Buildcorp Group is a long-term Payapps customer, having been an early adopter of the progress claim software in 2016. Toni Hall, group commercial business systems manager for Buildcorp and overseeing their commercial systems, processes and procedures, says Payapps has been a pillar of their success, supporting the tier 2 builder as it delivers over $8 billion in projects throughout NSW, Qld and Victoria.

She recently sat down with Inside Construction editor Ashley Grogan and shared why Buildcorp’s commitment to utilising leading technology has underpinned their success.

 

Commitment to subcontractors

Buildcorp prioritises its relationship with subcontractors, and implementing tools such as Payapps demonstrates their commitment to running an efficient project and ensuring subbies are paid on time.

“We aimed to reduce project risk and the amount of time spent on payment claims, which impacts our subcontractors, project teams, accounts payable and even senior management.

“Now, with Payapps, Buildcorp faces less risk from security of payment claims, and subcontractors benefit from improved visibility of cash flow and a clear understanding of how, when and what they need for their payment claims, preventing them from slipping through the cracks.”

 

Removing admin

Before using Payapps, Hall recalls situations where it could take hours to process a claim – chasing down missing information or tracking the right person could waste up to a month in total across all claims being process. Now, a project can be set up in just 10 minutes and the team can easily manage the approvals as the claims come in.

“Depending on what is being claimed, it can take just two minutes to physically process it with Payapps.”

Attracting talent

Eager candidates frequently ask what systems and technology are in use at Buildcorp, and Hall says their approach to using robust systems and platforms drew her to the company.

Ensuring third-party platforms seamlessly integrate with their award-winning, internally-built systems is a priority and enhances project efficiency and collaboration across the business.

“It makes more sense to build on what we’ve already established and integrate with external providers such as Payapps,” says Hall. “We have long utilised Jobpac as our financial management platform and Procore for project management – the seamless integration of Payapps with Jobpac is crucial for Buildcorp’s operations.”

Delivering projects

The claim data from Payapps is made visible via a dashboard that all teams, either in the office or onsite, have access to so they can easily see high-level job information, current project safety ratings, and pending and current claims.

Payapps ensure there are no bottlenecks to hold up project delivery. The Buildcorp team can easily reassign claim approvers if someone is unavailable, and the high-level dashboard makes it easy to see any claims that need immediate attention to avoid any disputes or missing payment deadlines.

Staying competitive

For Buildcorp, Payapps is supporting their long-term goals and helping them stay competitive in both the tendering phase of a project, as well as the actual project delivery. Estimating teams are able to use the data captured within Payapps to provide accurate project estimates, track expenditure, and manage subcontractors. Hall also says Payapps gives their clients confidence in their ability to deliver projects financially, both upstream and downstream.

Read the full article on Inside Construction,

Buildcorp Group is a long-term Payapps customer, having been an early adopter of the progress claim software in 2016. Toni Hall, group commercial business systems manager for Buildcorp and overseeing their commercial systems, processes and procedures, says Payapps has been a pillar of their success, supporting the tier 2 builder as it delivers over $8 billion in projects throughout NSW, Qld and Victoria.

She recently sat down with Inside Construction editor Ashley Grogan and shared why Buildcorp’s commitment to utilising leading technology has underpinned their success.

 

Commitment to subcontractors

Buildcorp prioritises its relationship with subcontractors, and implementing tools such as Payapps demonstrates their commitment to running an efficient project and ensuring subbies are paid on time.

“We aimed to reduce project risk and the amount of time spent on payment claims, which impacts our subcontractors, project teams, accounts payable and even senior management.

“Now, with Payapps, Buildcorp faces less risk from security of payment claims, and subcontractors benefit from improved visibility of cash flow and a clear understanding of how, when and what they need for their payment claims, preventing them from slipping through the cracks.”

 

Removing admin

Before using Payapps, Hall recalls situations where it could take hours to process a claim – chasing down missing information or tracking the right person could waste up to a month in total across all claims being process. Now, a project can be set up in just 10 minutes and the team can easily manage the approvals as the claims come in.

“Depending on what is being claimed, it can take just two minutes to physically process it with Payapps.”

Attracting talent

Eager candidates frequently ask what systems and technology are in use at Buildcorp, and Hall says their approach to using robust systems and platforms drew her to the company.

Ensuring third-party platforms seamlessly integrate with their award-winning, internally-built systems is a priority and enhances project efficiency and collaboration across the business.

“It makes more sense to build on what we’ve already established and integrate with external providers such as Payapps,” says Hall. “We have long utilised Jobpac as our financial management platform and Procore for project management – the seamless integration of Payapps with Jobpac is crucial for Buildcorp’s operations.”

Delivering projects

The claim data from Payapps is made visible via a dashboard that all teams, either in the office or onsite, have access to so they can easily see high-level job information, current project safety ratings, and pending and current claims.

Payapps ensure there are no bottlenecks to hold up project delivery. The Buildcorp team can easily reassign claim approvers if someone is unavailable, and the high-level dashboard makes it easy to see any claims that need immediate attention to avoid any disputes or missing payment deadlines.

