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Darren Hughes MRICS,
Director at Anstey Horne
Dan: What changes have you noticed after using the software for almost a year?
Darren: Getting information is much faster now. Sending information directly to clients through ESTA is quicker too. The software really helps with tracking certificates, cash flow, and costs, making our work easier and faster. It improves various aspects like time, cost, quality, and how we present ourselves professionally to clients.
One feature I really appreciate is the ability to record meeting minutes and immediately turn them into actions. This is a game-changer for me since I don't enjoy paperwork.
Dan: I’ve never met anyone who enjoys doing minutes.
Darren: Minutes can be good or bad. If they’re too long, people lose interest, so I keep them brief—just one line with an action or instruction. There’s no point in recording something if it doesn’t lead to an action. The software allows me to turn minutes into actions quickly and send them out right away. The outputs from ESTA are the focus of our project meetings, so we don’t waste time discussing things that are already documented.
Dan: How has this impacted your role as a director?
Darren: It’s made it easier to involve other team members. The software allows everyone to access the same information, no matter where they are, which saves time. Our project teams are spread out across the country, so it’s great that people can view everything without having to go through spreadsheets during meetings.
Dan: It’s like having a central hub, right?
Darren: Exactly. It’s one place where everyone can go to get the information they need before a call, making our discussions more effective.
Dan: What do you tell new hires about ESTA and why should they use it?
Darren: I tell them it helps directors lead projects and manage staff better. It also improves communication between different roles like quantity surveyors, project managers, and the PD (Project Director). It’s important that everyone stays informed, especially when there are changes to designs or on-site adjustments that affect health and safety.
Dan: What’s been the most surprising result?
Darren: The way it connects all the information together. You only need to enter data once, and it automatically fills in other areas, saving time. The software handles complex datasets and gives us specific outputs that are tailored to our projects, which is a big improvement.
Dan: Knowing what you know now, what would you have done differently in the first few months of using ESTA?
Darren: I would have rolled it out to the building surveying team faster. The software’s benefits are immediate for smaller projects, where speed is essential. It would have saved us time and helped us make a profit quicker.
Dan: What was your biggest concern before using the software, and how has that been addressed?
Darren: I was worried about duplication and errors. ESTA reduces human error significantly, especially when creating certificates. It also simplifies data coordination, cash flow management, and cumulative cost tracking, all of which were more difficult and time-consuming with spreadsheets. With ESTA, everything is more efficient and flexible, provided you use it carefully.
Dan: You were concerned that ESTA might be too rigid compared to Excel, but it turned out to be flexible enough?
Darren: Yes, Excel relies heavily on the user’s skill, while ESTA reduces the chance of errors and offers more functionality. For example, you can easily drag and drop widgets without starting from scratch. In the past, I had to put together lengthy progress reports, but with ESTA, it’s easier to standardise the process and discuss the information more concisely.