IM Mechanical transitions to a cloud-based, construction accounting software
I M Mechanical & Electrical Services Ltd (IMMES) is a London-based building services company, established in 2009, offering reliable M&E design, build, and maintenance services through the expertise of its engineers, designers, and managers.
The Challenge
IMMES began using Construct for Sage 50 Desktop in April 2020, shortly after the onset of Covid-19. While the Desktop solution initially supported the business well, IMMES soon realised that following Covid lockdowns, teams were unable to work from their offices. As the team transitioned to remote working, it became clear that they needed a solution to enhance collaboration and allow teams to work from different locations, while maintaining the same functionality they would have on-site. During this period, the business expanded rapidly, IMMES recognised the need to modernise operations and further enhance customer appeal. Dom Henderson, Director of IMMES, highlighted their goal was to achieve ISO certification, along with other key accreditations to meet the highest industry standards. To achieve their ISO, they recognised the need to adopt technology with heightened security protocols, which would provide them with greater control over their supply chain through centralised processes. They required a solution that ensured suppliers were properly approved and verified before project managers and buyers could engage with them, aligning with the company’s commitment to compliance and smoother operations.
The Solution
IMMES chose to transition to Construct Cloud for its flexibility as a cloud-based solution, its ability to enhance reporting functionalities and its potential to improve operational visibility.
Improved collaboration through a Cloud-based system
As a cloud-based platform, Construct Cloud enabled team members to access the software from any device, any browser and in any location, ensuring real-time access to critical information. This capability enhanced better decision-making, improved collaboration across remote teams and provided a centralised system that boosted efficiency across the organisation.
A Cyber Essentials Certified Product
As a Cyber Essentials Certified product, Construct Cloud ensures IMMES with robust protection against cyber threats, enhanced data security, and reduced operational risks. Hosted on Microsoft Azure with double encryption, Construct Cloud complies with GDPR and uses multi-factor authentication (MFA) to secure business data, ensuring the safety of sensitive information while optimising supplier management.
Customisable user controls to align with ISO Certification
Construct Cloud’s advanced settings and user controls enable IMMES to tailor permissions effectively. With around 28 users on IMMES’s system it was important to add restrictions and controls to ensure that only authorised users could place orders, tightening control over purchasing activities. Additionally, the decentralised system enables subcontractor project managers to manage their own procurement processes, increasing the speed and flexibility of the supply chain.
Dom shared, “The system offers a wide range of functions, and greater advanced user controls and settings. We can customise permissions to control who has access and perform certain tasks, whereas in the old system we had limited options to choose from.”
Heightened visibility across their supply chain
Construct Cloud’s added Apps and Modules helped IMMES to significantly improve their supply chain management. Dom explained, “The software’s approvals module helped us streamline purchase order approvals, speeding up the process and reducing bottle necks. The document storage feature allowed us to store quotes, invoices, purchase orders and other documentation ensuring full traceability through the ordering process. The system was a massive tick for us because it meant that we could keep historical records of all orders, which was crucial for industry certification and compliance.” The ability to quickly route purchase orders through the approval chain allowed key stakeholders at IMMES to quickly review and authorise orders. As a result, IMMES has been able to reduce delays in procurement and ensure compliance with internal controls.
Business Impact
Seamless onboarding and transformative results
Adopting Construct Cloud has helped IMMES achieve ISO certification and has been pivotal in transforming its operations by expanding its teams and enhancing its ability to support remote working—fuelling their growth and scalability.
Dom shared, “Moving from desktop to cloud has been a revelation —operations are much faster and more efficient. As a result, IMMES now has a smaller accounts team, thanks to the innovative technology provided by Construct.”
The smooth and efficient onboarding process played a key role in the transition and was completed seamlessly over a three-month period. Dom expressed his appreciation for the onboarding team: “You have a brilliant, supportive onboarding team who are incredibly patient. We utilised multiple user guides and training sessions, and the webinars were shared across the business to reinforce learning and ensure successful implementation.”
Beyond operational improvements, Construct Cloud has enabled IMMES to enhance cost tracking, gain full control over supplier management, and streamline processes. This transformation played a crucial role in boosting IMMES’s turnover, from £6-7 million to £14 million.
Looking to transition to Construct Cloud, or learn more about our construction accounting software?
To discover our range of job costing and construction accounting solutions, you can watch a short demo or book a free-discovery session with our team by following these links:
Watch a personalised demo: www.eque2-construction.co.uk/construction-software/medium-contractor
Book a discovery call: www.eque2-construction.co.uk/contact/
Learn more about Construct Cloud: www.eque2-construction.co.uk/migrate-to-construct-cloud/
