Builders: Automated Construction Software Helps Gain Efficiencies

Good News: Homebuilder Order Growth Continues to Accelerate

Have the details at your fingertips!

One of our most recent blogs Homebuilder Construction Rates Accelerating; Let's Talk Efficiency  was developed as a result of two recent Zelman & Associates comments,

"Builder order growth has continued to accelerate; excess speculative inventory has been absorbed and housing starts are picking up to satisfy demand."

"Increasing construction activity always presents the risk of cost inflation and labor tightness."  

Are Your Operations Optimized to Meet the Challenges?

There's nothing quite like throwing ice water on good news, is there?  How are builders addressing cost inflation and labor tightness? Possible to make adjustments and see results relatively quickly?

We'd like to suggest the answer is: YES!

Let's take a look at one of CPS' builder clients currently using our automated construction scheduling software,  FieldCollaborate. When asked how they previously managed their construction process, the CEO replied:

"Email and phone. We were really disjointed. There were disputes among FieldManagers about trades because they didn't know who was working on what, when."

Costs and Labor Can Be Better Managed! 

Sound familiar?  What has changed with the implementation of a scheduling system?

"Because you can plan out jobs far in advance (we schedule out 6 months), builders and vendors can forecast materials, allocate labor toward our jobs, etc. The purchasing team can negotiate better prices with vendors as they're able to pinpoint quantities and timing."

Using a Portal to Helps Get Everyone on the Same Page!

We've also talked about the value of SST (self-service technology; take a look at uses throughout a builder's organization in this Blog). FieldCollaborate offers SST with its Vendor Portal. Vendors, using authorized credentials, are able to view their schedules (as well as drawings, photos, notes and the like) up to 6 months in advance.  Builder staff access the same Portal. Everyone's looking at the same schedule, same calendar, same workload.

Critical is the short-term view regarding efficiency:

"The Portal eliminated a lot of phone calls, texts, etc. That extra time allows us to continue to move homes."

Want to find out more about the efficiency and profitability advantages provided by automated scheduling software? Contact us; we can provide a full-featured FieldCollaborate demo!

Builders: Increasing Productivity Helps Offset Labor Costs & Availability Issues

Builders Rank Labor Cost & Availability Top Issue for 2019

There's a great article by Ashok Chaluvadi in a recent Eye on Housing article in Builderonline describing anticipated challenges facing builders in 2019; you can read it here.

SST is one option designed to increased productivity

A key issue cited by 82% of builders is the cost/availability of labor. What's particularly noteworthy is labor replaced building material prices -- which had been the hot topic in 2018.

What options are available to a homebuilder to counteract labor's increasing cost/decreasing availability -- particularly in the short run?

SST Helps Builders Impact Productivity

We know the number of trades people is limited; a significant number of experienced workers are "aging out"  and there haven't been enough Millennials entering this specific workplace.

Automated Quality Inspection Tools add focus

SST (that's self service technology) had somewhat of a bad reputation in years past.  It may have tried to do too many things in too disparate ways. However, attitudes change; today, demographics and technology make SST an ever emerging tool for home builders as they consider that increasing workplace productivity is the option most under their control, today. SST implies technology and construction management software leverages SST:

• SST takes advantage of 24/7 cloud-based information: An effective construction software implementation will get everyone within the builder's organization and their vendors on "the same page" as to what tasks need to be accomplished, in what order and on what date.  Cloud-based software makes the information available to everyone, 24/7, anywhere/anytime.  That means you should expect a reduction in delays, dry runs, phone calls, texts and misunderstandings.  In a sense, that's the first step.
• SST provides a focus on the builder's scheduling process: This might seem strange to be #2 in the list.  However, it's sometimes difficult to modify processes, implement software and drill down into issues all at the same time.  Some builders start operating in a SST environment and then examine what can be done more effectively as they reap the fruits of 24/7 information and a consistent, measurable pace. Developing a schedule provides consistency and accountability; you're able to see (24/7!) the status of every job and employ metrics to highlight problem areas. You should also see the benefits from your vendor's perspective: they can look ahead and plan. You're working more collaboratively! Expect to see both decreased cycle time and a further reduction in dry runs as your team refines their build process.
• SST facilitates Quality Inspection Tools: We can all agree call backs are inefficient, cost money and can impact buyer satisfaction.  There aren't many things worse than finding punch items at the buyer walk through! Why not add a short check list alongside key tasks that provides an accessible, consistent way for your field managers to evaluate completion and direct feedback for the vendors? If there's an issue, CPS Field Collaborate, for example, auto-generates punch items that are emailed to the vendor and auto-tracked until resolved.  Again, everyone (builders, management, vendors) is on the same page, 24/7, looking at the same issues and focused on resolution. SST continues to provide reminders to your field managers of outstanding issues and continues to email vendors until resolution. 

