In this case study, we will explore how InLigo assisted a client operating in the construction industry vertical, specifically McCleskey Construction, in effectively managing their daily activities at job sites and streamlining their reporting processes. McCleskey Construction, a renowned mausoleum and memorialization design-build company headquartered in Buford, Georgia, faced various challenges related to reporting daily activities by project managers and supervisors in the field. To address these challenges, they sought a cost-effective solution that would provide them with full ownership of the application and allow for customization, integration, and control over their reporting needs.
They have a wonderful team, that are extremely helpful in taking care of our IT needs. InLigo developed a specific app for our company that we use every day and love it! They are stuck with us!
Client Challenges
The key pain points and challenges encountered by McCleskey Construction were as follows:
- Cost of Maintenance: The existing application used for reporting daily activities incurred significant maintenance expenses, prompting the client’s search for a more cost-effective solution that would grant them full ownership.
- Reliance on External Services: The current application limited the client’s control over updates, customization, and scalability, as they depended on external service providers for maintenance and support.
- Customization Limitations: The existing application did not fully align with McCleskey Construction’s unique reporting needs, posing challenges in customization to suit their workflows, data requirements, and reporting formats.
- Integration with Existing Systems: Difficulties arose in integrating the existing application with McCleskey Construction’s internal systems, resulting in manual workarounds, duplicated efforts, and data inconsistencies.
- Ownership and Control: Relying on an external application limited the client’s ownership and control, impeding modifications, addition of new features, and ensuring data security according to their specific requirements.
Microsoft Power App Solution
To overcome these challenges and gain increased control, customization capabilities, integration options, and cost-effectiveness, McCleskey Construction outlined the following requirements for a new business application using Microsoft Power Apps:
- Customized Functionality: The application should be tailored to meet the specific requirements of the mausoleum construction industry, encompassing essential functionalities to cater to their unique needs.
- Seamless Microsoft 365 Integration: Integration with Microsoft Teams and SharePoint was crucial for effortless storage, access, collaboration, and information sharing within McCleskey Construction’s existing workflow.
- User-Friendly Interface: The application should have an intuitive and user-friendly interface, promoting easy adoption and utilization by all team members.
- Advanced Reporting Features: The application should offer advanced reporting capabilities, including picture capture, note-taking, and job categories, to ensure accurate and detailed reporting for informed decision-making.
- Administration Control: The application should provide administrative control over reports, team members, project managers, and the underlying SQL database, facilitating efficient management and customization.
InLigo Solution
To address these requirements, InLigo implemented a comprehensive solution process, leveraging Microsoft Power App services. The process involved the following steps:
- Requirement Gathering: InLigo collaborated closely with McCleskey Construction to understand their pain points, challenges, and specific requirements related to daily activity reporting, picture-taking, and note documentation.
- Design and Customization: Based on the gathered requirements, InLigo designed a tailored solution using Microsoft Power Apps, ensuring alignment with the client’s industry-specific needs.
- Microsoft 365 Integration: InLigo seamlessly integrated the developed application with Microsoft Exchange and SharePoint, facilitating storage, access, and collaboration of job summary reports within McCleskey Construction’s workflow.
- User-Friendly Interface: InLigo prioritized creating an intuitive and user-friendly interface for the application, enabling easy adoption and utilization by all team members. Training and onboarding support were provided to ensure smooth user adoption.
- Advanced Reporting Features: The application incorporated advanced reporting features, including picture capture, note-taking, and job categories, enabling detailed reporting and providing valuable insights for project managers.
- Administration and Control: Robust administration and control features were implemented, granting McCleskey Construction’s administrators control over reports, team members, project managers, and the underlying SQL database.
- Testing and Deployment: Thorough testing was conducted to ensure the application’s functionality, reliability, and performance. The application was then deployed in collaboration with McCleskey Construction’s IT team.
- Training and Support: InLigo provided comprehensive training to users, administrators, and project managers, along with ongoing support and maintenance services.
By following this solution process, InLigo successfully developed a customized business application using Microsoft Power App services, addressing McCleskey Construction’s pain points, challenges, and requirements. The application provided a user-friendly interface, advanced reporting features, seamless integration with Microsoft 365, and robust administration control. This empowered McCleskey Construction to enhance their daily activity reporting, streamline project management processes, and achieve greater operational efficiency.