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Construction change order management software

Simplify your change order process


Easily create and send change orders for approval or revision from the field and office. Immediately see the impact on cost and revenue, and automatically factor them into the correct billing cycle for a truly end-to-end change order management system that reduces approval times and risk.

Abstraction of three documents representing COs | Change orders | Knowify

Cure your change order anxiety

Without a secure, streamlined system to manage change orders, trade contractors often find a disconnect between the field, the office, and their clients. Miscommunication and delayed approvals lead to client disputes, project delays, and can result in reduced profits, or even losses.

Knowify keeps your entire team connected between the field and office. Create, send, and track e-signable change orders in just minutes. With automatic updates to your project budget and invoicing schedule, you’ll be able to keep your projects on track and your team in the loop.

Get faster approvals

Get approvals faster with professional change order documents that take just minutes to build. Allow clients to e-sign directly through Knowify, or send change orders back with revisions and comments. Get notified as soon as change orders are viewed and approved so your team can move forward.

Reduce financial risk

See change order impact on project costs and revenue as soon as they’re built. Automatically track materials, labor, equipment, and subcontractor costs against change orders in your budget to better understand change order impact on project profitability.

Improve communication

Connect your field team, office staff, and clients with real-time change order updates accessible on web browsers, smartphones, and tablets. Knowify keeps individual change orders numbered and organized, even matching them correctly when GCs batch change orders together.

Maximize change order revenue

Avoid invoicing in the wrong billing cycle, or for change orders that have not been approved. Knowify automatically factors change orders into your billing schedule as they’re approved even for your schedule of values in AIA forms g702/g703, so you can get paid sooner and minimize losses.

“As the owner of the company, Knowify easily saves me 20-40 hours a week VS what I was doing on paper before.”

Nathan Kohatsu
Owner, UK Electric

Effortless change order creation

Build change orders using your saved catalog of materials, services, and labor rates, and let Knowify automate all your cost calculations. Include a detailed breakdown of all your costs and markup – or keep it simple and send a single descriptive line item. You’re in control.

Detailed financial information

See every change order in-line with your original contract, including details around initial value, % that’s been invoiced so far, remaining balance, and overall impact on project profitability. See a project summary that includes pending change orders, and the net change in contract value from all approved change orders.

Change order job costing

Track material, labor, equipment, and subcontractor costs for your approved change orders automatically with Knowify’s detailed job costing. Sync every purchase order, bill, and invoice between Knowify and QuickBooks Online so your entire team has one source of financial truth.

Informed project decisions

Communicate project changes confidently and prevent disputes or the need to proceed at risk using comprehensive change order documentation and a branded client portal.

The #1 QuickBooks integration in construction

QuickBooks Online is a powerful accounting tool, but it doesn’t offer the specialized features trade contractors need for managing change orders. Knowify integrates directly with QuickBooks in real-time, ensuring that all approved change orders are automatically reflected in your financials. This keeps your project costs and revenue in sync, providing a single source of financial truth for your entire team without any double-entry.

Streamline your construction change order process

Ready to simplify your change order process? Try Knowify free for 14 days.

FAQs

What is a construction change order?

A construction change order is a document that is used to request or approve changes to the original scope of work in a construction project. This could include modifications to the design, materials, or schedule. Change orders are typically issued when unforeseen circumstances arise, such as unexpected site conditions or client requests for additional work. 

They are an important tool in managing construction projects as they help ensure that any changes are properly documented, communicated, and agreed upon by all parties involved.

What is change order management software?

Change order management software is a digital tool designed to streamline the construction change order management process. It enables construction teams to create, track, and manage change orders efficiently, reducing the risk of errors, delays, and cost overruns.

This software is specifically designed for the construction industry to help manage construction change orders, project costs, and project stakeholders. By automating the change order management process, construction teams can improve transparency, reduce administrative burdens, and enhance collaboration among parties involved.

What are the key features of change order management software?