CPS' FieldCollaborate is the 3rd version of our construction scheduling software designed specifically for homebuilders and offering the 24/7, anywhere/anytime access we discussed. Interested in finding out how it can increase your team's productivity? Use our contact form to schedule a one-on-one demo.

Builders: Smaller in size? Add Focus to Actionable Customer Service

Smaller Means You Can Be More Nimble

Recently, there's a great Frank Anton article in Builderonline: Three Ways Small Home Builders Can Be Big Winners --  it's worth reviewing; you can read it here.

Anton notes he's "big" on stats & trends -- and in the 45 years he's been around the the housing business, he's usually been on the right side of predictions.  One he missed: how large the "majors" would become.

But, he says, smaller builders and those in smaller markets are in a great position. They're not occupying the same "space" as the NYSE builders.

Smaller Allows You to Focus on Personalized Customer Service

Anton suggests smaller builders have an opportunity but.. they need to focus on key metrics and one of the most critical is customer service. And, to be honest, it is one of the most controllable!

He goes a step further and suggests thinking of the process as concierge service!

SST is a Preference for Many

SST (that's Self Service Technology) provides smaller builders with a manageable way to connect with home shoppers and buyers -- and the price tag is reasonable!

Self-service hasn't always had the best of reputations. However,  attitudes, preferences and expectations change quickly. One reason is changing demographics; another is technology.

Self-service is one of those quickly evolving expectations.  Today, self-service is not only a solution but a preference for many -- regardless of age. 

Use SST as Your Concierge

What? How can SST (that's self service, isn't it??) provide concierge-level service to home shoppers and buyers? 

Your customers want fast and concise information. Communication doesn't have to mean conversation! They're also interested in information that's tailored to their specific situation: that's personalization! It adds up to a level of customer service that's actionable and personable.

Take advantage of technology to facilitate delivery of the types of information that will make your customers feel your attention!

SST Delivers Information Quickly, Concisely and When Requested

What sorts of personalized information can technology provide in this concierge service idea? Here are a couple to consider:

• Online, real-time sitemaps - Let your home shoppers know the details as to what's available; over 90% are going online so why not provide key info from the get go?
• Construction status updates - How about using your construction software's Portal to deliver weekly "stage of construction" photos?
• Stage of the sale updates - Use your CRM system to deliver automated emails letting your buyers know where they are in your 10-point buying cycle
• Focused Warranty reminders - Setup a schedule using your warranty software for automated email reminders: Fall gutter cleaning, Holiday light tips, Spring lawn advice, Summer air conditioning advice are just a few examples. You might be sending them to multiple individuals but they're offering specific, actionable information that your homebuyers can put to use.

Remember: Referrals are the Most Cost-Effective Source of Traffic

Happy home shoppers and buyers will have you "top of mind" when talking about their home shopping experience!

Interested in finding out more about technology options facilitating this type of concierge service? CPS can help you; contact us to schedule a one-on-one demo and what your customer satisfaction and  referral rate grow!

Homebuilder CRM Top Performer Tips

Top Sales Performers Are Frequently Top CRM Users

A local Northern CA homebuilder's top sales performer (he's retired now; let's call him Jack for this Blog) was probably the single best sales agent user of CPS CRM.

Jack certainly knew how to work with home shoppers, using CPS CRM loan information to discuss financial alternatives to facilitate the home purchase and taking advantage of the one-stop Contract Wizard to quickly generate purchase agreement documents.

Consider CRM Database as "Your Team"

But, the reason we're suggesting he was the "best user" was his persistence with follow-up.  Because Jack sold homes for about 10-years, he built-up a considerable CRM database of home shoppers and buyers.

Jack kept in touch with what he called "his team" -- sending announcements of new releases to home shoppers and new communities to previous buyers.

He went the extra step to make sure his data was useful so he could send out "Happy Home Anniversary" messages based on their Close of Escrow date. There were no doubt other personalized emails celebrating birthdays, children, college graduations and the like!

Of course, Jack used the "system" to auto-generate all of this followup; he created templates for his followup activities and relied on CPS CRM to keep in touch with his team.

Consistent CRM Use = Top of Mind and Consistent Referrals

The result? Jack was "top of mind" for anyone on his team thinking about a new home -- and he was the recipient of many referrals as friends and relatives started their home buying journey.

Recently, Jeff Shore completed a new sales training series; his latest is Prospecting for the Long Haul (always informative; watch it here). His message: top performers work the small things over and over.  

