Automating construction disbursement schedules means using software to track project progress and automatically trigger payments according to predefined milestones and timelines. Define your schedule, connect project tracking data, set approval triggers, automate inspector assignments, configure fund release, and track in real-time so draws happen on schedule without manual coordination.
Automating Construction Disbursement Schedules: Build Your Payment Pipeline
Construction projects live or die by disbursement schedules. When payments happen on time, projects move. When they don't, everything stalls. The difference between manual and automated disbursement schedules is the difference between weeks of delay and days of efficiency.
Step 1: Define Your Disbursement Schedule Template
For each project type, create a template specifying:
- Number of draws
- Milestone triggers
- Draw amounts
- Timeline targets
- Retainage percentage
- Required documentation
Step 2: Connect Your Project Tracking Data
Integrate with systems like Procore so completion data flows automatically. When contractors update progress, your loan system sees it instantly.
Step 3: Set Approval Triggers and Automation Rules
Define rules like: "When milestone reaches 90% complete, automatically request inspection." These rules orchestrate the workflow.
Step 4: Automate Inspector Assignment
Instead of calling inspectors, the system automatically identifies available inspectors, sends them project details, and schedules within 24 hours.
Step 5: Enable Mobile-First Inspections
Inspectors complete work on-site with the Sekady app. Photos sync immediately. No return-to-office delays.
Step 6: Configure Conditional Approvals
Route routine draws to auto-approval. Route complex draws to committees. Complex draws still get proper review, but routine ones move fast.
Step 7: Monitor with Real-Time Dashboards
See all active draws, their status, and any delays. Dashboard alerts tell you when draws exceed time targets.
The Complete Draw Automation Workflow
When fully automated:
- Milestone completion triggers draw request prompt
- Inspection scheduled automatically within 24 hours
- Inspector reports same day via mobile app
- Draws route to appropriate approvers based on risk
- Routine draws auto-approve
- Payment initiates automatically
- Ledger updates automatically
- Contractor receives payment in 3-5 days instead of 15-30 days
Key Metrics to Track
- Time from submission to funded
- Draw submission rate (% on schedule)
- Inspection cycle time
- Approval cycle time
- Draw accuracy
- Contractor satisfaction
Conclusion: Automated disbursement schedules are your competitive edge. You disburse capital 8x faster, scale to 5x more projects with the same team, and reduce errors dramatically.