Effective change order management software should include the following key features:

  • Electronic change order creation and submission: Simplifies the process of creating and sending change orders.
  • Automated approval process : Ensures that changes are approved quickly and efficiently.
  • Real-time tracking and updates: Keeps all stakeholders informed and enables timely decision-making.
  • Cloud-based data storage: Ensures that all project data is secure and accessible.
  • Customizable reporting and analytics: Provides insights into project performance and helps identify areas for improvement.
  • Integration with existing project management software: Enhances collaboration and efficiency by working seamlessly with other tools. In some cases, like with Knowify, change order software is built into a more fully featured construction management and project management software, making change order management completely seamless.
  • Mobile accessibility: Allows teams to manage change orders from anywhere, improving flexibility and responsiveness.

What are the benefits of change order management software?

Implementing change order management software can bring numerous benefits to construction projects. Some of the key advantages include:

  • Reduced project delays and cost overruns: By automating the change order process, teams can quickly address and implement changes, minimizing disruptions.
  • Improved transparency and collaboration: All parties involved have access to the same information, fostering better communication and cooperation.
  • Enhanced accuracy and efficiency: Automated systems reduce the likelihood of human error and streamline the management of change orders.
  • Automated approval process: This reduces the risk of disputes by ensuring that all changes are properly documented and approved.
  • Real-time tracking and updates: Teams can make informed decisions based on the most current data.
  • Reliable data storage: Ensures that all project data is secure and easily accessible.
  • Customizable workflows: The software can ensure a standardized change order process despite the unique needs of each construction project.

How do you implement construction change order management software?

Implementing change order management software requires careful planning and execution. To ensure a smooth transition, consider the following:

  • Collaborate with stakeholders: Define workflows and approval processes to ensure everyone is on the same page.
  • Provide comprehensive training: Ensure that all team members are comfortable using the software.
  • Establish clear communication channels: Address any questions or concerns promptly to avoid misunderstandings.
  • Regularly review software functionality: Ensure that the software continues to meet the evolving needs of your projects.
  • Leverage customer support and resources: Maximize the benefits of the software by utilizing available support and resources.

How do you choose the right construction change order management software?

When selecting change order management software, consider the following factors:

  • Flexibility: Can the software adapt to the unique needs of your construction project?
  • Customization: Can the software be tailored to your specific workflows and approval processes?
  • Integration: Does the software integrate with existing project management software?
  • User experience: Is the software user-friendly and accessible for all team members?
  • Customer support: What level of support and resources does the software provider offer?
  • Cost: What is the total cost of ownership, including any additional fees or subscriptions?

By carefully evaluating these factors, construction teams can choose the right change order management software to streamline their construction change order management process, reduce project delays and cost overruns, and enhance collaboration among parties involved.

How do you manage construction change orders?  

Managing change orders can be a messy process, that’s why clear and timely communication is crucial. It is important to accurately document all change orders, including the scope of work, cost implications, and any schedule adjustments. This helps to avoid confusion and disputes later on.

Before submitting or approving a change order, it is essential to carefully analyze its impact on the project’s budget and schedule. This allows for informed decision-making and minimizes the risk of cost overruns or delays. 

Negotiating the terms of a change order with the client or subcontractors may be necessary. Once agreed upon, the change order should be formally approved to ensure compliance and accountability.

How do you organize change orders? 

Change orders are an important part of project management, allowing for adjustments and modifications to the original scope of work and the costs associated with that work. To manage change orders effectively, Knowify recommends using construction management software that includes change order functionality. This allows you to organize change orders by project, build them quickly and attach important files like images and drawings, get them approved via e-signature, and have any cost changes accurately reflected in your project budget without delay. 

Why should a contractor keep a record of all change orders? 

Keeping a record of all change orders provides clear documentation of any modifications made during the course of a project. This helps avoid any confusion or disputes that may arise later.

Having a complete record of change orders can provide legal protection for the contractor. In case of any claims or disputes, the contractor can refer to the documented change orders as evidence of the agreed-upon modifications.

Most importantly, maintaining a record of change orders helps ensure financial accuracy. It helps the contractor keep track of any additional costs or adjustments to the project budget, ensuring that all parties are aware of any financial implications.

Construction project management software like Knowify makes it easy to organize and maintain a record of change orders for every project so you’re always covered.