The New Zealand construction industry is facing a period of significant change, driven by the need for increased efficiency, collaboration, and compliance. The reliance on manual processes, particularly spreadsheets for managing payment claims and project administration, is proving increasingly inadequate in today’s dynamic construction landscape. Payapps recent webinar “Building the Future: Leveraging Specialised Construction Technology for Better Collaboration” underscored the urgent need for change and the transformative potential of specialised construction technology like Payapps.
The Spreadsheet Predicament in the New Zealand Context:
The use of spreadsheets, while common in New Zealand’s construction sector, is fraught with challenges. The time-consuming nature of manual data entry, coupled with the risk of errors, can lead to inefficiencies, delays, and disputes that impact project timelines and profitability. The “Building the Future” report revealed that 26% of quantity surveyors and contract administrators still rely on manual processes, hindering productivity and accuracy. The report further highlighted a strong desire for tools that offer automation, enhanced collaboration, and standardised processes.
The reliance on traditional manual methods can pose a significant hurdle to industry advancement and progress. The New Zealand construction industry has been grappling with skill shortages, with a report by Te Waihanga (New Zealand Infrastructure Commission) forecasting a shortfall of 118,500.
Payapps: The New Zealand Solution
Payapps, a purpose-built construction software, offers a robust solution to the challenges faced by the New Zealand construction industry. Payapps eliminates many of the common issues associated with manual methods by automating and streamlining payment claim workflows and providing real-time updates.
The transition to Payapps streamlines operations and ensures compliance with regulatory requirements, which is crucial in the New Zealand construction environment.
The Payapps Advantage for New Zealand Construction
- Enhanced Compliance and Reduced Risks: Payapps seamlessly integrates with existing ERP and accounting systems, ensuring consistency and accuracy across all financial and administrative functions. The software also includes comprehensive reporting tools, which are crucial for maintaining transparency and CCA compliance, which are critical aspects of the New Zealand construction landscape.
- Financial and Operational Benefits: Payapps improves efficiency and reduces financial risks by providing a single source of truth for all contract administration activities. This minimises disputes and enhances the overall financial health of projects, which is crucial in an industry facing rising costs due to labour shortages and material price hikes, challenges particularly relevant in New Zealand’s post-pandemic recovery. Toni Clarke, Chief Financial Officer at BuildCorp, highlighted the impact of Payapps on their operations:
“Payapps has transformed our approach to managing contractor payment claims. The transparency and efficiency it brings have significantly reduced our administrative burden, allowing our teams to focus on delivering high-quality projects on time and within budget.”
- Empowering the Next Generation: With Payapps research highlighting that 42% of professionals in the industry have three or fewer years of experience, Payapps’ ease of use and intuitive interface cater to the expectations of a digitally native workforce, ensuring a smooth transition and adoption of technology.
The shift from manual processes to specialised construction technology is not just an option but a necessity for New Zealand construction businesses aiming to thrive in today’s competitive landscape. By embracing tools like Payapps, companies can improve collaboration, ensure compliance, and significantly enhance project outcomes. As Scott Lockwood succinctly puts it,
“Embracing technology is not just about staying current; it’s about paving the way for a more efficient and collaborative future in construction.”
To learn more about how Payapps can transform your New Zealand construction projects, watch the full webinar and visit the Payapps website. Discover how leveraging advanced technology can help you overcome collaboration challenges, ensure compliance, and drive better project outcomes in the New Zealand construction industry.
