The math for deriving utilization rate is easy. However, the real-world application of this simple formula to people—in particular those who work for architecture and engineering (A/E) firms—and their productivity isn’t nearly so clear cut.
Financial management systems for architecture and engineering (A/E) firms understandably focus on profitability and budgets. However, in some instances like the sharp decline in revenue that firms are grappling with as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, cash flow is temporarily the top priority.
Effective project planning has always been important for architecture and engineering (A/E) firms. The stresses put on them by the COVID-19 pandemic have made it even more critical that they can schedule the time of their team members, keep the plan accurate, and use that information to make smart business decisions.
We can’t tell you how many times through the years a financial management role has been deemed “non-essential” to the success of the firms we’ve worked for or with. That is, until the time that the effectiveness of a firm’s financial management can make the difference between the business surviving and folding. Now, as the world struggles with a pandemic and the aftermath, is one of those times.