In the construction industry, time is money—and so is accuracy. Every miscalculation, every forgotten change order, every lost invoice, and every outdated report comes at a cost. That’s why more construction companies are turning to integrated software solutions that connect the dots between project management software and accounting software.

We’ve seen firsthand how powerful it can be when teams connect ConstructionOnline with trusted accounting software platforms like QuickBooks™. Before diving into the "how," it’s important to understand the why behind this connection—and what it means for the modern construction business.

Michael F. Stevens (1966-2024)

As we remember Michael and celebrate his birthday on May 18, we reflect with deep appreciation on the visionary leadership and personal values that continue to inspire our team, our software, and the industry we serve. 

Michael F. Stevens was more than a founder — he was a visionary leader who transformed the way the construction industry builds. As the driving force behind UDA Technologies, Michael’s mission was clear from the start: to revolutionize construction project management through practical, powerful software solutions designed for real builders working in the real world. With bold creativity and unwavering resolve, he reshaped what was possible in construction technology.

In 1999, drawing on more than a decade of experience as an architect and builder, Michael established UDA Technologies (originally United Design Associates Technologies). At the time, professional-grade construction software was often expensive, disconnected, and difficult to use. Michael saw an opportunity to level the playing field by creating tools that empowered professionals at every level of the industry — whether they were running a large commercial firm or building custom homes. His guiding belief was that technology should lower the cost of construction while elevating project success.

In construction, even the smallest communication breakdown can snowball into costly delays, missed deadlines, or frustrated clients. With teams spread across job sites, offices, and everywhere in between, staying connected isn’t just helpful—it’s essential.

That’s why forward-thinking construction businesses are turning to centralized project management platforms like ConstructionOnline® to streamline communication and keep everyone on the same page—from the field to the office. In this article, we’ll show you how powerful tools like Messages, GamePlan™, Daily Logs, Punch Lists, and Photos work together to transform how your team communicates… all in just a few minutes a day.

Every construction professional who has signed a contract should understand the critical role of submittals. These are essential documents—ranging from shop drawings and material samples to product data and test reports—that contractors provide to architects, engineers, or consultants before work begins. Submittals allow these professionals to verify that the proposed materials and methods comply with the project specifications, ensuring that construction proceeds as planned.

If you’re waiting until everything is “just right,” you’re waiting too long. Here’s why the best time to adopt construction project management software is now.

In construction, timing is everything. Yet, many companies hesitate to adopt construction project management software, thinking they should wait until they have more contracts signed or a busier workload. It seems like a logical approach—why invest in software if there isn’t enough work to justify it?

But the reality is, waiting too long puts you at a disadvantage. Successful construction businesses don’t just react to growth; they plan for it. The companies that implement the right tools before they need them are the ones that scale efficiently, maintain profitability, and navigate downturns with resilience.

Construction estimate templates, schedule templates, document templates, project templates - these only apply to certain types of builders, right? Wrong.

It's a common misconception that templates are only beneficial for spec, tract, or production builders. Because these types of builders generally structure their work around a standardized set of options with limited customization, templates do work exceptionally well for them.

However, we've found that many other types of construction teams are often surprised to learn that templates can be incredibly beneficial for nearly any type of construction project. Templates help establish standard, dependable processes in all fields of project management - a best practice that supports the growth and success of construction businesses. 

For builders working with UDA ConstructionOnline, we often suggest working with templates to improve efficiency and accuracy. It’s no secret that rising material & labor costs have had a big impact on construction companies and construction clients in recent years. Now, more than ever, construction professionals need solutions to help control costs and ensure projects remain profitable. This is where construction estimate templates come into play. 

Construction estimate templates are essential for business success. Leveraging well-designed construction estimate templates can streamline your estimating process, improve accuracy, and ultimately boost your bottom line.

Not convinced you should be using templates? Read on to learn more about why you should start using construction estimate templates today:

Construction projects are significant investments, and ensuring their longevity and quality is paramount. One of the critical aspects of safeguarding these investments is effective warranty management. Construction warranty management plays a crucial role in ensuring long-term client satisfaction and maintaining your company’s reputation. Whether you’re a general contractor, project manager, or construction business owner, mastering construction warranty management can set your business apart from the competition.

This comprehensive guide dives into what construction warranty management entails, why it’s essential, and how you can optimize your approach with best practices and the latest tools.

Profitability is the foundation of every thriving construction business. Yet, in an industry rife with tight margins, fluctuating costs, and complex projects, tracking and optimizing profits can feel like an uphill battle. Many builders fall into the trap of focusing solely on revenue, overlooking the detailed financial insights that separate profitable projects from those that barely break even.

Every construction project tells a story, a unique narrative that unfolds from the very first day of groundbreaking to the celebratory moment of ribbon-cutting. Each phase of this journey reveals a series of milestones that mark progress, challenges that test resilience, pivots that require adaptability, and triumphs that celebrate success. However, without a clear and organized way to track that story, it risks becoming fragmented and disjointed, leaving teams in a state of confusion and clients feeling uncertain about the project's direction and status.

In the fast-paced world of construction, effective planning isn’t just a step in the process - it’s the cornerstone of success. The dynamic nature of the construction industry demands meticulous attention to detail and strategic foresight, as every decision can significantly impact the outcome of a project. From managing multiple projects simultaneously to coordinating complex schedules and efficiently allocating resources, detailed planning is essential. It lays the foundation for timely and cost-effective project delivery, and also ensures that the quality of work meets or exceeds expectations.