Ryan Taft is a sales trainer on Jeff's team; he has a great Blog and recently included 3 tips reinforcing the small and consistent message:

1. Do it!
2. Personalize the Heck Out of It!
3. Be Consistent!

Didn't Jack take those tips to heart and play them out, every day? He took the tools provided to him in CPS CRM and was persistent! As Jeff mentions in his Prospecting session, it's the small things that, when practiced daily, generate results.

IBS2019: CPS is Persistent! We're Celebrating 25+ Years!

Take a look at the IBS2019 Buyer Guide: CPS is listed as a member of the 25 Year Exhibitors Club! We're thrilled to be included and invite you to join us at Booth SU631 as we talk about our award-winning CRM, construction scheduling, warranty management software and interactive kiosks! See how our persistence can help you sell more homes, build more profitably and provide responsive customer care.

What Can Builders Do to Up Their Productivity?

Productivity Issues Are Long-Standing and Complex

One of this year's "hot" topics has actually been a topic for a number of years -- in 2017, for example, MarketWatch noted, "the construction industry has a chronic productivity problem."

Use Technology to Manage the Details

The reasons are many and the impact is considerable on the global, national and local levels -- as well as individual homebuilder profitability.

Technology Offers Help at the Builder Level!

Rather than looking at the issue globally, however, let's focus on what you, as a homebuilder, construction manager or superintendent, can put your arms around to up your productivity -- which will improvide profitability.

First, however, we'll take note of a MarketWatch comment: there's been an underinvestment, in the construction industry, in technology.

Homebuilding is the Sum of Many, Many Details

Yet, there are relatively inexpensive and highly effective digital solutions that will have an immediate impact on your business -- as they'll help you organize, manage, evaluate and report on the many details surrounding every job.  For example, are you able to immediately answer these questions:

• Which of my vendors consistently meets my objectives for starting and completing a job on time? How can they access that schedule? What about when things change?
• Which vendor delivers work that meets my published standards and drawings? Do I have published standards? Are they readily accessible? How do vendors access the latest drawings?
• How much rework did my plumbing vendor have to do at the Estates community?
• Were all those homeowner roofing complaints related to this year's heavy rain, manufacturing issues or poor installation?
• Are punch issues resolved prior to walkthrough? Do I have a way to keep track of the punch items from the walkthrough?

Generate and Track Your Punch Items

Technology for the desktop and mobile devices (software such as CPS' FieldCollaborate construction scheduling and WarrantyWatcher customer service management) will help you create and distribute schedules to your vendors and track performance so you're able to address some of those questions. Consistent, easily available, measurable schedules -- along with all of the supporting details such as standards, drawings and easy access -- are key to getting your arms around some of those details.

Portals, Dashboards, Reports: They're Available & Will Up Your Game!

Being able to analyze which vendors are effective, the reasons behind rework and how punch items are addressed enables your organization to make huge gains in productivity as you use data to make sure you're laser focused on key issues based on facts, not commentary.  Use on-screen dashboards or generate reports detailing past-due punch items, find out which happen over and over, utilize Quality Inspection checklists to catch problems at the task level before your walkthroughs.  That's how technology helps you manage the details!

IBS2019 Before & After!

CPS will be demonstrating these easy-to-use and powerful solutions at IBS2019 in Las Vegas from February 19-21 (you can grab free passes to the exhibit floor here):

https://www.buildersshow.com/ComputerPresentationSystemsInc

Can't make it to Vegas or don't want to wait to up your productivity? Schedule a demo here and we'll be in touch asap!

Builders: Collaborate to Increase Your Referral Rate

Have you been asked to increase your buyer referral rate -- and not quite sure where to start?

Keeping Buyers Informed is Key

Any chance you saw our Solutions Blog: Homebuilder #1 Referral Driver: Keeping Buyers Informed? You can read it here.

FieldCollaborate Is All About  Communication!

Not surprisingly, that Blog is one of our most frequently read as it kicks-off with Eliant CEO Bob Mirman's Builder and Developer article comments:  the single largest referral driver for homebuilders is how well the builder keeps buyers informed regarding the status of construction. 

Information Mitigates Stress

Mirman asks us to think of the homebuying process as similar to a hospital stay.  Both are stressful -- yet, the stress can be mitigated by information.  No one, in other words, feels comfortable in the dark.

The same applies to good experiences, suggests Mirman in June 2017 Builder and Developer. He notes the #1 driver of buyers' Willingess to Refer a Friend is the ability to keep them informed of their status.

Collaborating to Enhance Your Communication Process 

Importantly, Mirman notes, you don't need conversation -- just communication.

