Business Growth

Mining the data field: Subcontractor tech trends

Take a glance at how subcontractors are using technology – and the positive impact it has on construction businesses

Subcontractor tech trends

Numbers don’t lie – they tell a story.

That’s why we’re mining our data field to uncover facts and figures based on Buildertrend customer activity. Why’s this important? As the No. 1 leading construction project management software, Buildertrend is in a unique position to provide a snapshot of what’s happening in construction on a wide-scale level. These insights then inform better decision making to futureproof companies for long-term success.

This month, we’re exploring how subcontractors are using technology. More specifically, how working with subs – in this post, meaning both subcontractors and vendors – is easier because of Buildertrend.

Discover how software helps subs and their builders sync up, communicate quicker and get projects started together. Buildertrend truly takes the work out of teamwork when it comes to subs – and our data shows it.

50,154 subs logged into Buildertrend in the last 30 days

Subcontractors are an extension of your team – so they should be using construction job software just like your crew. That’s why it’s no surprise 50,154 subs over 83,246 jobs have logged into Buildertrend in the last month alone. They’re using our system every day, logging in right from their phone to communicate, check schedules, review bids and more. Buildertrend has become their single source of truth.

If your trades aren’t using tech yet, consider this: Subcontractors handle at least 80% of the dollar value of any given job according to a study by the Congressional Research Service. The efficiency of your jobs depends on them and their expertise. So, of course you want to give them all the tools they need to be successful – that includes digital platforms like Buildertrend.

214,108 comments from subs in Buildertrend in 2020

Subcontractor comments

One of the biggest pain points working with subcontractors is keeping them in the loop. You’ve got an office staff, crew members and your own busy schedule to manage. It’s no wonder some things get lost in the cracks when it comes to communicating with subs.

Buildertrend is the solution – and here’s proof. Subs commented 214,108 times within Buildertrend throughout 2020. That’s a 6.8% increase from 2019, showing that tech is becoming more critical to keeping subs informed.

Scope of work, safety measures and contract details are the things subcontractors need to know. Not to mention answers to their many questions as a project moves along. Don’t send everything piecemeal through notes, texts, calls and emails. Bring it all under one roof using Buildertrend.

216,971 subs have verified insurance stored in Buildertrend

Verified subcontractor insurance

Effective people management isn’t just about how subcontractors are using technology. It’s also about how contractors leverage Buildertrend to make their processes easier. Business owners and project managers can gain countless hours back in their day when using the full functionality of our platform’s features.

One way to save time and reduce risks is by asking your subs to add their verified insurance information in Buildertrend. So far 216,971 already have. Once that information is stored, contractors can elect to receive notifications prior to insurance expiring.

No longer is keeping track of your subs’ insurance coverage a time-consuming task. Document storage and reminders make sure you’re always ready to start a project.

313,519 subs received a purchase order through Buildertrend in 2020

Paying subcontractors and vendors is easy, too, because of Buildertrend’s financial features. For example, contractors can easily send purchase orders right within our software. To help teams manage this process further, our Purchase Orders tool allows electronic payment and tracking of approvals. That’s the end-to-end functionality every construction professional wants – and needs.

In 2020, 313,519 subs received a purchase order through Buildertrend. That hundreds of hours of saved time on our customers’ end – but it’s a major win for subcontractors, too. Since they can collect online payments through those purchase orders, they’re getting paid quicker and will want to work with teams using Buildertrend again because of it.

Sub relations skyrocket with digital tools that take the hassle out of their hustle.

Do you want to get your subs hooked on software?

Our builder software might as well be subcontractor software with all the benefits it offers trades and the teams that employ them. If you haven’t already got your sub trading in old tools for tech, be sure to check out 5 easy ways to get subs to use Buildertrend.

Our construction job software acts as the ultimate people management solution. Schedule a demo now to get started if you haven’t checked us out yet.

It’s simple. Using tech makes working with subs easier – get yours on board now.

About The Author

Sean Robinson

Sean Robinson Sean Robinson is a senior content marketing specialist at Buildertrend

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