Thoutt Bros Concrete automates workflows and streamlines communications - Assignar

Who is Thoutt?

Established in 1961, Thoutt Bros has been in the industry for five decades, making them one of the oldest, family-owned construction companies in Colorado. With a long history of successful projects, Thoutt Bros offers exceptional quality at a competitive price, from large commercial concrete projects to small residential projects.

Thoutt is dedicated to providing first-rate service to its customers. Their commitment to quality hiring, project excellence, and investments in the latest equipment and technology ensures that clients’ projects are completed on time and within budget in any economic environment.

Inefficiencies cost thousands of dollars

Thoutt is a family-owned concrete subcontractor. At any given time, they might have as many as 160 projects across multiple divisions, including commercial, land development, multi-family, wall, and more.

As Thoutt has evolved, they have taken a serious approach to reducing delays, recognizing that communicating and collecting data in real time is essential.

“Every point where we’re not efficient costs us thousands of dollars. It’s the nature of the industry.” – CJ Thoutt, VP/Operations Manager

To deliver quality and efficiency, Thoutt mapped out value-streaming in their operations. While considering the best way to execute their strategy, they discovered Assignar. One of their employees forwarded an email saying, “I think this platform is exactly what we’re looking for.”

Being a large subcontractor, they were excited to explore software that is actually geared towards subcontractors, not just general contractors.

Real-time data changes the game

Real-time information is vital. Thoutt can’t wait two weeks until payroll comes through to understand how they performed on a job.

“With a standard payroll system, you’re not getting the information until… what? A week later? That’s not good enough. I want that data as it’s happening.” – CJ Thoutt, VP/Operations Manager

Getting critical information helps ensure they’re on the path to meet their goals for every project. If something isn’t quite on par, teams are able to shift and realign immediately.

Mobilizations

Previously, Thoutt used a magnetic whiteboard and magnets to plan mobilizations. With as many as 160 ongoing projects and nearly 300 field workers, this system was challenging. Additionally, circumstances in concrete change often.

After implementing Assignar, they initially used both systems. Planning started on the whiteboard and then Assignar was updated to reflect the board. After a few weeks, schedulers shifted to working in Assignar first and then updating the board, all on their own.

Schedules are updated every day to cater to any changes. By 2 pm, notifications are released and shift confirmations are received through the app—no texts, emails, or phone calls.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, office staff were equipped to work from home, and schedulers no longer needed the whiteboard.

Automating with forms

“Honestly, the way that Assignar forms work is incredible!” – CJ Thoutt, VP/Operations Manager

Assignar forms are versatile and invaluable to the business. They are used to trigger administrative workflows within the office, not just in the field.

While each project is unique, Thoutt has standardized processes to ensure quality and timeliness. This system works well, and forms make repeatable processes even quicker.

Assignar forms streamline communication from the office and field. If someone requests a concrete form to a job site, the responsible office staff receives an immediate notification when the form is submitted. Logic jumps based on form answers simplify paperwork and cut down on time.

This is just one example of how forms are leveraged. Thoutt continues to explore ways to eliminate double administrative work with them.

Final thoughts

Thoutt is constantly striving to improve their business. Assignar has transformed the way they work internally and with other contractors in the industry. They can capitalize on their time and effort more than ever as they continue to collect and act on data.

Clients are impressed with the degree to which Thoutt is capturing what goes on at the job site (which can sometimes be a double-edged sword for them).

Currently, Thoutt is in the process of creating a “War Room”—a massive communication center that displays the information they have in Assignar. They are using some of the templated reports from Assignar insights in addition to custom reports that reflect the information they care about.

“We’re super happy and very excited. It has been unbelievable to see the transformation in our business: reduced inefficiencies and delays.” – CJ Thoutt, VP/Operations Manager

Thoutt's vision:

• ​To be the most efficient contractor the industry has worked with.
• ​To present the best, most accurate documentation and continue to scale in Colorado and beyond.
• ​With dedicated teams and Assignar on their side, they are confident they will achieve these goals.