Business development management in the construction industry can be a complex and time intensive process including a wide range of moving parts like, planning, identifying new market opportunities, scheduling and managing collaboration amongst all stakeholders. It is key for business development teams to be abreast of all these elements and track them on a regular basis to maintain transparent communication with contractors and clients, ensuring smooth sales management and project delivery processes.
While spreadsheets have traditionally been used in construction management processes, the risk of error is always prevalent, particularly when juggling a range of projects at different stages and with varying requirements. In today’s fast paced landscape, robust tools are required to streamline operations and remain competitive in the market. As the demand for high-quality results grows, more companies in the construction industry are turning to integrated business management systems such as Dynamics 365.
Microsoft Dynamics 365 is an integrated portfolio of intelligent business applications including Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) that delivers superior operational efficiency and breakthrough customer experiences. Combining various functions like sales, customer service, field service, operations, finance, marketing, and project service automation into a single platform, the suite enables businesses to become more agile and reduce complexities.
Microsoft Dynamics 365 provides companies in the construction industry a comprehensive platform for business development and sales process management. Its business intelligence and automation capabilities helps businesses consistently deliver high-quality results and eliminate human error. Dynamics 365 can be used to manage various processes in the construction industry including: project quotes and accounting, labour and equipment management, subcontractor management and job material planning. Here are five key ways Dynamics 365 offers a comprehensive solution that can significantly enhance contractor workflow:
- Centralised Business Development and Sales Management
Dynamics 365’s intelligent cloud solution provides contractors with a comprehensive view of their construction projects. Providing a single source of truth, contractors can tap into the information housed in the centralised platform from a construction site or an office. This allows them to easily track progress and manage resources in real time, ensuring projects are completed effectively, within the allocated budget, supporting business development and streamlined sales management.
- Enhanced Resource Management and Financial Control
Dynamics 365 has a range of powerful and easy to use resource management tools for the construction industry. The platform offers drag-and-drop schedule boards along with simplifying and ensuring accurate resource allocation – optimising productivity and efficiency. Contractors can also track their inventory in real-time, minimising downtime and preventing expensive delays due to missing or misplaced resources.
The suite connects CRM and ERP systems, ensuring financials and workflows are fully integrated. This makes tracking costs at each stage of a project’s lifecycle effortless. Contractors can monitor project finances, operations, progress and profitability through customised dashboards. Through advanced financial management features like ‘budgets vs actuals and cash flow monitoring’, contractors can provide stakeholders with transparency around decision-making and help maintain tight control over project finances.
- Remote Accessibility
One of the key features of Dynamics 365 is its ease of accessibility. The software suite ensures field staff have access to the relevant information whenever needed, at their fingertips. Project information can be accessed and updated on a mobile device including smartphones, laptops and tablets, from anywhere, at any time. The mobile accessibility eliminates the need for constant calls, or visits to the office, improving efficiency and productivity across teams.
- Forecasting and Risk Management
By leveraging the advanced analytical capabilities of Dynamics 365, including future-facing AI and ML technology integration, contractors can enhance their forecasting and risk management processes. The system’s ability to analyse historic data and real-time project information effectively, allows for more accurate cost projections and resource allocations. This helps contractors identify potential threats and issues before they arise, allowing for proactive risk mitigation strategies.
- Seamless Integration with other Microsoft Tools
A key advantage of Dynamics 365 is its native integration with other Microsoft suite solutions like Excel, Word, Outlook and Project Server. The interoperability allows for a seamless flow of data between different applications, reducing data entry errors and improving overall efficiency. For example, project schedules created in Microsoft Project can easily be synchronised with Dynamics 365, ensuring all team members are working with the most up-to-date information, reducing repetition of tasks.
A word from our Founder and Operations Director, Jonas Dahlkvist:
“Construction projects consist a range of important moving parts, requiring special attention and overlooking one could negatively affect the entire project. It is crucial contractors, sales and business development teams track updates on each element regularly to avoid any delays, miscommunication and going over budget. A centralised tool like Microsoft Dynamics 365 revolutionises contractor workflow by providing comprehensive and integrated solutions. As a project centric CRM solutions company, we recognise the need for an agile and efficient way of managing projects and stakeholders. Offering a unified platform, scalability and flexibility, automated workflows, forecasting abilities and ease of accessibility, adopting Dynamics 365 can optimise productivity and efficiency. KMS Software builds on these capabilities, offering CRM solutions, tailored to the unique needs of the construction industry that streamline operations, enhance client relations and support business development. This powerful combination of Dynamics 365 and KMS Software’s industry-specific expertise provides business development and sales teams with a robust, scalable, and flexible system to manage complex construction processes in an effective and efficient manner.”