The problem: Inefficient pen and paper processes
Before Raken, and for most of their history, Gordon Contractors had used pen and paper processes. But with a portfolio as impressive as theirs, their next challenge was to modernize the company. "It was a big undertaking to try to utilize technology," says Chief Financial Officer Steve Weiss.
The solution: Going digital with Raken
Steve became involved in Gordon Contractors’ search for a new field management software shortly after starting. “When I came on board,” he recalls, “the company was looking for a software or app that the superintendents could use in the field to do their daily reporting and help modernize the company.” But Steve had prior experience with a certain digital tool that he had a feeling would help. So he offered his two cents worth and they gave it a try.
“The field getting their hands on Raken and seeing the ease of use really sold them.”
They evaluated several different daily reporting tools on factors like cost and ease of use, and Raken came out on top. Crews in the field especially appreciated how easy it was to take a picture and enter important information like injuries or how much work was done on the jobsite that day.
Easy-to-use daily reports
The most immediate benefit of switching to Raken was the improved daily reporting process. They were simple to fill out and read, and photo documentation provided a fuller picture of what was happening on the jobsite.
“The project managers have a lot more clarity on their jobs,” says Steve.
“With the daily reports and photos, they’re able to see what’s actually going on even when they’re not on the jobsite.”
It was also easy to onboard the crews in the field. “Our field staff hadn’t really used much technology in the field,” Steve explains, “but everyone had a cell phone and they knew how to use those. Even the old guys who said they aren’t big on technology were able to pick it up pretty quickly.”
With a diverse team out in the field, it was important to get everyone on the same page with a new tool. Thanks to the Raken Customer Success team, Gordon Contractors was able to get all their Spanish-speaking employees onboarded efficiently at the same time.
Faster time tracking
It was important to Gordon Contractors that the software they chose did more than one thing. “We were also looking for time-keeping apps,” says Steve. “The guys were using paper printouts and writing everything by hand, and we realized ‘hey, Raken can handle that, too.’”
Workers in the field were equally as excited about a more simplified time tracking process. “Once they saw how easy the daily reporting was and found out the time-keeping was just as easy, they were sold,” says Steve. From the office to the field, everyone has been able to save time as a result.
“We’ve been able to trim payroll down from a 4-day process to one that takes less than a day.”
Using Raken’s flexible mobile time clock, workers track their time on an individual device, then the Supers are able to see and approve time for their crews. From there, it’s easy to transfer all the data from the field into a preferred payroll software. For Gordon Contractors, that was Viewpoint Vista.
Seamless integration with Viewpoint Vista
Connecting Raken with Viewpoint Vista was as simple as granting access to pull the data needed, then letting the Raken team do the rest to make it a seamless process.
“Integrations are usually complicated. Raken made it easy.”
With the two systems working together, Gordon Contractors can categorize jobs and cost codes, collect time, and process everything needed to streamline accounting. And as they grow the business and take on new jobs, it’s all loaded and pulled directly in.
A foundation for future growth
Prior to onboarding to Raken, Steve’s two biggest concerns were setting up an integration and managing their systems efficiently. Now with everything in one place, Gordon Contractors is set up for better success and growth as a company. If any issues or hiccups arise, the Raken Customer Success team is always there to answer the call with an industry-leading fast response time and resolution rate.
Raken for subcontractors
Want to find out how you can implement Raken’s easy-to-use daily reports and time tracking tools into your workflow? Interested in learning more about what other tools we offer as well? Let’s get in touch so we can set up a time to walk you through our features.