Designing Buildings - User contributions [en]

Guide to managing construction projects

2018-06-06T18:07:01Z

RaptorPM:

In this guide to managing construction projects we cover the technical skills along with the deployment of construction project management software to keep projects on track.

This guide to managing construction projects also includes best practice tips to help avoid pitfalls on construction projects. It provides specific advice to help complete a construction project with success.

[[File:Construction_management.jpg|link=File:Construction_management.jpg]]

Construction project phases

Construction projects have clear phases within their lifecycles – concept, planning, implementation, control and close out. These give guidance on how to get things done on budget and on time. Skipping any will likely mean your project is running out of control.

This will include setting up the project phases and defining deliverables for each milestone.

Most projects that follow best practice use the following main phases:

# Conception. Before you plan anything investigate the feasibility of the project. Complete a project feasibility report. This should include costs, deliverables, timelines, and how and why it will be done.
# Planning. Once the project has the go ahead with scope, budgets and timelines set, start planning how to achieve each phase. Complete a work breakdown structure for each part of the construction project. Allocate resources and setup a schedule in construction project management software. Make sure to include every last task with timelines and costs assigned.
# Implementation. Implementation begins when people actually start the physical work. This is when the construction of the building occurs. You need to keep on top of:
## Time management. Keep track of time. Use the schedule to compare estimated times to finish against actual completion times.
## Managing costs. You should already have estimated costs against each task in the schedule. Add in actual costs on completion of each task.
## Managing quality. Quality management is vital for the quality of the end product. Without processes and procedures to ensure the quality of every aspect of the build, there is no way to maintain a quality build.
## Managing change. Good processes for change management make changes simple to execute. Construction management software can manage the change process for you. This makes it simple for all stakeholders to access with transparency.
## Managing risks. Risks should already be logged into a risk register. Keep a close eye on these so you can mitigate them before they occur.
# Keeping control. Keeping control is really part of implementation. It is all about staying on top of the costs, risks and meeting timelines to get those milestone payments.
# Project close out. Wrapping it up is an important part of the construction project process. To close out a project write a report, address any outstanding issues, file any administrative paperwork for completion and redistribute resources no longer required on the project.

[[w/index.php?title=W/index.php%3Ftitle%3DSpecial:Upload%26wpDestFile%3DAc55ac_56930af39a32411e9cb99a78746f1992%7Emv2.jpg&action=edit&redlink=1|File:Ac55ac 56930af39a32411e9cb99a78746f1992~mv2.jpg]] Setting up roles and management systems

All construction projects have clear roles with responsibilities assigned, along with management systems to make everyone accountable. It is important for the success of a project that there are clear leaders with good communications skills to lead the construction team.

Assign roles and responsibilities to team members with matching skills. Take advantage of people’s key strengths to get the best outcomes.

Managing quality assurance

How do you manage quality assurance? This takes knowledge of legislation and regulations. You also need to know how to set up processes to maintain quality assurance during each project phase. Construction projects have to meet many standards. Missing anything can mean expensive repairs after completion. And, a loss of your reputation.

Tracking and identifying variances

Tracking is vital to any construction project. It allows for the identification and resolution of project variances. Using [https://www.raptorpm.com/construction-project-software construction project software] can take care of everything you need. Reports, cost overruns schedule slippages can all be identified and reported on automatically. You need ways of measuring the performance of the project that you can apply to the work breakdown structure and any other parts of the work. Examples of measurements you can use include:

* Budgeted cost of work. This is the scheduled cost in the budget for the scheduled work.
* Actual cost of work. This is the cost of work completed at any time according to the organization’s accounting system.
* Budgeted cost of work performed. This is the earned value of the completed work at any nominated time.
* Estimated cost at completion. This is the expected cost to complete the construction project calculated at any given point in a project.

By using the work breakdown structure as the basis for project tracking it helps to establish a project baseline. This gives you something to measure against.

These best practices are interrelated. By missing any of these, your project will run into trouble. With the complexity of managing construction projects, project managers need all the tools available. [https://www.raptorpm.com/ Construction project management software] makes it easy to track projects with transparency. It also helps when dealing with the change process and alerting to potential risks all in a central database. We hope you enjoyed reading this guide to managing construction projects.

[[Category:Construction_management]]

Guide to managing construction projects

2018-06-06T18:05:10Z

RaptorPM:

In this guide to managing construction projects we cover the technical skills along with the deployment of construction project management software to keep projects on track.

This guide to managing construction projects also includes best practice tips to help avoid pitfalls on construction projects. It provides specific advice to help complete a construction project with success.

