Modernizing Operations: Venture Mechanical’s Shift to Cloud Efficiency with Deltek

For five decades, Venture Mechanical has been a premier mechanical construction and service provider in Texas. Specializing in the new construction and major renovation of commercial, industrial and healthcare facilities, the company has built a reputation for excellence by balancing quality and cost while fostering strong client relationships. To continue delivering top-tier service and scale its operations, Venture Mechanical turned to Deltek ComputerEase to modernize its construction accounting.

The Challenge: Outgrowing an Outdated System

In 2011, Venture Mechanical was operating on an outdated AS/400-based accounting system, CSSI. This system lacked essential functionalities such as importing data and efficient reporting, making it difficult for leadership to gain insights into business performance. James Stines, now CFO, recognized the urgent need for a modern solution.

“I spent about six months evaluating different software solutions, including Microsoft Dynamics and Sage,” Stines recalled. “What stood out about Deltek ComputerEase was its functionality and flexibility. It wasn’t just a flashy dashboard—it actually worked for construction accounting.”

The Solution: A Seamless Transition to Deltek ComputerEase

After attending an industry conference and engaging with enthusiastic ComputerEase users, Venture Mechanical made the switch. The implementation process involved an extensive data migration and a full transition was completed within three months. Despite initial resistance from employees adjusting to a new system, the benefits quickly became apparent. Stines noted, “Once employees got up to speed, they couldn’t believe we didn’t switch to ComputerEase sooner.”

The Results: Improved Efficiency, Visibility and Scalability

Since adopting Deltek ComputerEase, Venture Mechanical has experienced significant improvements across various aspects of its business:

• Real-Time Job Costing: Stines states, “Everything begins with how well your job is doing. If you don’t know how well your job is doing, then you don’t know how well the rest of your company is doing.” Deltek ComputerEase has provided Venture Mechanical with better job costing, tracking and financial visibility, allowing leadership to make informed decisions with real-time data.
• Cloud Transition for Mobility and Security: In 2018, Venture Mechanical moved to the cloud—a decision that proved invaluable when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. “We were able to disperse and keep working seamlessly. The cloud has given us flexibility and security, ensuring we can operate from anywhere.” Previously, backups were done manually, with data stored on CDs that employees took home for safekeeping. This process left them vulnerable, and if a CD got misplaced or something happened to the office itself, they would have lost critical data.
  
  Moving to the cloud eliminated this risk by ensuring automatic, secure backups and real-time data access. With Deltek ComputerEase’s cloud solution, employees can access financial and operational data securely from any location. This has streamlined collaboration, eliminated reliance on physical servers, and reduced the risk of data loss. Additionally, automatic updates and enhanced cybersecurity measures ensure that Venture Mechanical stays ahead with the latest technological advancements. The transition has also saved significant time and resources for both James and the IT lead, who no longer have to manage on-premise servers or manual backup processes. When it comes to deciding whether or not to move to the cloud, James says, “If you are a decent-size business, I'd say absolutely [switch to cloud] because we're all going more mobile.”
• Work-in-Progress (WIP) Tracking: With Deltek ComputerEase, Venture Mechanical can generate accurate and timely WIP reports, ensuring projects stay on track financially. The flexibility of the software allows them to customize reports based on their needs, helping project managers and executives gain better insight into financial performance. “With ComputerEase, we can create WIP reports that show exactly how we want to see the data, making it easier to track project profitability and make informed decisions,” said Stines.
• Scalability and Growth: “We could never be as big and successful as we are if we had stayed on that old system. It would have just been impossible.” The automation and reporting capabilities of ComputerEase have supported Venture Mechanical’s expansion without adding administrative burdens. The ability to generate real-time financial reports and track job costs has allowed the company to manage a higher volume of projects with greater accuracy and efficiency. Additionally, streamlined workflows and improved collaboration between departments have enabled Venture Mechanical to take on larger, more complex projects without straining internal resources.
• Enhanced Support and Continuous Improvements: James Stines has been actively involved with Deltek, attending Deltek ProjectCon for several years and serving on the Customer Advisory Council. “Attending Deltek ProjectCon and joining the Customer Advisory Council has been great. Deltek is listening, investing in development, and providing valuable enhancements.” His participation gives Venture Mechanical a voice in shaping the future of the product, ensuring they stay ahead of industry trends and benefit from the latest advancements in construction technology.

Venture Mechanical’s Continued Success with Deltek ComputerEase

When asked if he would recommend Deltek ComputerEase, Stines had no hesitation. “If you’re in construction, specifically a contractor, ComputerEase is one of the best software solutions you can use. The return on investment has been dramatic—it’s the most successful software we’ve ever purchased.”

With Deltek ComputerEase as a trusted technology partner, Venture Mechanical is well-positioned to continue its legacy of excellence for the next 50 years and beyond.