Are you still scribbling quotes on scraps of loose leaf? It’s time to ditch the paperwork and go digital with a job management software that’ll provide a simple, streamlined way of tracking projects, from first contact to final invoice.

If you’re a business owner, an estimating and job management software can give you access to trade-specific services that’ll help grow your business, give customers a better experience and generally boost your bottom line.

Not only will it give you a much clearer understanding of what’s going on in your business, but it’ll also help reduce paperwork and automate daily tasks such as:

• Scheduling and tracking time
• Managing, measuring and pricing jobs
• Creating detailed quotes and invoices
• Overseeing site progress
• Keeping track of expenses and purchase orders

Bruce Hemingway from Buildxact, Australia’s estimating and job management software for small builders, says an all-in-one system is critical in terms of driving efficiency.

“Our aim is to help builders run a more successful business” he says. “We understand that builders need business tools that are exceptionally easy to use, locally supported and easy to get started with. It is easier when everything is in one place, a single platform that addresses their entire workflow, from leads, takeoffs, estimating and tracking projects, through to billing. It’s a pretty tough job and Buildxact makes life easier.”

In fact, it was the amount of admin that comes with running a business that initially left Peter Scalzo from Scalzo Constructions reluctant to start his own. “For quite a few years I never felt comfortable doing all the paperwork when going out to work for myself,” he says. “I was manually doing invoicing and other tasks on lots of different spreadsheets.”

“Now, I run my whole business on the one system,” he adds. “I’ve got complete confidence I’m making money all the time. Without a program like Buildxact, you’re flying blind. You’re just guessing where you’re making money.”

When it comes to choosing the right system, Bruce says one that’s simple to use and “follows the processes you need to operate your business successfully” is key.

Featuring handy integration with major accounting tools like MYOB and Xero, Buildxact easily maps the entire course from quoting to billing – a feature Peter would recommend to even the least tech-savvy tradies.

“I’m not good with computers,” he laughs. “So for someone with even a bit of computer knowledge, it’s a walk in the park.

The software also lets builders connect directly with Mitre 10 when it comes to getting quotes and details online. “It’s a very exciting partnership,” Bruce says. “Mitre 10’s philosophy of helping to grow and support their customers is totally aligned with the ethos of Buildxact.”

“We have builders saying they’ve now got their time back with their families. It’s great when you can make a difference to people’s lives. That’s why we do what we do.”