4 areas to consider when choosing your asset management software supplier

Brand and reputation plays a big part in customer loyalty, so it’s important to consider whether your supplier is well recognised as market leaders in tools and innovation. Is the software they provide particularly suited for your industry?

Knowing that a supplier has past experience of delivering similar projects on time and on budget, backed up with supporting testimonials from their clients, can help to reassure you that you’re making the right decision.

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Many construction managers are concerned about investing in new technology as they’re worried their employees will struggle to use or buy into it. It can be tricky to get your team onboard and for them to effectively use new tools and technology. With time pressures on construction sites, you’ll want to ensure the software can be implemented quickly and easily, so look for software with a user-friendly interface.

No matter what type of software you're comparing, it usually always boils down to cost. But it can be difficult to get a clear picture of how much you’re going to pay without knowing the direct and indirect costs involved. There are various factors that can impact the cost that aren’t always immediately obvious, such as the price of the hardware (including asset tags) and any training or support packages that are included. Some providers charge based on the number of users, so the price can increase depending on how many people in your company will use the software. Can your supplier offer transparent costings and are there any hidden fees?

When comparing costs, consider what kind of contract best suits your business. For example, do you want a rolling monthly contract or a fixed yearly contract? Since the economy can be volatile and unpredictable, you may not want to be tied into a contract for a long period of time.

One of the biggest reasons why software fails is because it isn't implemented correctly at the start. According to a technology survey, 40% of construction firms say new technology hasn't been implemented due to a lack of support, followed closely by budget concerns at 37% and employee hesitance at 32%.

It can be tempting to buy software ‘off-the-shelf’ online, but this usually comes without any training and the much-needed support before and after software implementation. While some suppliers may offer initial training after the point of purchase, does that support continue throughout your contract? Do they provide on-site support and would they be available should any technical errors occur?