Buyer communication -- in an organized and consistent manner -- may be easier said than accomplished -- and that's where corporate collaboration can assist. Did you attend the Housing Leadership Summit in May 2018? A great session suggested collaboration is more than "working together"  as it involves a commitment to structural change involving both cultural and behavioral elements.

Information is Communication

We'd like to suggest adding software to provide the tools to enhance your current communication process. CPS' software Portals take information developed by Field Collaborate's construction users and WarrantyWatcher's customer service teams and make it available to buyers and home owners via the Internet.

No additional work required: the construction schedule is available for buyers to view. Warranty requests, status and appointments can be seen via mobile or desktop. In both cases, 24/7, anywhere/anytime!

Want to take things up a notch, become more user friendly? Go the extra step and take stage-of-construction photos and attach them to construction milestones. Add post-repair photos so your homeowner knows how things look before getting home after work.  After all, your buyers have Portal access 24/7 so they're up-to-speed as the work is completed!

Referrals Can Be Your Least Expensive Traffic Source

Referrals can be your least expensive source of traffic -- and the most rewarding.  Communication is a win-win as your team communicates results within the organization -- and they're easily viewable by your most important audience, your buyers.

Builders: Using Software to Help Ease Margin Pressure

Are you a homebuilder focused on the entry-level and first-time home buyer market? That portion of the new home market is hot -- and the Millennial home shopper is more focused on purchasing than ever before!

Are you experiencing price increases on basic materials? How about difficulty in obtaining labor -- especially in critical trades? Labor shortages lead to price increases -- and these factors mean you're seeing margins being squeezed.

Now is a good time to focus on Operational Excellence

Recently, John McManus had a great article in BuilderOnline. McManus notes there's an opportunity today to motivate apartment dwellers to purchase homes. Home shoppers prefer new -- and apartment dwellers don't need to sell their current home so there are fewer strings attached to the purchase.

But, these buyers are at the first-time, entry level price point so price increases on the builder side indicate a need to be extra focused on what could be considered controllable costs to maintain margins. McManus notes builders are "doubling down" on items under their control such as construction cycles and workflows.

Construction Scheduling Offers an Effective Management Tool

Cycle time doesn't live in a vacuum -- and can't be determined or measured in the abstract, either. Do you have a published schedule -- do you track progress against it? Does everyone look at the same schedule or are there multiples floating around within the organization? If so, there's where inefficiencies multiply!

If there's one schedule, not only can you measure cycle time but you're able to provide consistent, reliable schedules to your vendors. That's a win/win as your vendors can rely on your schedule to book their crews. That lets your vendors get and stay efficient.

Construction scheduling software will help you develop the tools so there's only one schedule (for everyone -- within and outside the organization). Not only can you track and measure against it but..your vendors will have easy access to it and can rely on it.

CPS FieldCollaborate: Award-winning Construction Scheduling Software

We're available to provide a FieldCollaborate demo -- and we'll show you how to implement and use software that has resulted in up to 30% cycle time reductions -- day in/day out!

Homebuilder #1 Referral Driver: Keeping Buyers Informed

Eliant, the home building industry's largest firm specializing in managing the consumer experience, notes in a recent Builder & Developer article that the single largest referral driver is how well the builder keeps buyers informed regarding the status of construction!

Keeping Your Buyers & Homeowners Informed 24/7

That statistic is part of a very interesting article by Bob Mirman, Eliant's founder/CEO, as he points out similarities between hospitals and home builders.

Hospitals & home builders, you might ask? Drill down a bit: patients and home buyers are anxious, worried, confused and scared as they're involved in an unfamiliar environment. Not for the same reason but.. still concerned. Mirman suggests empathy goes a long way towards making everyone feel comfortable.

Mirman's second point is the value of contact when delays are encountered -- or anticipated.  He suggests asking: do your employees proactively reach out -- and how?

The third and most critical point is the impact of status updates -- and isn't that the case with most consumer-facing businesses? Mirman noticed and appreciated the daily calls from the assigned staff internist.  He knew he'd get the latest information and didn't need to worry about voicemail, missed calls or miscommunication through a 3rd party.

Think about your operations: how do you keep buyers up-to-date? 

We'd like to suggest taking a look at CPS' FieldCollaborate with its Portal.  Your buyers have access, 24/7, in real-time, to stage-of-construction photos and schedules.  It's their "piece of the pie" automatically generated from use of FieldCollaborate's construction scheduling application.  Tie it to your website and other than taking photos, no extra work is needed on your part.  Status updates are automatic, always visible and right there, 24/7 -- on their desktop, laptop, phone or tablet! 

