The construction industry’s ongoing digital transformation is more than just a fancy upgrade; it’s a golden opportunity to promote efficiency and minimise risks, says Simon Herod of EstimateOne
With the help of digital tools and innovative software, manual processes are being streamlined, making tedious tasks a thing of the past. It means no more lost or misplaced documents.
As the construction industry is embracing the power of technology to make every step smoother and more efficient, this article will focus on a crucial stage that can make or break a construction project: the tendering process.
Digital tools explicitly designed to facilitate tendering, rather than being just an additional feature within a larger product set, empower contractors and subcontractors to proactively tackle the challenges of the tendering process with confidence.
These barriers include: dodging the pitfalls of miscommunication, avoiding costly errors, and bidding for projects with precision.
Simplify tendering processes with tech
Traditionally, when it comes to tendering, adopting a Murphy’s Law mentality is usually best. Cloud-based asset information management platforms and common data environments in the past decade have transformed the perception of inevitable errors.
It’s no understatement. The tendering process has undergone a remarkable transformation, bidding farewell to the era of printing countless documents, filling out spreadsheets and stuffing envelopes like it’s the 90s.
Significantly, these digital tools are automating repetitive, low-value and labour-intensive tasks to ensure a smoother process, allowing you to focus your efforts on the build in hand.
This breakthrough is not only beneficial for contractors but also an upgrade for subcontractors. In the fast-paced world of construction, relying on manual management for tendering processes can result in missed opportunities and outdated quotes.
Collaborative networks offered by these platforms make it a breeze to keep documents safe, work together seamlessly and track quote progress in real-time.
By implementing digital tendering and the sharing of data across teams, main contractors can effectively reward subcontractors who submit quotes during the tender process by awarding them the project.
Supply chain security
The Federation of Master Builders’ State of Trade Survey found that 73% of builders reported job delays due to material shortages, and readers will know there are no guarantees when it comes to managing supply chains, especially against the current socioeconomic backdrop.
It’s become abundantly clear even a single unexpected event has the power to throw the already unpredictable construction supply chain into chaos, but the latest digital platforms can mitigate the risk.
This is especially true when it comes to effective communication and collaboration, which are crucial for a successful tender. Instead of sifting through a cluttered inbox or playing a never-ending game of phone tag, contractors can simply log into a single-source digital platform. There, they can monitor and track the tender response in real-time, literally keeping everyone on the same page.
Digitalisation eliminates the chaos that can arise from different versions of documents floating around. No more accidental mix-ups or confusion caused by outdated information that could lead to a subcontractor pricing from out-of-date documentation. With digital platforms, outdated tender documents are automatically superseded by the latest versions.
Building a pipeline of skilled labour
Labour shortages often pose significant challenges in construction projects. According to the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, although UK construction workloads are on the rise, labour and material shortages continue to create issues.
As the labour shortage continues to challenge construction businesses, subcontractors have become indispensable for handling tasks beyond their in-house capacity. It highlights the importance of nurturing strong subcontractor relationships as a crucial factor for achieving project success.
The latest tendering platforms can help alleviate the situation, empowering contractors to build stronger relationships with their trusted subcontractors and have richer communication with them through features such as response rate and quote rate tracking.
Furthermore, by tapping into a new network of subcontractors and suppliers through digital technology, contractors can source and build a reliable supply chain of workers, ensuring smoother operations and minimising disruptions throughout the project.
More time building, less time quoting
Ultimately, digitalisation expedites the tendering process, providing contractors with more time to secure work.
With just a few clicks, contractors can automate send-outs and create trade packages, sending hundreds of enquiries to subcontractors, significantly reducing the effort and time spent.
Digitising processes ensure that the right documents reach the right hands with ease, saving valuable time and increasing efficiency meaning less of your time is spent reporting and more time winning work.
Simon Herod
International team lead
EstimateOne
Tel: +44 (0)20 3868 4986
