So, you've recognised the hidden costs of poor communication , decided to move beyond the chaos of WhatsApp, calculated the potential ROI of dedicated software, and perhaps even chosen an affordable solution tailored for SMEs. The next crucial step? Successful construction communication software implementation. This is where the best intentions can falter without a clear strategy.
Rolling out new software across a busy construction team, especially in the fast-paced London environment, requires more than just sending out login details. It demands careful planning, clear communication, and a focus on user adoption. Learning from the construction software adoption experiences of other London builders – both successes and pitfalls – can save you significant time, money, and frustration.
"We thought just buying the software was the hard part," shares fictional Operations Manager, David Chen, from ‘Metro Homes UK’. "But getting everyone to actually use it consistently was the real challenge. Our first attempt was a bit of a mess."
Many London builders stumble during software rollout. Here are common mistakes observed during our BRCKS beta phase and wider industry research:
"Our second attempt at implementation was much smoother because we learned from our mistakes," adds David Chen. "We appointed a champion, did proper training focused on replacing email/WhatsApp first, and celebrated early wins."
Several BRCKS beta users demonstrated highly effective implementation strategies:
Bonchurch Building Contractors: Phased Rollout & Strong Leadership
Bonchurch appointed Properties Manager Ben French as the implementation lead. They started by using BRCKS solely for site-to-office communication and daily reports, replacing multiple WhatsApp groups and email threads.
"We focused on solving that core communication fragmentation first," explains Ben. "We held short, practical training sessions for site supervisors and project managers. Crucially, senior management led by example, using BRCKS exclusively for project comms from day one." Once this was embedded, they gradually introduced task management and document sharing features. This methodical approach ensured high adoption rates and minimised disruption, contributing to the significant time savings they reported.
Uber Construction: Integration & Subcontractor Onboarding
Uber Construction focused on integrating BRCKS with their existing financial software. Their implementation plan included specific workshops for their accounts team and project managers on the new integrated workflows.
"A key part for us was bringing subcontractors onboard smoothly," says Director Henry Rombouts. "We created simple video guides showing them how to use the BRCKS portal for submitting progress updates and accessing drawings. We highlighted the benefit to them – faster approvals and clearer instructions." This proactive subcontractor engagement was vital for streamlining their supply chain communication .
C.Curtis Building: Focusing on Client Communication
For C.Curtis Building, enhancing client communication was a primary goal. Their implementation prioritised setting up client portals within BRCKS.
"We trained our project managers specifically on how to curate updates and manage client interactions through the portal," explains Director Charlie Curtis. "We then held brief onboarding sessions with clients, showing them how easy it was to track progress and approve decisions. The positive client feedback was immediate and reinforced team buy-in."
Based on these experiences, successful construction software adoption in London hinges on several key principles:
Implementing new software is a change management process. By learning from the successes and failures of others, London residential builders can navigate this transition smoothly and unlock the full potential of dedicated construction communication software.
Planning to implement new construction software? Visit the BRCKS website now.
