Technology Adoption Journey: How Builders Are Going Digital and Thriving

Construction may be one of the last major industries to go digital — but the tide is turning fast. Builders across West Michigan are embracing simple, strategic tech tools that replace chaos with clarity and guesswork with insight.

And no, it’s not about going “paperless” for the sake of it. It’s about solving real problems: missed change orders, lost time, rework, and miscommunication.

Here’s how small and mid-sized contractors are making technology work — and thrive.

1. Ditching Whiteboards and Group Texts for Project Management Platforms

The first step for most builders? Centralizing project communication.

Popular platforms:

• Buildertrend

• CoConstruct

• JobTread

• Knowify

These tools help builders:

• Track job progress in real-time

• Share schedules and files with subs and clients

• Document change orders (and get paid for them)

• Create more accurate job costing data

Result: Fewer surprises, better margins, happier clients.

2. Mobile Tools That Keep the Field and Office Connected

The gap between what’s happening on-site and what the office sees can crush timelines and cause friction. Leading builders are equipping their crews with mobile apps to:

• Clock in and out (with GPS tracking)

• Upload photos of job progress

• Mark deliveries and inventory

• Submit RFIs or report issues instantly

Even something as simple as a shared photo album or Slack channel can dramatically improve visibility.

3. Digital Takeoffs and Estimating That Actually Save Time

Estimators are saving hours per job with software like:

• STACK

• PlanSwift

• ProEst

These tools speed up plan review and material counts while linking directly to pricing libraries. Combine that with supplier input (like CMS material templates), and your estimates become faster, more accurate, and easier to update.

4. Scheduling and Delivery Coordination That Works With Suppliers

Builders who are thriving digitally don’t just digitize internally — they also sync up with vendors. That includes:

• Submitting orders through shared platforms

• Tracking deliveries via supplier portals

• Using shared calendars for staging and sequencing

• Creating templates for framing, siding, or trim packages

At CMS, we work directly with builders to implement these systems — and it cuts hours of phone tag and wasted trips.

5. Gradual Rollouts That Win Buy-In

Technology doesn’t fail because it’s bad — it fails because it’s rolled out too fast or without buy-in.

The most successful builders start small:

• Roll out one feature at a time

• Train the team with hands-on walkthroughs

• Assign a “tech champion” on the crew

• Celebrate quick wins (faster billing, fewer mistakes, easier scheduling)

The goal isn’t perfection — it’s momentum.

Final Thought

Technology isn’t the future of construction — it’s the present. Builders who embrace practical, purpose-driven tools are saving time, increasing profitability, and gaining a competitive edge.

At CMS, we don’t just deliver materials — we help you align your ordering, tracking, and project planning with the tech tools that move your business forward.

Looking for a supplier that fits into your workflow — not against it?
📞 Contact Construction Material Specialists — where operational efficiency meets digital readiness.