Referrals can be a key sales driver; we've just learned that status updates are the #1 key referral driver!

Leverage Your Construction Scheduling Software to Manage Callbacks

No builder purposefully sets out to have call backs, punch items or warranty claims.  There are the added costs, time and dislocation associated with getting the job done right -- and issues can too easily be splashed across social media.

Build-in quality with scheduling tools!

Builder recently noted, With homeowner scrutiny on the rise, it's a good idea to take a second look at what can go wrong on a job. It's a chance to up your game.

Isn't it better to try to manage the issues before they're able to reach the status of a call back, punch item or warranty claim?

One quality management tool falls within the scope of today's automated construction scheduling software: associating Quality Inspection Checklists with key tasks.

How would that work? Select a key schedule task such as framing complete and develop a series of check points to measure satisfaction that the task is not only complete but meets the desired level of quality.

The task can't be considered complete for scheduling purposes, with an open Quality Inspection, and the vendor can't be paid, either. Both your field manager and vendor are on notice that items need to be addressed -- and they can be reminded on an ongoing basis, as well.

This type of process could be considered building-in quality.  Everyone involved in the job knows that there will be mini walkthru's throughout the job.  Issues can be caught at the key task inspections making resolution more timely as the vendor is available and hasn't yet been paid.  Not only are the issues better able to be resolved but the builder's reputation is enhanced as the buyer walk becomes focused on how the home operates vs. quality punch items.

CPS' FieldCollaborate offers Quality Inspection Checklists along with Punch Item Management as part of the construction scheduling software package.  And, there are Vendor and Buyer Portals, too! All focused on helping you build quality homes, on time!

New Home Construction: Velocity and Profitability

Are you on the construction side of the new homes industry? Great recent Builderonline article by Mary Salmonsen; you can read it here.

Shifting focus to velocity can enhance profitability

Salmonsen highlights one of SAI Consulting Fletcher L. Groves' concerns: the under-consideration of project velocity in builders' business processes.

Or, to paraphrase a comment by John McManus mentioned in a previous Solutions blog: builders need to work with greater velocity or... learn the pain.

In other words, rather than putting a laser focus on individual lot margins, apply some of that attention, data collection and reporting to the amount of time required to build that home. That's cycle time.

Of course, cycle time doesn't live in a vacuum -- and can't be measured in the abstract, either.  Do you have a published schedule -- and do you track progress against it? Does everyone look to a specific schedule or do you have multiples floating within the company?  If there's one, not only can you measure cycle time but you're able to provide consistent, reliable schedules to your vendors.  They're able to better plan and their planning helps them become more consistent, efficient and profitable. That's a win/win!

Are you able to report on which vendors show up on time, or have the highest level of rework, consistently have safety issues, always fail field inspections? That information helps shape a long range vision of your construction cycle and helps deliver consistently better results.  And, it should be available relatively easily and consistently to be effective.

We'd like to suggest CPS'  FieldCollaborate as a software tool to help you develop consistent schedules and measurement tools.  You're able to quantify and measure quality items, delivery times, subcontractor consistency, safety assessments and punch items.  It all helps highlight factors impacting your construction cycle and allows you to be proactive about the next lot, phase and community -- and design for long-term profitability.

New Home Construction Data: Helping You Design For Long-Term Profitability

Did you have a chance to check out Pain Points: Win or Learn by John McManus?  He focused on 3 things that matter most for builders -- today!

And, those 3 things are within every builder's control (vs. those you can't control such as weather, the economy, etc). Not just large builders, or public builders, or small mom-and-pop builders. All builders.

FieldCollaborate: Moving Beyond Scheduling to Meaningful Data!

The first was sales.  The second is taking those sales to completions

That is, the construction cycle. You are able to evaluate how your construction process is delivering by reviewing specific information: cycle time and, in turn, profitability.  

McManus suggests: work with greater velocity or... learn the pain.

Greater velocity can't be measured in the abstract, however.  Other factors -- and they're measurable, too -- have to come into the equation or profitability is a one-time gain with a short life.

What are you doing to understand those other variables?

Do you know which vendors show up on time, or have the highest level of rework, consistently have safety issues, always fail field inspections? That information helps shape a long range vision of your construction cycle and helps deliver consistently better results.

We suggest FieldCollaborate -- including the available web Portal for vendors and home buyers -- will help.  It's not just about scheduling, any longer.  You have to consider reporting on quality items, delivery times, subcontractor consistency, safety assessments and punch items.  It all helps highlight factors impacting your construction cycle and allows you to be proactive about the next lot, phase and community -- and design for long-term profitability.

