I'm working on modernizing my family's small construction business, bringing our tech from about 2006 to present-day standards. Currently, there's no systematic admin process in place—it's just the owner and the office manager managing things as best as they can. We're moving into a new Apple ecosystem with 3 desktops, a laptop for remote work, and 3 iPads for our crew leads. The office folks will also be using their personal iPhones to access work-related emails and documents.
I'm relatively comfortable navigating the Apple ecosystem personally and I'm familiar with tools like Microsoft Word and Google Drive. However, I'm a bit out of my depth when it comes to the professional and construction-specific aspects and want to ensure the system I establish is scalable and repeatable in the future. I have a supportive IT person helping out, but I would love to get more input on essential elements for building this admin system, especially concerning security, efficiency, and scalability. What should I prioritize?
3 Answers
Start by listing out all the applications you need for your business. Check if they are web-hosted and compatible with iOS, since many construction apps are PC-based. Best to be aware of all the tech needs before going too far, especially with Mac being less common in this field.
Switching to Apple when most design software is Windows-based might complicate things. Maybe reconsider your tech stack to align better with the applications your business will actually use. If hiring isn't an option right now, switching to Windows and using Office 365 could help manage everything in one place. Just ensure you choose a system that will make it easy to scale and hire support later.
I hear you on that. I'm weighing options carefully, and appreciate the advice about Windows and Office 365!
It sounds like you should definitely hire your IT consultant full-time if you can. Having professional insight can save a lot of headaches down the line. Your family's business has changing needs, and a solid setup is crucial—think about data recovery and backups, too. Just being on the cloud doesn't mean your data is automatically safe. Good communication with the IT person is key here!
That's really a smart idea! Bringing in a pro can help future-proof the system, especially with all those potential changes!
Yup, I get that. It’s tough when your main guy still does everything the old-fashioned way, but if you’re planning to include designs later, it's worth discussing transition options.