The Ready-Mix concrete industry isn’t just the backbone of our buildings and bridges. These mavericks are leading the construction industry in digital innovation.
Recognizing the need for efficiency and precision in an ever-demanding market, ready-mix producers are turning to cutting-edge digital ordering systems to simplify their sales operations and make it easy for their customers to buy.
Sounds like a stretch? It’s the rock-hard truth.
Digital ordering systems are changing the way we do business. They make customer relations more efficient, transparent, and user-friendly. From the moment an order is placed to when it’s delivered, real-time updates are now expected, helping to optimize resources and increase profits.
So, how exactly are these innovative technologies setting new standards in ordering and sales for the ready-mix industry?
Let’s find out!
Ready-Mix Sales and Ordering Basics
The sales and ordering process in the ready-mix concrete industry can feel like a bit of a maze. It’s a multi-step journey, each step with its own set of challenges. So, let’s take a quick tour:
1. Customer Inquiry:
It all starts with a customer request. Customers begin the ordering process by sharing their project needs and specifications with their ready-mix supplier. The customer shares the desired strength, slump, aggregate size, and any special additives or admixtures they need. This critical information is commonly sent via email or shared in a telephone call.
2. Quotation:
Next, the producer puts pen to paper and drafts a quotation. This step can slow things down a bit, as it involves some number crunching and waiting for the right people to approve the quote.
3. Order Placement:
Once the customer gives the thumbs up and approves the quote, they’re not ready to place an order. This is done by phone or email again and sets the fulfillment process in motion.
4. Ready-Mix Scheduling:
After the order enters the production queue, the dispatchers take control. It’s up to dispatch to contact the customer and verify the scheduled date and time of arrival.
5. Batching:
The ready-mix concrete is then accurately batched at the central plant according to the specifications. This involves precisely weighing and mixing the cement, aggregates, water, and any required additives.
6. Quality Control Testing:
Before leaving the plant, and the minute the load reaches the job site, every batch undergoes strict quality control testing to ensure it meets the required specifications.
7. Ready-Mix Concrete Delivery:
On the scheduled delivery day, the concrete is en route to the site. The time-sensitive nature of ready-mix makes the timing of this phase critical. The contractor has to plan their work crews to be on site when the concrete arrives — not too soon and not too late.
8. Placement and Finishing:
The concrete must then be placed, vibrated, and finished according to the requirements of the specific job. Only the most skilled concrete finishers and best practices can ensure structural integrity and the desired appearance.
It’s plain to see, the ready-mix ordering process is a long and winding road, and it can get pretty bumpy along the way.
In other words, the industry is ready for a smoother ride.
The Rise of Digital Ordering and Sales
The digital revolution is shaking up the way businesses operate across different sectors, and ready-mix producers are in the thick of it.
More and more forward-thinking suppliers rely on digital platforms to run more efficiently.
So, let’s take a look at how they’re doing it.
How Ready-Mix Producers Are Leading the Digital Revolution
Ready-mix producers are indeed at the forefront of the digital revolution within the construction industry, employing innovative technologies to simplify operations and enhance efficiency.
Here are just a few solid examples showing how they are leading this shift:
Integration of Internet of Things (IoT) in Plant Operations:
IoT devices and sensors are being used across batching plants to monitor critical parameters like temperature, moisture, and weight in real-time. This technology allows for precise control over the mixing process, ensuring that each batch meets the exact specifications.
Additionally, specialty software programs like these help with predictive maintenance. A simple digital dashboard alerts operators to potential issues before they become significant problems.
Talk about money-saving solutions!
Preventive Maintenance and Cloud Batching
Preventive maintenance is also part of this digital journey. Digital platforms like iStrada help collect Driver Vehicle Inspection Reports (DVIRs), identifying vehicle defects like a lighthouse spotting hazards in the night, and reducing downtime.
This gives decision-makers access to advanced analytics and preventive maintenance tools, like a map guiding them to their destination.
Fleet Management and GPS Tracking Systems:
Ready-mix producers are taking advantage of GPS and fleet management systems to optimize their concrete dispatch and delivery process. These systems provide real-time insights into the location and status of each truck, enabling better routing, coordination, and scheduling efficiency.
Cloud-based systems connect dispatchers, drivers, and contractors, keeping everyone informed and in the loop.
Ready-Mix Digital Ordering Systems:
Ready-mix producers are leveraging digital ordering platforms to replace traditional manual methods. These platforms enable customers to place orders online, track their orders in real-time, and even make last-minute adjustments.
These systems eliminate manual entry and data transfer, which reduces errors, and speeds up the ordering process. And the cloud-based mobile apps let contractors place and monitor their orders 24/7, making the buying process significantly more convenient.
Benefits of Digital Ordering and Sales for Ready-Mix Producers
The benefits of digital ordering and sales for ready-mix producers are transformative.
Namely, digital platforms streamline the ordering process for you and your customers. They coordinate all aspects of customer sales, production, and delivery, ultimately saving time, reducing your costs, and pleasing your customers.