Grab Some Construction Scheduling Benefits...here!

Did you have a chance to attend the IBS Education Forum in Las Vegas called The Best Builders are The Best Schedulers?  CPS' Troy Warr partnered with Builder Consulting Group's Noelle Tarabulski to provide an overview of benefits offered using a comprehensive construction scheduling process -- and a roadmap to successful implementation.

Good scheduling improves day-to-day-operations and your bottom line!

What benefits, you might ask.  Many builders report limited success with new automated construction scheduling software, for example. Others mention getting conflicting answers to a single question due to a variety of reports and methods.

Troy and Noelle highlighted several key improvements available as a a result of good construction scheduling practices including:

• Fewer delays -- enhancing your relationship with both vendors and home buyers
• Fewer Cost Variances -- no question, fewer variances results in more consistent forecasting and better profitability
• Improved Quality -- using scheduling milestone checklists as well as inspection templates means spotting problems sooner and minimizing the long-term impact
• Reduced Cycle Times -- improved cycle times not only improve profitability per home but mean you're able to build more homes in the same amount of time
• Accountability, Accuracy and Consistency -- good scheduling practices enable the builder to have a single source of information providing consistent results across the enterprise (builder, vendor and home buyer).

Would improving any of these key indicators be useful to you?  Tara provides consulting services to help analyze, measure and prioritize an organization's construction process while CPS offers FieldCollaborate - a cloud-based, automated scheduling software application available on the job-site with mobile tablet/smart phone access and using desktop/laptop access at the corporate office.

We can talk with you to determine how an improved scheduling process will grow your bottom line as well as enhance day-to-day operations and increase home buyer satisfaction.

IBS2016 Forum Preview: Are the Best Builders the Best Schedulers?

CPS' Troy Warr and Noelle Tarabulski, Builder Consulting Group's President, will be presenting an IBS 2016 Education Forum, Are the Best Builders the Best Schedulers?

Join us at 2pm, Tuesday, January 19th in Central Hall Booth 9327! 

The presentation will take about 40 minutes -- and there will be a brief Q&A period afterwards, as well.  CE credits are available!

One of the key ideas to be presented is that home builder scheduling is an ever-evolving -- and collaborative -- process.  The end result, on any given day, is a published schedule that is the most authentic source of information.

Good Scheduling Provides a Single Source of Good Data!

Many individuals and organizations (just to name a few: vendors, field managers, management, accounting, options coordinators and, of course, buyers!!) need to know when a construction task is scheduled -- as well as when it is completed.  And,  they all need to know if it is rescheduled.

One objective of a good scheduling process is to provide a single source of information -- available to all stakeholders, anytime/anywhere.  There shouldn't be multiple schedules or a need to call/fax/text someone to find out if XYZ Plumbing is supposed to be on Lot 35 tomorrow.  Everyone should be able to pull that information -- on their own -- and there can only be a single source for that information.

Want to learn how to get to a single, reliable source of scheduling information -- and how to optimize your homebuilding organization as a result?  Join us on Tuesday!

Today's Home Builder Key Word: Customization

Take a look at Builderonline's October 2015 article, Your Biggest Competition isn't Other Builders, discussing new-home builder's sales advantages when compared with existing home sales.  The author, Myers Barnes, highlights 7 key selling advantages.

The second key advantage is customization and it offers a very powerful message:  who wouldn't want input on design and product selections?  The article suggests reminding home shoppers that a new home will reflect their personal style -- not someone else's taste.

And, a reminder: the millennial demographic -- only starting to purchase homes -- is very keen on customization and personal style!

Take advantage of technology to stay current on selections

Some of you might be thinking, "Oh, customization; tried that.  Definitely added time to our schedule and very tough to keep track of all the selections, changes, re-selections. Not sure they're even profitable."

But...customization is a key selling advantage for new homes.  How can a builder's current process be better managed to effectively offer something that home shoppers really like?

Previous Blogs mentioned the need for simplification (isn't that the opposite of customization?) and process analysis.  Scott Sedum's 25 Essential Scheduling Practices article in ProBuilder offers several steps to consider:

(1) Provide only the number of options customers will pay for and can be kept 100% current - revisit annually.  Do you know how many times each option is selected ?  If every sale has a particular option, wouldn't it improve operations to make it a standard feature?

Ask accounting to provide an "options ordered" list and review with sales.  It's a great selling advantage to have an extensive list; take the time to analyze that all your costs are included and the scope isn't so extensive to unduly burden the team refreshing the list at the beginning of each year.

