How to Evaluate Preconstruction Software
Selecting the right preconstruction software is crucial for optimizing project planning, collaboration, and execution. With a growing number of options available, choosing software that truly aligns with your project’s unique needs requires a thorough evaluation process. Here, we’ll discuss essential criteria to consider to ensure the software meets your expectations and adds real value to your workflows.
- Track Record on Projects of Your Size and Scope
- Customer References and Case Studies
- Industry Expertise and Technological Rigor
- Integration with Existing Tools and Workflows
- User-Friendly Interface and Reliability
- Enterprise Adoption and Security
- Support and Training Resources
Track Record on Projects of Your Size and Scope
One of the first questions to ask is: Does the software provider have a successful history with projects similar to yours? Working with a solution that has demonstrated success on projects of similar size and complexity can save time and reduce risk. Software companies often showcase the types of projects they have facilitated, so look for ones that mirror your own, whether they are complex healthcare facilities, higher education buildings, or multi-family developments.
For example, Join has a history of successful implementations across diverse project types (thousands of projects representing hundreds of billions of dollars in construction volume), making it an adaptable choice for projects ranging from $5MM to over $4B. The company’s flexibility with various construction scales ensures that you’re investing in a tool proven to handle the unique demands of your specific project..
Customer References and Case Studies
Ask if customer references and case studies are available to provide insight into real-world applications. Testimonials and case studies highlight how companies use the software, challenges it has solved, and the tangible benefits achieved. Companies that offer this transparency not only show confidence in their product but also allow you to gauge its effectiveness across different scenarios.
A recent article from Construction Dive outlines how project leaders at Barton Malow have successfully integrated Join into their workflows across more than one hundred projects. Case studies featuring Join customers can be found on this page or at the links below.
- How Boldt gave a healthcare client a successful roadmap for future clinics
- How DPR Rodgers successfully navigated Target Value Design for Atrium Health
- Why Barton Malow went “all in” with Join for Intermountain Health Lutheran Hospital
- Hyper-collaboration helps McCarthy-led team solve roadblocks on Google’s Youtube Campus Expansion
- How McCarthy used Join to collaborate and build trust with The City Of Sioux Falls
- How Lemoine reduced errors and improved decision-making with Join
- How Messer used data to make better decisions and keep projects on track
- How Okland tamed TVD budget tracking for the University of Utah
- Bancroft Construction finds a new budget path forward
- How Swinerton closed a $1M budget gap and got the project on track
- How Wohlsen delivered excellence for Bucknell University’s first modular project
By referencing these accounts, you can gather relevant insights on the implementation process, potential learning curves, and actual outcomes that validate Join’s effectiveness.
“The Owner told us, ‘Wow. This team is really getting it done. And, even better, you have the backup to show us how you’re doing it.’ That was pretty powerful.”
Estimating & Preconstruction Manager, The Boldt Company
Industry Expertise and Technological Rigor
Every construction project is unique, shaped by the specific needs of the owner, the distinct physical and regulatory context of the site, and the prevailing market conditions during development. To effectively support a multi-stakeholder project team, a software platform must understand the nuances and complexities of modern construction while delivering enterprise-grade performance.
Join is a venture-backed technology company founded in 2017, dedicated exclusively to the construction industry. Join’s team of industry experts and product specialists hails from renowned firms such as Clark Construction, DPR Construction, Hensel Phelps, Layton, Shawmut, and Bozzuto, as well as technology leaders like Google X, Newforma, and Autodesk. The Join platform was developed in close collaboration with early industry partners and has evolved continuously alongside its growing customer base, now supporting thousands of projects across market sectors.
“Without Join, we would’ve spent more time getting to where we are now. I think it saved time, and it’s definitely saved money. My only regret is that we didn’t use it earlier in the process.”
Project Executive, DPR Construction
Integration with Existing Tools and Workflows
Your preconstruction software should work seamlessly with the tools and processes you already rely on. Software that integrates with other key platforms, such as project management tools or building information modeling (BIM) systems, will streamline your workflows and prevent data silos.
The recent integration between Procore and Join is an excellent example of how this connection strengthens the link between preconstruction and project execution. When software tools work together, it enhances communication and provides stakeholders with a unified view of project data, reducing the risk of miscommunication. For a complete list of Join’s integrations and partnerships with estimating platforms (such as DESTINI, Sage, WinEst), and project management tools such as Autodesk Construction Cloud, Egnyte, and Procore, view our integrations and partnerships.
“Join is ingrained in our delivery method. It is a part of who we are, and if you were to take that away, you would be cutting what we do as a company now. I honestly think that if I go do our next project with an owner and architect, and I don’t pull Join up for them, they’re gonna ask where it went.”
Vice President of Preconstruction, LEMOINE
User-Friendly Interface and Reliability
Will the software perform reliably in high-stakes situations, like pursuit interviews or OAC meetings? A powerful collaboration tool is only effective if team members can use it confidently and efficiently. A clean, intuitive interface plays a crucial role, enabling seamless use across team members of all skill levels.
From tenant fit-outs to multi-billion-dollar hospitals, project teams across Join’s customer base rely on the platform to support them in delivering a top-tier owner experience. As a collaborative decision-making and presentation tool, Join is often seen as an extension of the project team’s brand. The platform’s professionalism and reliability must meet the high expectations placed on teams managing large-scale construction projects, ensuring a consistent, quality experience for all stakeholders.
“Join was the obvious tool to do the job and really improved the experience for our clients. You could see the value proposition immediately.”
Vice President of Preconstruction and Estimating, Wohlsen Construction
Enterprise Adoption and Security
Organizations with extensive portfolios often require enterprise-level agreements to manage and standardize workflows across multiple teams. This level of commitment from the software provider indicates a high degree of reliability and support.
A number of the nation’s leading construction firms have validated and expanded their use of Join to multi-year enterprise subscriptions. Engineering News-Record recently covered Clark Construction’s enterprise adoption of Join, demonstrating its commitment to using the platform for cohesive preconstruction decision-making and collaborative project delivery.
As an enterprise software platform trusted by the nation’s largest contractors, Join is SOC 2 Compliant. This attestation ensures that Join has undergone a thorough evaluation of its security measures, system availability, confidentiality protocols, processing integrity, and privacy protection practices. By achieving SOC 2 Type II compliance, Join demonstrates its commitment to maintaining a secure and reliable platform for its users. Additional details on data security are readily available upon request.
“It’s always a little bit nerve-wracking when you switch. We are dealing with money and very real consequences if the cost tracking tool switch didn’t work. That said, we were confident that Join was the right tool. Join creates transparency for the owner and design team and would create a space to eliminate/reduce surprises at major milestones.”
Vice President of Preconstruction, Barton Malow
Support and Training Resources
Finally, check if the company offers ongoing support and training. Transitioning to new software can be challenging, and having access to a reliable support team can make a world of difference. Look for a software provider that provides accessible documentation, live support, or training resources to help onboard your team efficiently.
Questions might include:
- Does the provider have a track record of onboarding critical projects in a timeline that meets stringent or ambitious owner demands?
- Does the provider have a plan and resources for onboarding stakeholders outside of the company?
- Does the provider have a battle-tested enterprise rollout plan that can accommodate the size of your company?
- What is the support team’s level of industry expertise, responsiveness, and availability?
“We asked, ‘How fast can we get into Join and start tracking what we’re doing?’ The answer was a few hours.”
Preconstruction Manager, Okland Construction
By focusing on these criteria, you’ll be better positioned to select preconstruction software that aligns with your project needs, integrates smoothly with your existing workflows, and has a proven track record.
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