Key Insights:
Platform structure/model is critical: A unified construction system keeps financial, project, and field data consistent across teams.
Software origins affect reliability: Solutions built in-house tend to deliver smoother workflows and fewer integration gaps.
Frequency of update frequency impacts longevity: Regular releases show commitment to industry requirements and modern construction workflows.
Data protection builds trust: Clear security practices protect financial records, project details, and workforce information.
Support defines long-term value: Strong implementation guidance and ongoing help shape user adoption and daily system use.
Choosing a new construction software company is a big undertaking and requires extensive research. When it comes to sourcing software with the right functionality from a vendor they can trust, firms have a lot to evaluate.
First, construction companies need to learn about the technical structure and functionality of their software short-list. Details like how the system manages and stores data, how the software was developed and what the user experience is like are important considerations. Security is also a key decision-making factor. A software vendor will be storing and protecting confidential data, so their security protocols should be extensive.
Finally, construction executives need software that will help them continue to innovate as a company. SaaS and ERP technology aren’t static – they’re advancing at rapid rates. As a result, companies need solutions that will grow with them. This means scalable storage and the release of new products and updates. Put simply, you want a vendor that can keep up in our fast-paced, digitally-driven world.
When shopping for construction software, take your time and do your research. Interview and evaluate companies to make sure they can be relied upon to safeguard your data and provide superior service. Here are some construction software vendor interview questions to ask:
Is your construction software unified or open-source?
It’s important to know the different types of construction software on the market. Platforms can be divided into two categories: unified and stand-alone. Stand-alone systems are individual apps with limited functionality. Companies that choose stand-alone solutions generally purchase several applications from different third-party vendors and bridge them together within their operations.
In contrast, unified solutions come from a single software developer and contain multiple applications that are all connected to the same database. With stand-alone applications, you can easily create data silos. But because unified software is a single, contained system, data can flow freely between departments.
Has the ERP solution been developed natively in-house or pieced together?
Some construction ERP software is made by companies that package together groups of applications they’ve acquired from third-party developers. While these apps are sold as a single unit, they’ve been created by many different software companies. This means that data may not flow easily between individual software components and there can be huge differences in the user experience of the various apps.
All of CMiC’s applications have been developed to work together seamlessly. We do have a few third-party applications that we’ve integrated within our system, but these apps are connected to the central CMiC platform. When evaluating software vendors, you want to make sure that the apps included in their system are integrated correctly – bad integrations will only create headaches.
How often do you release new products or updates to current products? How do you adapt to industry trends?
The construction industry is on the cusp of a technological revolution. AI, drones, BIM and 3D printing are examples of how technology is transforming job sites and changing fundamental systems and processes. This is why it’s important to evaluate potential software vendors on their commitment to innovation and growth. You want to know how quickly they adapt to emerging technological trends and how smoothly they roll out new products and advancements.
If your software vendor can’t adapt quickly enough, you’ll either be left behind or forced to switch products. Swapping software tools means another lengthy implementation process that includes training employees, establishing new relationships with service reps and learning new protocols for billing, service and support.
By choosing a software solution that will grow with your company throughout the years, you’ll balance innovation with consistency. Look for solutions that allow easy scalability from companies with regular product advancements. And don’t be afraid to ask your ERP vendor what type of updates have been done in the past few months.
What measures does your company have in place to protect the security of your customers’ data?
Doing business with a software vendor with low levels of security can increase your risk of being hacked. Hackers often target software vendors with inferior security to gain access to larger company networks.
It is, therefore, crucial to evaluate every vendor for potential security threats. Ask them about their IT practices and policies, check security certifications and talk to current customers to see if they’ve had any security issues. Understanding their commitment to security will help you avoid risk.
Do you assist your customers during implementation with training, planning and technical support?
Implementing new software into your digital workflow requires planning, training and progress monitoring – this is something your firm will need help with. Choose a company with a solutions specialist to help you map out the journey, remove pain points and ease employees into the new system.
It’s also important not to rush the implementation process. Many construction executives opt for small, individual applications that are quick and easy to add into their workflow. Their strategy is to fix only the areas of operation that need urgent attention, choosing stop-gap solutions rather than investing in a long-term IT strategy.
Powerful, robust software systems will take longer to implement, but a more involved implementation process lays the groundwork for increased productivity and efficiency.
How will your company provide ongoing technical support after implementation?
After the implementation process is complete, you need to trust a software vendor to be there for ongoing support. Make sure that potential vendors have the expertise, infrastructure and resources to respond quickly to system crashes and security issues. Even if a matter isn’t urgent, your vendor should also provide ongoing education and be available to answer everyday questions.
Do you have any customers I could speak to about what it’s like to do business with your company?
One of the best ways to get a sense of a company’s values is to understand how current clients feel about them. Asking to speak to current clients is like asking a potential employee for their references: it’s a perfectly reasonable request. If a vendor can’t connect you to any of their clients, check out online software reviews. By reading reviews and hearing from clients, you’ll hear about any services gaps, billing issues or support problems.
Engaging a new software vendor is not a decision to be taken lightly. Interviewing and researching potential companies will help you find a company you can trust and a software platform that’s tailored to your firm’s specific needs.
FAQs
What is your pricing structure, and what costs should we expect beyond the base software license?
Construction software pricing typically includes base licensing fees (per user or enterprise-wide), implementation costs, training expenses, data migration services, and ongoing support fees. Some vendors charge separately for upgrades, additional storage, or premium support tiers. Request transparent, itemized pricing that breaks down one-time versus recurring costs. Ask about price escalation clauses in multi-year contracts and whether costs increase as you add users or projects. Understanding total cost of ownership—not just initial licensing—helps you budget accurately and avoid surprise expenses.
What happens to our data if we decide to switch vendors in the future?
Understand data ownership and portability before signing contracts. You should own all data stored in the system, and vendors should provide export capabilities in standard formats (CSV, XML, JSON) without additional fees. Ask how historical data is structured, whether you can export complete project records including attachments and audit trails, and what support the vendor provides during offboarding. Some contracts include data retention clauses specifying how long vendors store your information after termination. Request this in writing to ensure you can transition smoothly if business needs change or if the vendor relationship doesn't meet expectations.
How does your solution handle our specific type of construction work (commercial, infrastructure, specialty contracting)?
Construction software isn't one-size-fits-all. General contractors need robust subcontractor management and change order workflows. Specialty contractors require detailed labor and equipment tracking. Infrastructure firms need compliance reporting for public works projects. Ask vendors for customer references in your specific sector and request demonstrations using scenarios relevant to your work. Verify the system handles your contract types (lump sum, unit price, cost-plus), supports your typical project delivery methods (design-bid-build, design-build, CM-at-risk), and includes industry-specific features like certified payroll for prevailing wage or Davis-Bacon compliance if applicable.
What level of customization is possible, and who maintains customizations during system updates?
Some construction software allows extensive customization of workflows, reports, and user interfaces, while others offer limited configuration options. Understand whether customizations require vendor professional services or if your IT team can make changes independently. Critical question: What happens to customizations when the vendor releases major updates? Some platforms preserve custom code through upgrades, while others may break customizations requiring rework. Ask about the vendor's approach to balancing standardization with flexibility, and whether heavily customized instances create upgrade challenges or increase long-term maintenance costs.
To continue learning about what to look for in a software company, check out Are Third-Party Vendors Putting Your Data at Risk?