5 Things To Keep In Mind To Avoid Software Buyer's Remorse

Technology can be a powerful competitive advantage for a business, but only if it is chosen wisely.

A new white paper from technology company Trimble highlights key points an architecture, engineering or construction firm should consider when selecting tech tools that deliver the best return on investment. Purchasing the right software is not a one-size-fits-all decision, said Sumele Adelana, a product marketing lead for Trimble, developer of SketchUp design software.

“The right technology serves as a powerful differentiator,” said Adelana, author of the paper and an associate of the Royal Institute of British Architects. “Midsize AEC firms can leverage efficient digital workflows to do more work in less time with higher quality, allowing them to successfully compete for bids against much larger companies.”

In “Selecting Design Tools to Boost ROI: Five Quick Tips,” Trimble identifies the most important things to consider when making a major software purchase. These include taking care to match the right tool to a team’s unique needs, as well as:

• toolset integration
• training and onboarding
• workflow speed
• access to specialist insights

Bisnow spoke with Adelana to learn more about maximizing technology ROI. 

Bisnow: What has changed in the technology needs of architecture, engineering and construction firms?

Adelana: AEC has evolved from relying on traditional paper, ink and drawing boards to highly sophisticated digital ecosystems. Designers require advanced yet intuitive 3D modeling that can seamlessly morph into multidimensional building information modeling workflows, as well as parametric and predictive modeling, to speed up the pace of design.

Several key factors are driving this rapid evolution. First, macroeconomic and resource pressures are resulting in severe skilled labor shortages, supply chain volatility and fluctuating material costs. This requires firms to find tech-driven efficiencies just to maintain their margins. 

Next, sustainability mandates are forcing firms to design energy-efficient, low embodied carbon structures, which requires specialized performance analysis tools. On top of this, they have to balance client expectations and complexity, such as for smart buildings and data center projects. 

Finally, in today’s global ecosystem, large firms frequently collaborate with dispersed local firms to navigate regional codes and contexts, necessitating a collaboration-first approach powered by cloud-connected tools.

Bisnow: Tell us more about how the right technology tools can be a competitive advantage for their users.

Adelana: Connected digital approaches can improve resource productivity by 10% to 15%, reduce costly rework by up to 50%, and significantly compress project timelines. Advanced 3D visualization allows designers to articulate their design intent, test alternatives and generate compelling presentations that secure client sign-off and help win contract bids. Implementing modern, intuitive technology also opens up new development opportunities for staff and is crucial for attracting younger, tech-savvy professionals.

Bisnow: Of the five factors discussed in the white paper, is any one particularly important to maximize tech ROI?

Adelana: While all are critical, choosing tools based on business priorities is arguably the most foundational. Whatever your reasons for adding or switching tools, it is critical you know what impact you’re trying to drive. 

If a firm does not clearly define its objectives — whether they are submitting accurate bids faster, keeping pace with strict timelines, improving the occupant experience, understanding the energy and daylight performance of its portfolio, or improving budget adherence — then it cannot accurately define the evaluation criteria needed to assess the other four factors.

Bisnow: How can an AEC firm be sure it is selecting the right tech tools for the team?

Adelana: They should follow a systematic evaluation process. The starting point is to audit their current design processes to identify where new tools will plug in, inventory existing tools for gaps or redundancies, and assess their data mapping to ensure new tools can integrate smoothly.

Time is money. Clients must evaluate the total amount of training time required to get value out of the software; a shorter learning curve means a much faster time-to-value. 

Firms must also review the vendor's approach to customer success. They should look for partners who go beyond basic feature overviews and actually help upskill the team and integrate the tool into existing workflows.

Bisnow: The paper warns about data silos. How can these be avoided?

Adelana: These occur when tech stacks are bandaged together using disconnected software solutions, resulting in manual data entry, duplicated efforts and "tech debt." Firms must prioritize interoperability. By selecting tools that seamlessly integrate with their existing ecosystem, they allow data to flow naturally between different phases of design without loss of fidelity.

Adopting a centralized cloud platform connects all project stakeholders with the right data at the right time. This unified "single source of truth" is the fastest way to break down communication barriers and reduce design clashes.

Bisnow: How does the SketchUp tool help users navigate the challenges discussed in the white paper?

Adelana: SketchUp’s intuitive interface acts as a "digital pen to paper” and offers the rigor required as a project matures. It allows users to start modeling almost immediately without the steep, extensive training requirements of traditional BIM platforms.

SketchUp features a native Revit Importer that translates complex Revit files into lightweight SketchUp geometry in seconds. This unlocks the opportunity for unencumbered creative problem-solving at any stage of the documentation process. Furthermore, its open ecosystem — bolstered by broad file compatibility and over 1,000 plugins in the Extension Warehouse — ensures it plays nicely with the rest of a firm's tech stack.

SketchUp’s professional offerings also provide access to Trimble Connect, a powerful common data environment for shared collaboration and unlimited cloud storage. This allows diverse stakeholders to view, share and review 2D and 3D project files in real time, keeping teams aligned and eliminating silos.

To meet sustainability mandates and business priorities, SketchUp integrates tools like PreDesign for contextual climate insights and optimal glazing recommendations and Sefaira for early-stage building performance, daylight and energy analysis.

Visit here to download the white paper or here to learn more about SketchUp.

This article was produced in collaboration between Trimble and Studio B. Bisnow news staff was not involved in the production of this content.

Studio B is Bisnow’s in-house content and design studio. To learn more about how Studio B can help your team, reach out to studio@bisnow.com.