Construction Software Companies & Consultants in Chattanooga, TN

SurfN, formally Surf N Development, is a custom software firm working out of the Chattanooga Software Center on Saint Elmo Avenue in Chattanooga, Tennessee. It has built internet-based business systems since 1996. Its pitch is to replace the scattered collection of disconnected programs that many companies use with one integrated system. For contractors and trade service companies, this means software designed around their own field, office and accounting workflows rather than a packaged product with fixed features.

Who SurfN Works With

The team has worked with small firms, large corporations and start-ups, and it scales each project to the client's requirements and budget. Its testimonial list includes two construction contractors, Ledco Construction and Sexton Construction, and two HVAC companies, Reliable Heating And Air and Scenic City HVAC. Clients from other sectors include TSRaulston, The Hayter Group, Coldwell Banker, Citi Commerce Solutions and Groome Transportation / Express Shuttle. These clients show that the firm serves both building trades and companies outside construction.

Capabilities Relevant to Construction

The firm lists the following types of systems it has delivered. Several of them address common needs of contractors and field service businesses:

• Enterprise accounting, including receivables, payables, general ledger, AIA-format progress billing, and payroll for both the US and Canada
• Mobile field management for phones and tablets, with dispatch, flat-rate pricing, job photo capture, checklists and GPS tracking
• Mapping and location tools, such as location-based time tracking, daily logs, interactive maps, address suggestion and correction, and arrival time estimates
• Warehouse and inventory control with bar coding, serialized components, warehouse mapping and shipping quotes
• Automated banking through NACHA files, credit card and e-check processing, and OFX
• Telecommunications features, including call tracking, recording, transcription, call center functions and SMS alerts
• E-commerce catalogs and carts, plus graphic tools such as a flow chart builder and image editing

Technology and Approach

SurfN builds on Unix and Linux and describes its work as cloud computing. It says its systems help clients lower operating costs, grow sales, reduce waste, avoid viruses and get better reporting. A project starts with a confidential consultation, where the team discusses openly whether custom software would help the business and, if it would, how. Founder Alan Field stresses lasting client relationships, and prospective clients deal directly with Alan or Susan. Staffing comes through the Chattanooga Software Center.

What Sets It Apart

SurfN has nearly three decades of development history and offers accounting, field operations, inventory and payments within one system. According to the firm, some clients reduced spending on energy, communications, travel and human resources after adopting its software. Others used it to launch new services and revenue streams.

Buyers should note that SurfN is a custom development partner rather than a vendor of an off-the-shelf construction application. It is best suited to contractors who want software designed around their specific processes.