
How often do you think about your RFI or submittals process? For most contractors, workflows just are what they are – get the tasks done on time and move on, even if the software you’re using is tedious. But what if there was a better way? Imagine how much more smoothly project management and document control would go for your team if your construction software worked for you rather than against you.
With STACK, that is the reality, not a pipe dream! Let us show you how.
Why Your Traditional Software Is Falling Short
Every trade is different. Every project is different. Every workflow for RFIs, submittals, punch lists, closeouts, and more are all different – at least they should be. The problem many contractors run into is that their construction management software treats it all the same.
You may need to change the status of a document, but your software makes it too complex. Or you need to track submittals moving among subcontractors, architects, and engineering consultants for very specific HVAC or electrical specs, but your software is too limited.
When there’s a single way to create workflows, whether simple or advanced, your team struggles and productivity suffers. Information might get lost without a complex way to track it, or what could have been a quick update becomes convoluted if you have to go through multiple unnecessary steps.
What you need is the flexibility to do each workflow your way.
Flexible Workflow Solutions Customized for Your Team
What makes STACK’s construction solutions unique is your ability to create simple or advanced workflows, in the quantities needed based on the types of workflows and work you do. When you’re not forced to follow someone else’s rigid idea of what your workflows should look like, you can get more creative and follow processes that make the most sense for the way your team works in individual situations.
Simple vs. Advanced Workflows
A simple workflow is really nothing more than a status change. Simple workflows can be viewed as a list or on a Kanban board for easy visualization and project management. You might create a set of statuses for aspects of a project such as:
– Documents
– RFIs
– Submittals
– Queries
– Equipment
– Issues
Your simple workflow allows you to fluidly change the status of any of these items, including bypassing some statuses or reverting back to a previous status without needing to go through each chronologically. In a simple workflow, you’ll set which team member is responsible for the next step in the workflow, making it clear and easy when you’re working with a smaller team.
The beauty of the simple workflow is that for a straightforward process, your team is not forced to use a convoluted workflow just to change a status. For example, if you get a piece of equipment in, all you really need to do is accept it and install it – a two-step workflow in this case. No need for an advanced workflow with extra steps.
An advanced workflow records every step of a process, assigns stakeholders, tracks statuses and deadlines, and designates weighted importance to tasks. This type of software workflow can directly mimic your actual project process to keep you on track. In an advanced workflow, you’ll define:
– Type of workflow (RFI, submittal, etc.)
– Tasks and who is responsible for each
– Duration, or how much time is allotted for the task
– Weight, or heaviness of importance in the overall project
– Available actions for stakeholders to take
– Dependencies based upon stakeholder actions
This detailed process helps you to see immediately where any holdups are and gain clarity on the progress of the workflow. Stakeholders must complete their assigned actions before the work can move on to the next task, so nothing is left behind. Responsible assignees are assigned in advance (by name or role), ensuring that the next person is automatically assigned and notified, making the process smooth for larger teams spread across people from different companies.