Payapps highlights the importance of utilising technology to more efficiently manage applications for payment and reduce the number of hours lost to paperwork and manual processes
Construction professionals often spend around 10 hours a week carrying out manual administration tasks – time that could be better spent on core business activities.
The need to streamline this process and reduce wasted time is exacerbated by the current combination of high demand and a skills shortage throughout the industry.
With demand for residential housing driven by falling inflation and rising consumer confidence, the UK construction industry is expected to have a resurgence throughout 2024.
However, with this increased demand comes a need for skilled workers, with the sector currently facing a major skills shortage. In fact, a recent CITB report suggests that the UK will require more than 251,500 additional construction workers by 2029 to meet this demand.
While the increased demand is encouraging for the industry’s future growth, it does underline the importance of ensuring more efficient working practices and less wasted time. As well, of course, as encouraging more talented professionals into the sector.
A recent survey, carried out by Payapps, highlighted this issue, detailing the myriad of challenges facing the industry, such as outdated manual processes leading to tens of hours lost to manual administration and paperwork each week.
The survey, completed by quantity surveying professionals from across the UK and Ireland, covered everything from productivity and time management to job satisfaction and the importance of embracing technology.
So, why is it so crucial to improve efficiency and reduce the time spent on repetitive administrative tasks?
Reduced productivity
Put simply, hours spent on manual processes and administrative tasks are not spent on construction, vitally delaying projects and potentially impacting profitability.
This is highlighted by a report from the Office for National Statistics that revealed average productivity levels in the construction industry had remained consistently below the UK average.
This aligns with the data revealed by the Payapps survey, with respondents stating they would often face frequent productivity barriers, such as administrative overload, the underutilisation of technology and inefficient workload practices.
In fact, the polled quantity surveying professionals would far rather be using that administration time on procurement, training, business development, contract and variation management or actual construction work on-site.
Increased chance of errors
It’s widely acknowledged, following various studies, that the vast majority of spreadsheets contain errors.
With industry professionals often spending more time on administrative tasks than they’d like, the chance of errors is also increased.
Additionally, any manual data entry can also see miscalculations and mistakes made, leading to costly disputes and rework.
A tired and strained workforce
Research has found that repetitive and low-value tasks can often lead to burnout and reduced job satisfaction. As a result, it can be harder to not only attract skilled workers but retain them.
Indeed, a survey by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) underlined this by highlighting concerns over the speed of career progression and development opportunities as two of the key reasons for professionals leaving the construction industry.
While Payapps’ survey of quantity surveying professionals across the UK and Ireland revealed a generally high level of job satisfaction, with 85% indicating they were either satisfied or very satisfied in their role, it’s crucial that the industry looks at ways in which it can minimise any potential contributors to dissatisfaction and improve retention and engagement as a result.
One such way could be the eradication of manual processes and administrative tasks through the use of technology.
Embracing payment application technology will reduce wasted time
Technology plays such an important role in today’s society, especially in the built environment. With that in mind, it’s imperative that quantity surveyors and any other industry professionals utilise these innovations.
This is highlighted by Payapps’ quantity surveying survey. Of those surveyed, 57% of respondents not using software for managing applications for payment reported spending over 10 hours per week on manual administration or spreadsheet tasks.
Conversely, only 37% of those who use Payapps application for payment software, spend over 10 hours on such tasks.
The survey underlines the inefficiency of traditional, non-automated systems while showcasing how application for payment software, such as Payapps, can significantly reduce the time wasted on administration and spreadsheets.
As a result, efficiency is enhanced and valuable resources are freed up.
In fact, by automating applications for payment, construction professionals can significantly reduce the time spent on administrative processes.
Designed to integrate with leading ERP and accounting software, the latest software in application for payment technology, such as Payapps, can streamline workflows, not only reducing the need for manual data entry but also minimising the risk of errors.
Additionally, the smoother processes will accelerate payment cycles and ensure full compliance with regulations and contract requirements.
Indeed, 65% of survey respondents that use application for payment software, such as Payapps, reported that disputes rarely or never impacted project timelines. Conversely, only 46% of those not using this type of software said the same.
Risk can also be mitigated, with specialised solutions offering much more depth in their expertise and, as a result, making sure that critical functions are performed more efficiently and quickly.
Furthermore, the enhanced collaboration provided by utilising technology will enable seamless communication between all members of the project, within both contracting and subcontracting parties.
Despite the best efforts of the construction industry, the current skills shortage isn’t going to disappear overnight. So it’s imperative that firm owners and industry leaders embrace the benefits of technology and automate their administrative processes to streamline their operations and empower their workforces. By doing so, they can build a better future for not only their businesses but the built environment as a whole.
As one of the UK’s leading creators of application for payment software, Payapps specialises in streamlining the subcontractor payment process and making life easier for quantity surveyors and their commercial teams, contractors and subcontractors.
Take a look at the quantity surveying research report and for more information about software for managing applications for payment, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Payapps’ experienced team.
