TimeSuite: A Visionary Entity that Delivers Modern Technology to the Construction Industry
The construction industry feature requirements are extensive and complex. Comprehensive ERPs take decades to develop and for the most part contain decades-old architectures that are hindered by decentralized modules.
A little history: Most of today’s ERPs are module based. Modular architectures were established because of 5 ¼ inch floppy diskettes that had 384K capacities. When these systems were started, PCs had one or two floppy disk drive bays that could be used to run software and save data. These floppy disk based software applications would use a separate floppy disk for each module. They would swap these disks to run their programs and save their data. They established their architectures having to work around limited disk space. The result was decentralized modules that required what is now an obsolete process called “integration” to communicate and transfer data between modules.
There are two sides to every system. The data side, and the interface side.
The data side is where database tools are used to handle and store data. Relational database technologies became available for PCs over 30 years ago. SQL databases are “relational” database tools that allow a software system to deploy centralized data tables that avoid redundancy. If tables are defined correctly, data doesn’t need to be duplicated or transferred between modules.
The interface side is where interface tools are used to interact with users and communicate with the database. Over the past 20 years, technology has finally evolved to allow large software projects to deliver relational architectures to their interfaces (where a comprehensive system’s code base is centralized and not under modules).
TimeSuite is possibly the first and only player in the Construction ERP space with the newer relational architecture. With a relational architecture, the system is centralized. It’s a single system where everything is accessible from everywhere.
A little TimeSuite History: TimeSuite was founded in 1994, within months of relational “SQL” database technology becoming available to PCs. TimeSuite was founded based on the concept of providing a Construction industry specific solution with a “relational” database table structure that eliminated data redundancy. After an initial 5-year development cycle that caught TimeSuite up with the feature sets of the modular systems, TimeSuite grew rapidly. During the 2009 recession the market was slow so TimeSuite decided to step away from the market, and pour its resources into redeveloping the core of its interface software. They wanted their interface code base to adhere to “relational” architecture concepts. With an established customer base, TimeSuite focused its resources on perfecting its interface code. TimeSuite honed in on the concepts, determined to perfect the core of their interface. By the end of 2019, TimeSuite delivered the most comprehensive system ever developed for web and mobile interfaces. With TimeSuite, the Construction industries extensive feature requirements are delivered in a code base that is 30 to 50 times smaller than any of the dated modular systems. TimeSuite has 2 to 3 times more features than any module-based Construction ERP. The newer “relational” architecture removes the handcuffs that hinder ease of use. Complexities don’t result in rigid inefficient processes.
TimeSuite’s legacy desktop interface, “Toolbox”, has been maintained to stay backward compatible with TimeSuite Web and Mobile. Software companies have gone out of business trying to redefine themselves. TimeSuite’s successful strategy included supplementing TimeSuite Web and Mobile with time tested and proven Toolbox processes as the new interfaces have matured.
TimeSuite has doubled their revenue 3 times since 2019, and expects to double their revenue again over the next 18 months.
With 30 years of pursuing “relational” architected software, TimeSuite is driving a profound transformation, marked by advancements in technology and an increasing demand for efficiency, adaptability, and visibility.
The need for a single comprehensive platform that streamlines these critical functions is essential, and this is where TimeSuite redefines the construction management landscape.
TimeSuite is not just a software company, it is a visionary entity that understands the intricate needs of the construction industry. Founded with roots in a construction-specific CPA firm, TimeSuite brings together expertise in accounting, the Construction industry and technology to develop a robust Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solution tailored to meet the demands of modern contractors. The company’s commitment to innovation and customer-centric development has established it as a pioneer in delivering solutions that adapt seamlessly to the unique workflows of its users.
TimeSuite stands out as the only relational ERP system in the construction space, offering a platform that evolves with its users. Unlike conventional software, TimeSuite’s customer-specific development ensures that the solution adapts to diverse workflows, empowering businesses to streamline operations and enhance productivity. Eric Malouff, CEO of TimeSuite Software Corporation, emphasizes, “Our system achieves simplicity while delivering robust, dynamic visibility features like customizable grids, dialogues, tabs and fields. Scheduling tools, file systems, on-screen takeoff, Kanban boards and reporting facilities round out every menu item’s tool set.” Every aspect of TimeSuite can be tailored to align with customer needs, making TimeSuite a truly unique solution in the market. TimeSuite’s relational architecture allows unparalleled customization and scalability. While the default setup works out of the gate, TimeSuite’s dynamic setup can be modified at any time to conform to the specific needs of its clients. Through system depth and dramatic customer efficiency gains possible with relational architectures, we are working hard to render modular systems obsolete.”
The result is that TimeSuite doesn’t charge for development tasks. This approach ensures that every feature aligns perfectly with customer requirements, fostering efficiency and operational excellence.
One of TimeSuite’s most groundbreaking contributions to the industry is its full automation of the Percentage of Completion method of accounting. This critical innovation enables contractors to drive accounting through project management seamlessly. TimeSuite facilitates real-time job status projections that drive cost controls and reduce financial risk. By automating over/under billings, accrued wages, and job status projections to produce a full Summary of Contracts, TimeSuite provides its users with the tools needed to stay in control and make informed decisions quickly and effectively.
TimeSuite’s commitment to innovation extends beyond functionality to accessibility. TimeSuite’s web and mobile interfaces share the same centralized code base. And soon, TimeSuite’s desktop interface will utilize the same code base.
TimeSuite’s mobile interface delivers a comprehensive ERP directly to the field. This ensures that project managers and teams can access vital tools, from anywhere, facilitating seamless collaboration and coordination. TimeSuite’s focus is on delivering a refined system that adapts to clients’ unique requirements, ensuring that every user gets what they require. Whatever the client requirement is, TimeSuite’s architecture provides an ability to redefine efficiency.
Over the years, TimeSuite has refined its platform to include advanced features like job status projections, committed cost control, notification facilities, approval workflows, service management, progress and cost-plus billing, project management document management, estimating, on-screen take-off, task management and definable workflows. Its scheduling facilities, recently enhanced with expanded Gantt resource planning and Pro Forma projection capabilities, demonstrate the company’s dedication to continuous improvement. Furthermore, TimeSuite’s cost control features, such as the burden utility grid and Summary of Contracts projection logs offer critical insights into project burdens and reporting over time, providing accountability and historical perspectives that empower better decision-making.
TimeSuite’s holistic approach to construction software is not just about offering a suite of tools—it is about transforming the way the industry operates. By combining simplicity with sophistication, TimeSuite delivers a product that not only meets the demands of today but also anticipates the challenges of tomorrow. As the construction industry continues to evolve, TimeSuite stands as a testament to what is possible when innovation, expertise, and customer focus converge in the construction space.