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Ascent leads GS Construction through new ERP selection & implementation, saving them over 40%

Ascent's operational design process helped fix previously unforeseen operational inefficiencies, expand their business, and grow the company. Following a successful ERP software selection process, Ascent negotiated a big discount for GS Construction when a third party delayed implementation. Now, they're confidently using their newly integrated accounting software and continuing to expand.

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Location: Lawrenceville, GA

As one of Georgia's most highly regarded municipal contracting companies, GS Construction Inc. has the credentials, experience, and resources to tackle large utility infrastructure projects. ​ With over 30 years of experience in utility construction, they've been providing service on storm drains, water lines, sewers, concrete curbs, gutters, sidewalks, and more for decades.

Annual Revenue: $20M+

GS Construction's leadership knew the company was growing and wanted an organizational structure that provided stability for growth, as well as accounting software that matched their needs. Since starting work with Ascent, GS has been able to grow significantly in size, and handle the growth with ease using their customized Operations Manual.

Operational Design

In our overhaul of a client's Operational Design, Ascent performs a thorough investigation of the business, operational structure, and finances. We then develop and implement standardized processes, procedures, workflows, and protocols (along with a few industry best practices) across the organization. 

A more efficient and risk-averse
operational structure

When Ascent started our Discovery process with GS Construction, we found that the lack of formal policies, processes, protocols, and job descriptions made it difficult for them to organize projects and perform work for higher profitability. The company had also outgrown QuickBooks and needed new accounting software. Our Operational Design process helped GS achieve new levels of efficiency, performance, and profitability.

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Increase efficiency in project scheduling, organization, and performance
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Provide leadership coaching through the change management process
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Create a platform that encouraged and supported exponential growth
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Identify, define, and document the specific responsibilities for each role
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Share industry best practices for Project Management
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Choose and implement an accounting software that allowed for growth.
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Ensure that each role is designed to grow with the company and future employees
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Provide insight into profit drivers and areas of opportunity for improvement
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Create an Operations Manual that documented operational standards
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Ascent helps clients improve in all areas, including operations, project management, finance, marketing, and more!

Ascent's experience helped GS save money after a third party delayed software implementation

When a vendor delayed the implementation of their new accounting software, Ascent Consulting championed GS Construction to renegotiate the implementation cost from $91k to $57k. After hundreds of software implementations, our project teams know how to save clients time, money, and frustration.


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"Thank you, Ascent, for supporting and guiding us during this key business transition."

— James Claflin, Controller


 

40%

Negotiated price reduction for vendor-delayed software implementation

11

New company and project processes/
workflows were created

22

Job descriptions were fully integrated with the newly created processes

Ready to maximize efficiency and profitability?

Choosing the Perfect Accounting Software

Ascent began by conducting a needs assessment to determine which new accounting software platforms could potentially work for GS Construction. Next, we scheduled and attended software demonstrations to help them evaluate and determine which platform would best suit their needs, then facilitated conversations between vendors and the client to ensure the client's needs and questions were addressed during demos. During this process, our team also assisted in negotiating pricing for the selected  software platform, and coached GS through the entire data migration and implementation process.

When a vendor was delaying the implementation process, Ascent assisted in re-negotiating the contract—saving the client 40% on the overall implementation and providing expedited service.


Forming a Comprehensive Operations Manual

To facilitate the creation of a comprehensive Operations Manual, Ascent led two onsite process mapping workshops. This helped our team create digital process maps that incorporated hyperlink instructions for completing tasks and processes in the new software platform. Throughout this process, roles & responsibilities were clearly defined and fully integrated into the new processes.

GS Construction now has an Operations and Training Manual that details the integrated processes, roles, and new software platform. They have also grown from 12 to 22 employees in one year and have utilized the output of the Operational Design project to train their new employees.

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Meet the team on this project:

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Greg Gorman
Senior Consultant

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Carolyn Bahr
Senior Project Coordinator

Transform your business with Ascent Consulting:

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Ascent's Operational Design

Profitability is directly related to repeatability: getting everyone in the organization to operate the same way.

When everyone is aligned and operating in unison, then it becomes easier to add people (superintendents, project managers, estimators, accountants, administrators) and achieve consistent and repeatable results.

By getting everyone aligned and operating from the same model of processes and systems, the business becomes more efficient and easier for owners to manage.

Check out all of Ascent’s Operational Design resources >

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Operational Assessment

Our expert construction business consultants have helped over a hundred construction companies to improve performance and profits.

We’ve developed a proprietary Comprehensive Operational Assessment process based on our first-hand experience working with growing Construction Companies.

Learn more about Ascent's comprehensive Operational Assessment and more operational services >