As RedSky celebrates its 50th anniversary, it is an opportune moment to reflect on the construction industry’s transformative journey over the past two decades. While many traditional practices have remained consistent, the advent of new technologies has significantly reshaped operational processes, particularly in finance and project management.
This case study highlights the long-standing partnership between RedSky and John F Hunt, a valued customer for over 20 years. Through implementing RedSky’s innovative software solutions, John F Hunt has successfully navigated the challenges of a rapidly evolving industry. The COVID-19 pandemic acted as a catalyst for change, accelerating the adoption of automation and digital tools that have streamlined operations and enhanced efficiency.
In this exploration, we will examine how RedSky’s software has adapted to meet the needs of the construction sector and how John F Hunt has leveraged these advancements to improve its processes. As we commemorate this milestone, we celebrate our achievements and the enduring relationships that have been pivotal in shaping our success and the future of construction technology.
1. How have you seen the industry change over time?
From where I sit, I don’t think it’s changed a great deal, to be honest. Many of the methods that people use in construction today are very similar to those that were being used 20 years ago.
On the technology front, Finance teams have improved. But operationally, based on my own experiences in construction during the last 20 years, I’d say that many site managers and QSs haven’t really embraced technology at all, despite it having come on in leaps and bounds. It’s a similar story for the construction supply chain.
Automation has been the biggest eAbout WordPressnhancement to the Finance function. I think we have to thank Covid for that.
Before the pandemic, there was definite resistance to making processes more digital. Paper was without a doubt still the preferred method for receiving invoices and for transferring them around the business for approval.
Paper was also the preferred method among the people receiving the information – they’d be quite happy to receive a monthly folder full of paper invoices to approve and send back.
But these practices simply couldn’t be allowed to continue during Covid. We had to change; we didn’t have a choice. The pandemic definitely forced the issue. Automation then took its place – as it should have done five to ten years previously.
2. How has the use of software evolved in your operations?
The Invoice Register is right up there as one of the best tools that RedSky has brought to market in the last 20 years since I’ve been using the software.
On the back of that, the RedSky team has been able to bring in other efficiencies. For example, I can now cost directly and match to orders directly. Orders are no longer a two- or a three-part process; they are a single process, which has benefited the department.
Approval workflows have been available within the system for a long, long time. They tie in well with the Invoice Register because the automation follows through with approvals. We’ve removed paper completely. It’s been a massive step forward for us.
Business Analytics was a game-changer for us. In terms of reporting, most people outside of the Finance function use it to extract the information they want, based on their contracts. There aren’t many dinosaurs left who use the Desktop Client for reporting! And we all just use simple analytics. If I had the coding skills to enhance the reports and get more out of them, I would.
A lot of that functionality is used not just in reporting but in the product itself now. For example, the displays for the Invoice Register, Approvals and Business Analytics are all very similar.
The dashboards are useful too. RedSky is perhaps slightly unusual because users can create their own dashboards from scratch to meet their specific needs, as well as having access to out-of-the-box solutions.
3. How has RedSky software adapted to changes in the industry?
Business Analytics has to be the best example of this by far.
The core product itself has been enhanced, tweaked and made more efficient in areas, but it’s still very similar to what it was when it was launched, back in 2002 or 2003. The core system hasn’t changed a great deal – but what’s really, really good is how RedSky has wrapped other technologies around it since then, to enhance it for users of the product.
The construction industry is also evolving in its willingness to integrate with other third-party products. I think the days of software providers trying to be a one-stop shop for every company have gone – that approach requires way too much investment. Provided there’s a good-quality core product, I think that linking with other providers is the way that software providers are starting to go.
We’re ‘the proof of the pudding’, because we’re just about to go live with a Payapps product that links in with RedSky. Payapps does subcontractors’ payment notices and then brings them into RedSky as a certificate. It also deals with a lot of the Construction Act requirements, in terms of dates and due dates, and so on. Everything will happen seamlessly in the background. I’m looking forward to the new efficiencies this joined-up approach will bring.
4. How has John F Hunt’s use of RedSky software changed over the years?
Since migrating to RedSky’s Construction ERP in May 2017, the company has significantly expanded its software utilisation, transitioning from relying on Excel spreadsheets to a more integrated and efficient system. The initial focus on improving data accessibility and management enhanced operational efficiency across various departments.
For me, it was about trying to sell RedSky Construction ERP and its benefits to a wider audience within the organisation. I wanted to open things up to the Commercial side of the business and encourage them to take more interest in the system.
A system’s security features are also important. When it comes to giving you the flexibility at the field level to maintain system security, I don’t think anyone in the marketplace can top RedSky.
As a result, John F Hunt has streamlined processes, such as electronic timesheets, which have simplified operations and contributed to significant cost savings.
5. What does RedSky software do for John F Hunt compared to a more generic accounting product?
The fact that users have all the contract information readily available is an important differentiating factor. RedSky software has always been designed specifically for the construction market – that’s why it has been around for so long.
ABOUT JOHN F HUNT
John F Hunt comprises a multi-dimensional group of 12 companies and divisions focused on the construction industry. It excels in providing professional services in challenging central London locations and nationally. Specialist engineering services on offer range from demolition to asbestos removal and concrete cutting, backed up by civil engineering and structural formwork expertise. It also has a number of plant and tool hire businesses.
To find out how RedSky ERP can support your business operations, provide real-time visibility into project costs, improve collaboration and efficiency, and reduce project risk, get in touch today.