(2) Coordinate cut-off dates with sales for option selections and changes -- and help manage everyone's expectations. Sedum mentions, "It takes skilled salespeople, a focused management team and a company-wide commitment to maintain this discipline." Not maintaining such an approach impacts schedules and costs and can create negatives in homebuyer perceptions, as well.  No one wants to hear the neighbor was able to add the granite countertop after cutoff when they couldn't!

We'll suggest a third:

(3) Take advantage of technology so your team knows when options are added or deleted -- and can easily browse all appropriate documentation including drawings.  CPS' FieldCollaborate offers scheduling software tools as well as provides field managers anywhere/anytime data access necessary to keep up with options activity.  They're able to see, in real time, what has been ordered on Lot 12 -- and when.  It's possible to view drawings, as well, so your field managers can review accuracy both before and after construction.  All from their smartphone and tablet!

Customization is a powerful selling advantage; make sure that your operations are nimble enough to manage the necessary processes.

Home Builder Scheduling: More on the "Small Ball" Approach

There's quite a lot going on in the new home market these days: momentum is positive, more homes are being built and sold.  Low interest rates are still to be found,  household formation is growing, millennials finally seem interested in home ownership and...there are ongoing labor shortages in certain, key industries and markets making the construction part of the business ever challenging.

There's also growing interest in maximizing the concept of job scheduling in the effort to "bring order from chaos" in new home construction.

There's no doubt about it: new home construction is unlike many other production processes. However, Scott Sedum, in a ProBuilder article suggests there is one inviolate rule: The best builders are the best schedulers. Every builder recognizes that, as Fletcher Groves notes in Practice Makes Process:  "the reason an enterprise exists is to make money and... that value is delivered through the work that the enterprise performs and the work has to be performed in some manner of workflow."

Getting Down to the Basics

There can be a tendency to say (or mutter): "I already schedule -- and haven't really noticed much difference in the chaos!"

That's where "starting at the beginning" will pay off.  The art of scheduling needs to be much more than creating a list of tasks to be done today. Taking the time to review, analyze and enhance organizational processes will pay off -- as that review process will highlight areas needing attention leading to better scheduling.

And, as much as it might hurt, it pays off to start at the beginning. Remember KISS?  Regardless of whether you're building single-or multifamily homes, production or custom, in Alaska or the desert -- make an effort, as Sedum suggests, to reduce extra steps, paperwork, trips, calls.  That's what, Groves points out, allows you to complete more work, at a lower cost, with fewer resources. End result: increased efficiency resulting in better margins.

OK; where to start?  Remember our mentioning taking a SF Giants "small ball" approach? Details matter; we'll suggest 3 detail points that will help improve your scheduling process:

• Make simplification a daily objective -- throughout the organization. Finding out where you can simplify things (whether paperwork, approvals, or phone calls) is the first step in increasing efficiency -- and should be a part of schedule review process.
• Create a complete "start to finish" checklist -- nothing is more painful (for the organization and the pocketbook) than discovering a grading mistake when the slab is about to be poured. This list should be your start document -- and will generate one or more tasks in the schedule. 
• Absolutely include "BUYER" items in the schedule --  Touchpoints are today's mantra. And, they don't  start or finish in the sales office. The pre-construction meeting, walk through and home orientation are not only critical to your relationship -- they take time.  Make sure to include them in your schedule -- both because they're tasks and to highlight their importance.

Groves mentions process review needs to be much more than documenting today's workflow -- it is the front end of an improvement methodology.  We'll look at more key points in upcoming Blogs!

Homebuilder Collaboration Software: Enhances Office-to-Field-to-Vendor Interaction

Traditionally, there were separate sets of knowledge, requests and data.  Homebuilders developed schedules and assigned tasks to their vendors.  There were faxes and telephone calls to communicate what needed to be done -- with more calls and invoices indicating what had been done.


Shared Schedules, Punch Items, Safety - Anywhere, Anytime

Today, homebuilders are focused on replacing localized data with a central repository of information accessible by authorized team members via the lowest common technology denominator -- software utilizing an internet browser.  This process means that office desktops, mobile phones and tablets are able to share information -- and design drawings have been added to this shared set of information.

CPS' Vendor Portal meets the core objectives needed for effective collaboration: organizational features such as security settings, user authorization and the like; communication features including publishing items such as FieldCollaborate construction schedules, management features including work standards and sharing/viewing/working with design drawings through 3rd party add-ons such as

Construction Technology: Providing the Extra Edge

What does an automated construction scheduling system offer a homebuilder? Are construction managers getting extra value from smart phones and tablets on the job site?

FieldCollaborateMobile:  Tools for more effective field personnel

Of course, there are the basics: consistent scheduling and tracking, notifications to subcontractors, management reporting, automated payment notifications, punch lists, safety assessments.  Those are the factual aspects of an automated system.

