In a recent seminar, Ian Desbrow, Viewpoint Construction Software’s vice-president of Australia and New Zealand sales, uncovered some harsh truths that for too long the construction sector as a whole has generally ignored.
In Desbrow’s speech, he focused on the fact that far too many businesses involved in construction – be they the asset owner, head or sub-contractors – lack integrated project systems and/or skills, which allow them to stay on top of their financial situation.
Through his presentation, Desbrow drew the audience’s attention to several realities plaguing the industry, and which will continue to until there is a change in the way companies run their operations.
In particular, Desbrow drew attention to several point, including:
- The fact that in the last decade, the construction industry has accounted for between one-fifth and one-quarter of all insolvencies in Australia, a disproportionately high statistic, relative to its share of national output;
- The need to improve education for the next generation entering the construction workforce, highlighting the increased need for greater emphasis on management and financial knowledge;
- Examples where inadequate financial control had led to the insolvency of companies that appeared on the surface to be thriving; and
- The need for companies to embrace change, with a focus on improving management systems, streamlining reporting processes and upskilling their workforces.
“Whilst implementing and then using technology well will be a strong risk mitigatory and aid to project success, we must note it is not a panacea, but rather is a framework for a business to learn from, so it can grow and improve,” Desbrow emphasised in his closing remarks.
“Technology is just one part of a puzzle the industry requires education and adoption of stronger fiscal management in all businesses, which in turn will go a long way to alleviating a huge strain on the country, the industry and ripple effect to everyday Australians.”
For more information on the role of technology, as well as an overview of why project systems and accounting platforms must be intrinsically linked, check out Viewpoint’s whitepaper from their website.