The Ultimate Multi-Tasker
So, think of digital platforms as your efficient assistant. They simplify everything from order placement to delivery tracking, making the whole process a walk in the park. Digital efficiency means you work smarter, not harder.
Say Goodbye to Oops Moments
We’re all human, and mistakes happen. But in business, errors can be costly. Digital platforms help you dodge those “oops” moments by ensuring quotes, orders, schedules, and invoices are always accurate.
Customer Satisfaction
Everyone loves a smooth experience. And with digital platforms, customers can place orders, get real-time updates, and track their deliveries with ease. It’s all about making life easier for the customer, and that’s a surefire way to keep them coming back.
Data-Driven Decisions
In today’s world, data is the new oil. Digital platforms empower ready-mix producers to make decisions based on hard facts, not just gut feelings. Sales trends, delivery performance, customer behavior—digital platforms have got it covered.
Cost Efficiency
Who doesn’t love saving money? By cutting down on waste, reducing disputes, and lowering admin costs, digital platforms can help ready-mix producers keep more cash in their pockets.
Scalability
Businesses grow, shrink, and everything in between. Digital platforms can roll with the punches, scaling up or down as needed. It’s all about being ready for whatever comes next.
So, there you have it. Going digital isn’t just a trend—it’s a smart business move that brings a whole host of benefits. For ready-mix producers, it’s a ticket to increased efficiency, happier customers, and a healthier bottom line.
What About My Existing Systems? Bridging the Gap Between Old and New in Ready-Mix
Your current systems are the backbone of your operations. They’ve been nurtured with time, capital, and manpower, and they’re woven into the very DNA of your business. Any software provider worth their salt gets this and makes integration a top priority.
Why is integration key, you ask?
- Seamless Operations: Interconnecting systems facilitate the smooth flow of data, ensuring your business operates like a well-oiled machine.
- Unified Information: Integration ensures everyone is looking at the same, updated data. It’s synchronized across all platforms, keeping everyone in sync.
- Efficiency and Cost Savings: Say goodbye to manual data entry. Integration automates this process, saving you precious time and money.
- Data Protection: In the event of a system failure, interconnected systems safeguard your data. You can retrieve your critical data, ensuring your business remains secure.
- Informed Decision-Making: Integrated systems provide a holistic view of the business, empowering you to make intelligent decisions.
So, you might be asking, “Is there a software solution tailored specifically for my industry?”
Digital Ordering Systems for Ready-Mix: Partner or Product?
Choosing the software that will become the core of your ready-mix ordering system is no small decision. There are several different ordering platforms provided by well-known brands and software giants. And if these off-the-shelf solutions fit your business, you’re set and ready to go.
However, if you’re still working with legacy systems across multiple platforms, integration is your main concern.
Here are some key considerations to guide your decision-making process.
What’s the Secret to Choosing the Best Ready-Mix Ordering System?
Selecting the perfect digital ordering system for your ready-mix concrete business is a big decision. Here’s a quick guide to help you make the right choice:
- Customization and Integration: Your new system should adapt to your needs and integrate seamlessly with your existing systems.
- Agile and Scalable: Choose a system that can grow with your business and is designed by a provider familiar with the ready-mix concrete industry. Generic software providers typically fall short in this regard and leave you holding the bag.
- Reliability and Customer Support: Choose a software provider that consistently performs and is backed by prompt, effective customer support. Your system should carry an uptime guarantee with consequences for outages and downtime.
- User Experience and Value for Money: Opt for a user-friendly system that simplifies the buying process for your busy customers. Contractors shop where it’s easy, simple, and hassle-free. With a digitally integrated system like GoBuild360, the buying experience is tailor-made for your customers, giving them a seamless buying experience.
- Reviews and References: These provide insights into the experiences of other users with the system. Customer reviews can offer valuable information about the system’s performance, ease of use, and the quality of customer support. References from other businesses in your industry can also provide a real-world perspective on how the system works in a similar business context.
Transitioning to a digital ordering system is a strategic move that can set your business up for future success.
So, if your ready-mix concrete software isn’t ticking all these boxes, it might be time to reconsider.
GoBuild360: A Key Player in The Digital Revolution
GoBuild360 is spearheading the digital transformation in the ready-mix concrete industry. Their cloud-based software simplifies the sales, delivery, and order management process, making it more efficient and customer-friendly.
The platform is highly adaptable, intuitive, user-friendly and offers real-time tracking features. GoBuild360 integrates seamlessly with existing ERP or accounting solutions, batching software, and logistics and is available 24/7 for customer convenience.
How Does GoBuild360 Stand Out?
GoBuild360 stands out due to its deep industry knowledge and commitment to customer service. Their support team is available 24/7, ensuring smooth operations and quick response times. They prioritize clear communication, superior onboarding, and ongoing training.
Plus, the GoBuild360 Support Team is committed to a customer-centric approach. We regularly gather customer feedback and relay that information directly to you for continuous improvement.
Is It Time for a Change?
If your current cement software provider isn’t living up to these standards, it might be time for a change. The future of the ready-mix concrete industry is digital, and you need a software provider who can guide you through this transition.
In other words, GoBuild360 has you covered.
