Cordell Connect: Building competition through real-time data
20 May 2002
Competition for the supply of goods and services is set to skyrocket within the Australian building and construction industry, thanks to the release today of a new internet-based technology allowing project data to be accessed in real-time.
Australia's building and construction industry is already recognised as one of the most competitive in the world, but with companies now able to access up-to-the-minute information online, bidding for work will become more aggressive than ever.
According to the Managing Director of Cordell Information Services, Rob Wild, the technology called Cordell Connect allows groups such as suppliers, manufacturers, contractors and builders to access new project data as soon as the details are lodged with Cordell. The users will be able to scan project information for new business opportunities daily from any internet connection, giving them a head start on competitors.
"While information was updated into software products on a weekly basis before, sales teams now have access to all the data they need in real-time. This means those with access to the technology could stay anywhere up to a week ahead of their counterparts in everything from sales calls to submitting quotes and tenders," explained Wild.
"The technology has been used in the US and Canada for the past 18 months and has been selling faster than it can be installed," he said.
The online delivery of project information is ideal for both single users and those accessing a multi-user system. The absence of software also negates the need for IT staff resources to perform installation, maintenance or technical support, making it highly cost effective.
"The value is not just for the ground staff," said Wild. "Sales managers can also use the system as a monitoring tool for industry analysis and to see which of their competitors won particular business. It's also useful for keeping track of general sales activity, the success of individual reps and as a planning tool for marketing."
Cordell Connect is entirely tailored for each user. The web interface can be customised by geography, territory, project value or stage of the project's construction. The data is also Microsoft Outlook compatible, allowing users to set tasks and calendar reminders.
Cordell Building Information Services is a cutting-edge organisation with more than 30 years' experience in the collection of industry data and the provision of timely, accurate reports on project activity and costing to the building and construction industries.