Staying competitive

For Buildcorp, Payapps is supporting their long-term goals and helping them stay competitive in both the tendering phase of a project, as well as the actual project delivery. Estimating teams are able to use the data captured within Payapps to provide accurate project estimates, track expenditure, and manage subcontractors. Hall also says Payapps gives their clients confidence in their ability to deliver projects financially, both upstream and downstream.

Read the full article on Inside Construction,

On August 8th, 2024, Payapps had the privilege of presenting to the next generation of quantity surveyors at Massey University in Auckland. Andrew Waller, Business Development Manager for Payapps in New Zealand, delivered an engaging lecture to third and fourth-year undergraduate students, many of whom are already professionals in the field. This session was not just an introduction to Payapps but a broader discussion on the evolving role of technology in the construction industry, specifically focusing on how Payapps can simplify critical processes and ensure compliance with New Zealand’s Construction Contracts Act (CCA) and Retention Act.

 

The Growing Importance of Technology in Construction

Andrew’s presentation underscored the significant shift the construction industry is undergoing due to technological advancements.  While the sector has traditionally been slow to adopt new technologies, the pressures of modern project management demand a move away from manual, paper-based systems. As highlighted in Payapps’ “Building the Future” report, 46% of industry professionals spend more than six hours per week on manual administrative tasks, and 26% still manage payment claims with spreadsheets and other manual tools. This inefficiency hampers productivity and increases the risk of errors and disputes—issues that can have severe financial and reputational consequences.

Andrew emphasised that speaking to leaders and professionals managing today’s construction projects requires more than traditional management methods. They need integrated digital solutions that provide real-time insights, streamline processes, and improve stakeholder collaboration. This is where Payapps comes in, offering a platform designed to make the management of payment claims not only simpler but more transparent and compliant with industry regulations.

 

How Payapps Simplifies Compliance in New Zealand

One of the key areas of focus during the presentation was how Payapps supports compliance with the CCA and Retention Act in New Zealand. Andrew explained that with the increasing complexity of these regulations, particularly regarding retentions, quantity surveyors must have tools to ensure all requirements are met without added administrative burden. Payapps offers features such as retention fund tracking and detailed reporting, which help companies avoid non-compliance risks, including financial penalties and project delays.

 

Why Technology Adoptions is Key for Future Quantity Surveyors

Reflecting on the day, Andrew shared,

“Engaging with such a bright group of future industry leaders was inspiring.  The students at Massey University are eager to understand how technology can simplify their work and drive the industry forward.  Payapps is proud to play a role in this educational journey, helping to bridge the gap between traditional practices and modern digital solutions.”

He added, 

“Supporting educational institutions like Massey University is crucial for us at Payapps.  We believe that investing in the next generation can contribute to a more efficient, innovative, and compliant construction industry.”

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.”

The presentation also touched on the importance of young professionals advocating for technological adoption within their organisations. With Payapps research indicating that 69% of industry respondents are open to new technologies to help them do their jobs more efficiently, there is a clear opportunity for the next generation to lead this digital transformation. By embracing tools like Payapps, quantity surveyors can reduce the time spent on administrative tasks, minimise errors, and ultimately enhance the quality and efficiency of their projects.

 

 

Payapps Supporting the Future of Construction

The session at Massey University was not just about showcasing Payapps but about inspiring the next generation of construction professionals to embrace the tools that will define the industry’s future. As the construction sector continues to evolve, the integration of technology like Payapps will be essential for ensuring project success and compliance with industry standards.

For those interested in learning more about how Payapps can revolutionise your project management processes, visit our website or download our latest report for deeper insights into the future of construction technology.

On August 8th, 2024, Payapps had the privilege of presenting to the next generation of quantity surveyors at Massey University in Auckland. Andrew Waller, Business Development Manager for Payapps in New Zealand, delivered an engaging lecture to third and fourth-year undergraduate students, many of whom are already professionals in the field. This session was not just an introduction to Payapps but a broader discussion on the evolving role of technology in the construction industry, specifically focusing on how Payapps can simplify critical processes and ensure compliance with New Zealand’s Construction Contracts Act (CCA) and Retention Act.

 

The Growing Importance of Technology in Construction

Andrew’s presentation underscored the significant shift the construction industry is undergoing due to technological advancements.  While the sector has traditionally been slow to adopt new technologies, the pressures of modern project management demand a move away from manual, paper-based systems. As highlighted in Payapps’  “Building the Future” report, 46% of industry professionals spend more than six hours per week on manual administrative tasks, and 26% still manage payment claims with spreadsheets and other manual tools. This inefficiency hampers productivity and increases the risk of errors and disputes—issues that can have severe financial and reputational consequences.

Andrew emphasised that speaking to leaders and professionals managing today’s construction projects requires more than traditional management methods. They need integrated digital solutions that provide real-time insights, streamline processes, and improve stakeholder collaboration. This is where Payapps comes in, offering a platform designed to make the management of payment claims not only simpler but more transparent and compliant with industry regulations.

