ascent Consulting can help clients who may prefer a pen-and-paper approach develop a tailored workflow for their company using Procore. The hosts also recognize that Procore is ideal for commercial and industrial contractors with projects spanning weeks, months or even years. While Procore may not be the best fit for residential builders or trade contractors, the hosts offer suggestions on alternative software to explore. 

In the latest episode, Adam Cooper, CEO of Ascent Consulting, and senior consultants Greg Gorman and Jeff Robertson, discuss WIP (Work in Progress) and how to use the accounting method to best manage construction projects. They emphasize the importance of being honest about the finances of an ongoing project, and trusting the data in your WIP to manage that project effectively. 

Adam, Greg, and Jeff unpack how to best use your WIP to track everything from budgeting and forecasting, to change orders and estimates to completion. The team examines how project managers are secretly accountants, plus how to rely on your WIP when you take over a job from another project manager. 

WIPs can quickly become unwieldy. But the hosts dig into real life scenarios to demonstrate how to keep WIPs simple and efficient. They discuss the reality of how estimates evolve over the lifespan of a project and how that impacts a WIP, as well as the importance of regularly WIP meetings with your team. 

In this episode, Adam Cooper, CEO of Ascent Consulting, and senior consultants Greg Gorman and Jeff Robertson, dissect a crucial topic for construction companies: the difference between growth and scaling. They break down the distinct challenges each phase brings, from the top-line revenue focus of growth to the structured, intentional nature of scaling.

The team explores common pitfalls when companies grow too quickly, such as lack of standardized processes and the strain of employees wearing too many hats. They introduce essential tools for managing growth, including the PDCA (Plan, Do, Check, Act) loop, and emphasize the importance of documentation and role handoffs, using real-world examples like delegating accounting responsibilities.

In a scenario-based discussion, Adam, Greg, and Jeff tackle client questions on opening new branches, balancing profitable work with marquee projects, and defining success for companies with varying goals. They stress that scaling requires thoughtful organization, while growth often emphasizes revenue expansion at the risk of process overload.

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