7 Key Considerations for Evaluating ConTech

We dive into our top tips for evaluating ConTech solutions in this increasingly crowded market.

In today’s construction landscape – utilising the right technology – can lead to massive advantages when it comes to the efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and overall success of your projects. Tier 1 and 2 builders have the most to gain from construction technology because of the scale and scope of projects. ConTech can improve workflows across project planning and procurement phases through to on-site execution and material management.

But with the wide array of ConTech options available, how do you ensure you’re investing in the right solutions?

Well, read on to learn our top areas of evaluation for ConTech solutions. Utilising these will help you to to build an efficient, integrated, and future-proof tech stack.

One of the most important factors to consider when evaluating ConTech is its ability to integrate with your existing systems and workflows. Siloed, point solutions that don’t connect to the rest of your tech stack can create more problems than they solve by leaving you with disconnected data and processes. To avoid inefficiencies and communication gaps, it’s essential that any ConTech you invest in can integrate seamlessly with the tools your teams are already using.

Look for ConTech solutions that offer API integrations, native compatibility with other software, or third-party connector support like Zapier. A fully-connected, digital ecosystem is the goal after all. So you need to ensure that data flows freely between systems. Furthermore, everyone – from project managers to subcontractors- should have access to the accurate, real-time information that they need. The impact this has on project efficiency and transparency cannot be overstated.

Invest in ConTech that integrates well with your existing systems as a priority and also consider how well it ‘plays’ with others. By doing so, you’ll avoid the pitfall of creating new data silos. Instead you’ll be able to create the streamlined, cohesive system that you’re aiming for.

Your business needs today may not be the same as your needs tomorrow. As your projects grow in scale and complexity, your ConTech must be able to keep up. Whether you’re taking on more projects, managing larger teams, or handling a more complex supply chain, the technology you invest in should be scalable to meet your future requirements.

Choose ConTech solutions that are designed to scale with your business. This means ensuring that the platform can handle increased data volumes, more users, and more sophisticated workflows as your business grows. Scalability is especially important for Tier 1 and Tier 2 builders, where the scale and diversity of projects can vary dramatically over time.

Scalable technology ensures that your investment will continue to deliver value as your business expands, avoiding the need for costly replacements or upgrades down the line.

The most powerful ConTech solutions are only as good as their adoption by your team. If your digital tools are overly complex or difficult to use, it’s likely that your workforce will struggle to embrace them. When evaluating ConTech, it’s critical to consider the user experience (UX) and the ease of adoption for your team.

Look for tools that have a user-friendly interface and provide training resources for new users. The software should be intuitive enough for workers at all levels—whether they’re senior project managers or on-site workers—to learn and use effectively.

Additionally, consider the vendor’s commitment to customer support and training. Is there adequate documentation or customer support agents to ensure that your team gets the help they need to implement the solution smoothly?

If the technology is too complicated or requires extensive training, it could slow down adoption and ultimately reduce the value of the investment.

Whether it’s material deliveries, weather conditions, or on-site issues, having access to real-time data is critical for making informed decisions. ConTech that provides real-time data and insights can empower project managers and construction teams to act quickly, reducing downtime, avoiding costly mistakes, and improving overall project efficiency.

Evaluate whether the ConTech solution offers real-time data visibility and reporting features. Can you access up-to-date information on inventory levels, project timelines, and supply chain statuses at a glance? Does the system offer analytics that help you spot trends, potential risks, and areas for improvement?

ConTech that provides real-time data not only helps you respond faster to issues but also enables proactive decision-making that can streamline project delivery and improve outcomes.

No two construction projects are exactly alike, and your ConTech should be flexible enough to adapt to the unique needs of each project. The ability to customise workflows, reporting, and dashboards should be weighted highly.

Customisation ensures that the technology works for your specific business processes, rather than forcing you to adapt your processes to fit the technology. The aim after all is for ConTech to enhance your processes – not force you to make workarounds or start from scratch.

Choose ConTech solutions that allow for customisation based on your requirements. Whether it’s customising dashboards to show the most relevant data for each team or configuring workflows to align with your company’s procedures, the technology should be flexible enough to fit seamlessly into your operations.

Flexibility is also important when it comes to integrating new tools or workflows in the future. If you want take advantage of new tools you need to ensure that your ConTech stack can evolve as your business and project requirements change.

Data security is non-negotiable our industry – given the volume of sensitive project data. From supplier contracts and project schedules to payment information and intellectual property – construction companies deal with a wealth of critical data. Ensuring that this data is protected from cyber threats and unauthorised access – and even the ability to set permissions – is key

Ensure that the ConTech solution you choose has clear terms and processes aorund data security and compliance. Look for tools that offer robust encryption, secure access controls, and regular security updates / penetration testing. Additionally, check whether the platform complies with any relevant industry standards or regulations related to data protection.

Investing in secure ConTech not only protects your company’s sensitive information but also builds trust with your clients and partners by ensuring their data is handled responsibly.

The quality of the technology you choose is only as good as the support you receive from the vendor. A reputable ConTech provider should offer ongoing support, training, and updates to ensure that your system continues to perform optimally as your business grows and evolves.

When evaluating ConTech vendors, consider their reputation and track record in the construction industry. Have they successfully implemented their solutions for companies similar to yours? Do they offer ongoing customer support, updates, and training to help you get the most out of their product? Will they put you in touch with their clients to provide references?

A vendor with a strong reputation and a commitment to customer success will be a valuable partner in ensuring that your technology implementation goes smoothly and continues to deliver value over time.

At Matrak, we understand the challenges of managing complex construction projects, which is why we offer a platform that integrates seamlessly into your existing systems, scales with your business, and provides real-time insights into your materials and supply chain. Whether you’re managing a single project or an entire portfolio, Matrak can help you streamline your operations and improve project outcomes.

Speak to us today to see how.