Practical integrated software range for SME builder sector

HBXL offer builders and developers an easy and affordable integrated software range to help small to medium sized building firms nationwide manage a project from start to finish. The whole software range can ‘talk’ allowing the same job information to be used by different members of a team and/or at different stages of the build, allowing for increased accuracy, less confusion and a more efficient process. But why would a small to medium sized building firm need this level of integration you ask? Read on to get the breakdown…

A typical building firms job planning process

Typically the construction industry would keep all the different functions of a project very separate and relied on architects and designers to produce 2D plans and elevations.

The builder or QS would then do a take-off to provide the estimate, followed by the health and safety documentation being produced by a H&S consultant or CDM Coordinator (now Principal Designer). The project gets planned separately and the materials and labourers or subcontractors are all scheduled by the Site Manager.

Often it can be difficult for the client, designer or even the builder to get the answers they need fast and on-site problems occur because of miscommunications or a lack of understanding – the result being costly to all parties involved.

Where the industry is going

Forming part of the Government’s Construction Strategy to make the sector more efficient, bigger firms have moved towards an integrated approach to construction planning and management, with the Government wanting to move the whole industry over to this way of working within the next few years.

However for some SME builders and developers, adapting the way they operate in line with this new way of working might appear a bit beyond their remit.

Why would an SME building firm need integrated software?

For a small building firm collaboration between the builders, subcontractors and client is a more simplistic task, as opposed to projects that have hundreds or thousands of personnel. Looking to technology may therefore be viewed as overkill or unaffordable when considering its merits.

However HBXL, the construction software specialists, has for many years offered an affordable and practical range of integrated software for house builders, developers, architects and designers.

How integrated software works

Through its software the design stage, the estimate, material scheduling, labour scheduling, project management, contractual information and all the health and safety documentation can all be achieved in one process.

In summary, all the necessary information is drawn directly from the design, for an automated process that requires minimal effort, produces quality results and ensures 100% accuracy and complete cohesion across the project.

Why would I use integrated construction software?

Adrian Wild, founder and managing director of HBXL explains: “The reason for integrated software is all about process management of the data involved in a building project.

“The reality with building is that there are a lot of pieces of information to manage and doing it without software is hard work and complicated.

Why should I choose HBXL’s integrated building software?

“Using software is a natural step and at HBXL Building Software we have been providing integrated software solutions for many years for SME builders.

“What we do at HBXL is provide the tools to allow builders and developers to automatically transfer building management information between CAD, estimating, health and safety management, contract and accountancy systems.

“Crucially because the systems have been developed by the same software development team, no data is lost between the packages. This is one of the key elements to successful integrated practice.

“We’ve found that lots of other software providers focus on just one area, for example developers of just CAD software, estimating or accountancy software. As a result a lot of products don’t ‘talk’ to each other very well, if at all, which is the whole aim of an integrated approach.

“Currently other software solutions are beyond the budget and the expertise of many SME builders, but by providing a builder friendly, complete end-to-end toolkit, HBXL are helping builders and developers nationwide provide the complete end-to-end service allowing for increased profit points and an extra weapon against competitors –did you know only 14% of building firms currently offer a ‘design and build’ service?

“Our interconnected software technology incorporates all a project’s information into one place giving all the benefits the major players are looking for in a compact, easy to understand and affordable package that’s ideal for builders and property developers.”

Do other SME Builders use integrated software for their construction companies?

“Many building firms are already taking an integrated approach to their construction projects. In many senses our 12,000 plus SME users are therefore actually ahead of the curve with our existing software suite.

What is the future for small Building firms looking to stay ahead of the curve?

Adrian now hopes HBXL‘s software will boost the SME construction sector, enabling businesses to compete for contracts arising from Government projects requiring an integrated build process, as well as responding to the many changes in construction health and safety legislation and building regulations.

He added: “In essence it is one software platform for builders, developers, designers and QSs working either standalone or as part of a connected construction team. Project data can be easily shared across multidisciplinary teams – even if the team is just one person supercharged with an incredibly powerful software tool.”

For further information email sales@hbxl.co.uk or call 0117 916 7898.