Then, there are the impacts of the process: more effective field personnel (as they're not spending so much time talking when technology can notify, remind and cajole), more efficient subcontractors (because they know when to arrive, what to do and when schedules are changed), decreased cycle times, increased carry rates, fewer dry runs.

HomeBuilders: Your Team as Content Providers - Part II

Recently, we suggested homebuilders consider using their Construction Team to create relevant content for website and other social media outlets.  The trend towards social and mobile media -- coupled with content "commoditization"-- suggests every business needs to locate sources for cost-effective content (the highlighted Forrester Research study provides a great jumping-off point for a thorough discussion on this subject).

How might you move forward with this idea?  Internal sources to consider might include using team members as subject matter experts, developing information that is relevant to your business processes (for example, using CPS' construction scheduling software, FieldConnect Mobile, to post "stage of construction photos) and providing information to educate your buyers (such as a "behind the walls" video discussing how your homes are built). 

Builders creating relevant website/social media content!

We were really thrilled to see an example come to life: William Lyon Homes just published a YouTube video featuring one of their project managers,  Patrick McCabe, talking about the impact of William Lyon Homes in his life (his family moved into a Lyon home when he was 2 years old!). We've enjoyed working with him over the years; take a look here!

Another great suggestion for builder-generated content was provided by new home sales trainer and  marketing guru, Jeff Shore: ask your sales agents to create their own "walk thru" video describing a home recently toured by a prospect.  All they need is a smart phone The agent is able to quickly recap what features the prospect liked, how the floorplan met their needs and add additional educational information, as well.  Who wouldn't love receiving this type of follow-up email?

iPad and iPhone: New Tools for HomeBuilder Construction

Just saw an interesting article in Mashable's iPad for Business Series (you can review here).  For the last several months, Mashable has been suggesting that iPads and iPhones are an "excellent, super-portable addition to the workplace (in addition, of course, to being great devices for viewing videos, playing games and surfing the web!).

Homebuilders: iPad Use IEnhances Construction Process

The latest article, 3 Innovative Business Uses for the iPad, reinforces this thought, identifying specific business scenarios (such as Point of Sale) focused on the iPad's "ability to go green, to collaborate and to increase productivity." 

All 3 of those iPad capabilities are critical to homebuilder construction operations.  Field Managers/Superintendents are out on the jobsite: they really aren't able to (and don't like to) carry bits of paper with notes, reports and miscellaneous pieces of their office outdoors.  But...they need information to effectively perform their job (in other words, to collaborate): scheduled activities, vendor contacts, buyer selections.  And, everyone is interested in increasing productivity (in homebuilding terms: increased carry rates).

CPS' FieldConnect Mobile -- using either an iPad or iPhone -- effectively tackles those job-site needs -- and more.  FieldManagers can access their current scheduled activities -- on a job-by-job basis.   They're able to track and record progress -- collaborating with the corporate office regarding deliveries, changing requirements, vendor changes and the like.  And, they have easy (via touch!) access to vital construction information: schedules, vendors, buyers, selections.  And, there's the ability to record Safety Assessments, punch items and Quality Inspections, as well.  As well as the ability to easily record construction notes and attach photographs to lot and task activities.

Go Green, Collaborate, Increase Efficiency?  All available at your construction Field Manager's fingertips with FieldConnect iPad/iPhone use!

HomeBuilder Construction Scheduling: Smartphones & Tablets Add Features

Are you an Operations Director or Manager in the home building world?  Field Manager? Superintendent? 

FieldConnect Mobile for your iPhone!

Do you think an iPhone, iPad or Android smartphone or tablet brings anything "extra" to your construction scheduling universe?  Apart from goodies such as easy-to-scroll lot lists or the ability to pinch/expand screens?  Take a look at FieldConnect Mobile to see how a cross-platform job-site scheduling tool takes advantage of the hardware you are carrying around in your pocket!

We'd like to suggest thinking about your phone or tablet in a slightly different (perhaps, more casual) fashion for a minute.  Does it have a camera?  See a problem with the header on Lot 26? Take a photo and include it in a task note, punch list or email directly to your sub!

Using an Android device? Now, you can walk your jobsite and "talk" your task notes using the phone.  "What?" you might ask.  You've seen the ability to switch keyboards -- one choice is a microphone.  It turns speech into text!  No more typing, using a stylus or trying to keep up.  Speech-to-text makes input straightforward.

FieldConnect Mobile..selected as a 2012 Top Product by Constructech...we'd love to show you more of the reasons why!