Last updated Sep 7, 2023
The construction world is full of ever-changing schedules, plans, needs, and last-minute updates. Subcontractors rely on real-time updates so they have the right info to do their jobs. Tiny bits of information make all the difference. For example, the lock-box code previously given by the client is incorrect. You need to get the correct lock-box code to the subcontractor or they won’t be able to get into the site. They won’t wait around, so if you don’t get the code to them quickly, a whole day’s work will be lost.
Without the right piece of information at the right time, the job might be done wrong, or late, or not at all.
Sharing updates and documenting changes
How does it normally look to get updates and changes back and forth? You’ve got a lot of players. There are project managers and coordinators at the office. Subcontractors and crew in the field. Delivery drivers on the road. Clients calling in and checking up from who-knows-where. Even with full-time office and scheduling staff, it’s inefficient and unreliable to use phone and email for real-time updates and change requests.
Lost information is lost time and money
Phone calls can be quick, but they leave no documentation. It’s easy to lose or misinterpret the information. Workers can use email for documentation, but urgent requests and time-sensitive changes often get lost beneath inbox clutter.
Let’s say the contractor wants more work done and tells the field service worker. It’s morning, and the worker won’t be back in the office for hours. How will the workers get the information to the project manager? The worker could a) try to relay the details over the phone with all the noise of an active site around, b) type out all the details in an email that the manager might not see right away, or c) scribble a few reminders on a piece of paper and try to decipher what they mean at the end of the day.
A reliable way to share real-time updates
Or, with Teamup, the worker can
- Open the Teamup mobile app
- Add a comment to the job with new requests from the contractor
- Upload photos in comments to show what contractor wants
- Save the changes.
The information automatically syncs, so everyone who accesses the job details will see the updates that the field worker added.
The same process works in more complex scenarios, too:
- Contractor wants to get another concrete pad poured, beyond the scope of work and quoted amount from the concrete subcontractor. All of the needed information and discussion can take place easily with Teamup: the contractor can describe request and add photos to clarify. Subcontractor can reply with approval and note follow-up action to send revised scope of work. Office staff can see all the documentation on the job details as everything stays synced.
Inefficient communication is one of the biggest challenges in construction. Playing phone tag, searching for that one email, answering the same question for different people, responding to voicemails, and remembering to update the documentation. With Teamup, you can save the time and keep everything documented within the event. The people who need to know always have the most recent updates for any particular job.
Try out one of our live demos or create your own Teamup calendar today to see how it could work for you.