4 Ways to Improve Construction Project Procurement by Ditching Spreadsheets

As a construction company, managing your procurement and material management processes can be time-consuming and error-prone when using traditional methods like Spreadsheets. Excel has been a go-to tool for many companies when it comes to managing data, but with advancements in technology, companies can now utilize modern procurement and material management software like Current SCM, which offers several advantages over Excel. In this blog, we will take a closer look at the benefits that mid-sized construction companies can enjoy by utilizing Current SCM over Excel for procurement and material management.

1. Centralized Data Management:

One of the primary advantages of using Current SCM over Excel is the centralized data management that the software offers. In Excel, your data is likely stored in multiple spreadsheets, making it difficult to access and update information.

With Current SCM, all your procurement and material management data is stored in a centralized cloud-based platform. This means that you can access your data from anywhere, at any time, and from any device. It also means that you can easily collaborate with team members, suppliers, and subcontractors, and ensure everyone is working with the same up-to-date information.

2. Streamlined Construction Procurement Process:

Current SCM automates your procurement process, making it faster, more efficient, and less error-prone than using Excel. The software allows you to easily translate material take-offs (MTOs) into requisitions, then assists you in managing a competitive bidding process from those requisitions, inviting multiple suppliers to bid on the same materials to ensure you get the best price.

Once bids are awarded, orders can be auto generated and sent to suppliers, from there you can track the status of orders, receive and inspect materials, and generate reports.

By streamlining the procurement process, Current SCM can help you reduce the manual workload associated with traditional methods and provide a more streamlined approach to procurement. This saves you time and reduces the risk of mistakes and delays, allowing you to focus on more important tasks that require your attention.

3. Better Project Visibility:

With Current SCM, you can track your materials and inventory in real-time, providing an accurate view of your project status. This level of visibility is not possible when using Excel, where data is often siloed and difficult to consolidate. You can easily identify bottlenecks, forecast material needs, and make informed decisions based on data-driven insights. This helps you stay on top of your projects and ensures they are completed on time and within budget.

4. Reduce Costs:

Using Current SCM can help you reduce costs associated with procurement and material management. By negotiating better prices with your suppliers, optimizing your inventory levels, and avoiding over-ordering or under-ordering materials, you can save money on your procurement and material management, and reduce wastage. In contrast, using Excel can be costly and time-consuming, leading to inaccurate data, which can result in missed opportunities to save costs.

Conclusion:

Current SCM provides a comprehensive solution for procurement and material management that goes beyond what Excel can offer. It is specifically designed for project-based organizations, and can help mid-sized construction companies improve their efficiency, reduce costs, and stay competitive in today's market.

Ditching spreadsheets for software solutions provides centralized data management, a streamlined procurement process, better project visibility, and reduced costs. By adopting Current SCM, mid-sized construction companies can gain a competitive edge in their industry, by utilizing a cloud-based solution that provides real-time insights, efficient procurement processes, and cost savings.