 

How Payapps Simplifies Compliance in New Zealand

One of the key areas of focus during the presentation was how Payapps supports compliance with the CCA and Retention Act in New Zealand. Andrew explained that with the increasing complexity of these regulations, particularly regarding retentions, quantity surveyors must have tools to ensure all requirements are met without added administrative burden. Payapps offers features such as retention fund tracking and detailed reporting, which help companies avoid non-compliance risks, including financial penalties and project delays.

 

Why Technology Adoptions is Key for Future Quantity Surveyors

Reflecting on the day, Andrew shared,

“Engaging with such a bright group of future industry leaders was inspiring.  The students at Massey University are eager to understand how technology can simplify their work and drive the industry forward.  Payapps is proud to play a role in this educational journey, helping to bridge the gap between traditional practices and modern digital solutions.”

He added, 

“Supporting educational institutions like Massey University is crucial for us at Payapps.  We believe that investing in the next generation can contribute to a more efficient, innovative, and compliant construction industry.”

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.”

The presentation also touched on the importance of young professionals advocating for technological adoption within their organisations. With Payapps research indicating that 69% of industry respondents are open to new technologies to help them do their jobs more efficiently, there is a clear opportunity for the next generation to lead this digital transformation. By embracing tools like Payapps, quantity surveyors can reduce the time spent on administrative tasks, minimise errors, and ultimately enhance the quality and efficiency of their projects.

 

 

Payapps Supporting the Future of Construction

The session at Massey University was not just about showcasing Payapps but about inspiring the next generation of construction professionals to embrace the tools that will define the industry’s future. As the construction sector continues to evolve, the integration of technology like Payapps will be essential for ensuring project success and compliance with industry standards.

For those interested in learning more about how Payapps can revolutionise your project management processes, visit our website or download our latest report for deeper insights into the future of construction technology.

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.

The Australian construction industry is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by the need for greater efficiency, collaboration, and compliance.  Manual processes, particularly the reliance on spreadsheets for managing progress claims and project administration, are proving increasingly inadequate in today’s fast-paced and complex construction environment. The recent webinar “Building the Future: Leveraging Specialised Construction Technology for Better Collaboration” highlighted the urgent need for change and the transformative power of specialised construction technology like Payapps.

 

The Spreadsheet Predicament:

In many Australian construction companies, manual processes—particularly spreadsheets for managing progress claims and project administration—are still common.  However, these methods are increasingly proving inadequate.  Spreadsheets are time-consuming, prone to errors, and lack real-time visibility, leading to inefficiencies and disputes derailing projects.

Scott Lockwood, Head of Customer Success at Payapps, emphasises the limitations of traditional methods:

“While spreadsheets are excellent for data analysis, they are not designed for collaborative project management.  They create silos of information and can lead to significant delays and disputes.”

 

The Power of Payapps in Transforming Australian Projects

Specialised construction software like Payapps offers a robust solution.  By streamlining progress claim review and approval workflows and providing real-time updates, Payapps eliminates many of the common issues associated with manual methods.  This transition streamlines operations and ensures compliance with regulatory requirements, such as those stipulated in Australia’s construction laws.

Joanna Rivera from ATG Projects shares her positive experience with Payapps:

“Switching to Payapps has been a game-changer for us.  The real-time visibility and automation have significantly reduced errors and improved our collaboration with subcontractors.  Compliance has become a non-issue, and we can now focus more on delivering quality projects on time.”

 

Enhancing Compliance and Reducing Risks

One of the standout features of Payapps is its ability to integrate seamlessly with existing ERP and accounting systems.  This ensures consistency and accuracy across all financial and administrative functions.  The software also includes comprehensive reporting tools, such as retention ageing reports, which are crucial for maintaining transparency and compliance.

According to the “Building the Future” report, 26% of quantity surveyors and contract administrators still rely on manual processes, which significantly hampers productivity and accuracy.  The report highlights a strong desire for tools that offer automation, enhanced collaboration, and standardised processes—needs that Payapps is designed to meet.

In a recent Inside Construction feature, Toni Clarke, Chief Financial Officer at BuildCorp, highlighted the impact of Payapps on their operations:

“Payapps has transformed our approach to managing contractor progress 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.”

Clarke also emphasised the importance of integration:

“The integration of Payapps into our existing systems has been seamless.  The ability to manage progress claims, variations, and retentions in one platform has improved our compliance and reduced the risk of costly disputes.”

 

Financial and Operational Benefits for Australian Construction

Adopting specialised technology like Payapps improves efficiency and reduces financial risks.  By providing a single source of truth for all contract administration activities, Payapps minimises disputes and enhances the overall financial health of projects.

This is crucial in an industry facing rising costs due to labour shortages and material price hikes.

Toni Clarke further commented to Inside Construction on the benefits of a unified platform:

“With Payapps, we’ve been able to establish a single source of truth across our projects, ensuring all stakeholders are aligned.  This has not only improved collaboration but has also enhanced our ability to meet project deadlines and maintain strong relationships with our subcontractors.”

The transformation from manual processes to specialised construction technology is essential for modern Australian construction businesses. By adopting 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 Australian 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 Australian construction industry