[[File:Construction management.jpg]]

[[w/index.php?title=Special:Upload&wpDestFile=Ac55ac_bb311665047c4abc89fed8bd090559ea%7Emv2.jpg|File:Ac55ac bb311665047c4abc89fed8bd090559ea~mv2.jpg]] Construction project phases

Construction projects have clear phases within their lifecycles – concept, planning, implementation, control and close out. These give guidance on how to get things done on budget and on time. Skipping any will likely mean your project is running out of control.

This will include setting up the project phases and defining deliverables for each milestone.

Most projects that follow best practice use the following main phases:

# Conception. Before you plan anything investigate the feasibility of the project. Complete a project feasibility report. This should include costs, deliverables, timelines, and how and why it will be done.
# Planning. Once the project has the go ahead with scope, budgets and timelines set, start planning how to achieve each phase. Complete a work breakdown structure for each part of the construction project. Allocate resources and setup a schedule in construction project management software. Make sure to include every last task with timelines and costs assigned.
# Implementation. Implementation begins when people actually start the physical work. This is when the construction of the building occurs. You need to keep on top of:
## Time management. Keep track of time. Use the schedule to compare estimated times to finish against actual completion times.
## Managing costs. You should already have estimated costs against each task in the schedule. Add in actual costs on completion of each task.
## Managing quality. Quality management is vital for the quality of the end product. Without processes and procedures to ensure the quality of every aspect of the build, there is no way to maintain a quality build.
## Managing change. Good processes for change management make changes simple to execute. Construction management software can manage the change process for you. This makes it simple for all stakeholders to access with transparency.
## Managing risks. Risks should already be logged into a risk register. Keep a close eye on these so you can mitigate them before they occur.
# Keeping control. Keeping control is really part of implementation. It is all about staying on top of the costs, risks and meeting timelines to get those milestone payments.
# Project close out. Wrapping it up is an important part of the construction project process. To close out a project write a report, address any outstanding issues, file any administrative paperwork for completion and redistribute resources no longer required on the project.

[[w/index.php?title=Special:Upload&wpDestFile=Ac55ac_56930af39a32411e9cb99a78746f1992%7Emv2.jpg|File:Ac55ac 56930af39a32411e9cb99a78746f1992~mv2.jpg]] Setting up roles and management systems

All construction projects have clear roles with responsibilities assigned, along with management systems to make everyone accountable. It is important for the success of a project that there are clear leaders with good communications skills to lead the construction team.

Assign roles and responsibilities to team members with matching skills. Take advantage of people’s key strengths to get the best outcomes.

Managing quality assurance

How do you manage quality assurance? This takes knowledge of legislation and regulations. You also need to know how to set up processes to maintain quality assurance during each project phase. Construction projects have to meet many standards. Missing anything can mean expensive repairs after completion. And, a loss of your reputation.

Tracking and identifying variances

Tracking is vital to any construction project. It allows for the identification and resolution of project variances. Using [https://www.raptorpm.com/construction-project-software construction project software] can take care of everything you need. Reports, cost overruns schedule slippages can all be identified and reported on automatically. You need ways of measuring the performance of the project that you can apply to the work breakdown structure and any other parts of the work. Examples of measurements you can use include:

* Budgeted cost of work. This is the scheduled cost in the budget for the scheduled work.
* Actual cost of work. This is the cost of work completed at any time according to the organization’s accounting system.
* Budgeted cost of work performed. This is the earned value of the completed work at any nominated time.
* Estimated cost at completion. This is the expected cost to complete the construction project calculated at any given point in a project.

By using the work breakdown structure as the basis for project tracking it helps to establish a project baseline. This gives you something to measure against.

These best practices are interrelated. By missing any of these, your project will run into trouble. With the complexity of managing construction projects, project managers need all the tools available. [https://www.raptorpm.com/ Construction project management software] makes it easy to track projects with transparency. It also helps when dealing with the change process and alerting to potential risks all in a central database. We hope you enjoyed reading this guide to managing construction projects.

[[Category:Construction_management]]

File:Construction management.jpg

2018-06-06T18:03:55Z

RaptorPM: uploaded a new version of "File:Construction management.jpg": construction project management

construction project management

File:Construction management software.jpg

2018-06-06T18:02:28Z

RaptorPM:

Guide to managing construction projects

2018-06-06T18:01:15Z

RaptorPM: Created page with "In this guide to managing construction projects we cover the technical skills along with the deployment of construction project management software to keep projects on track. Th..."

In this guide to managing construction projects we cover the technical skills along with the deployment of construction project management software to keep projects on track.

This guide to managing construction projects also includes best practice tips to help avoid pitfalls on construction projects. It provides specific advice to help complete a construction project with success.

[[File:ac55ac_bb311665047c4abc89fed8bd090559ea~mv2.jpg]] Construction project phases

Construction projects have clear phases within their lifecycles – concept, planning, implementation, control and close out. These give guidance on how to get things done on budget and on time. Skipping any will likely mean your project is running out of control.

This will include setting up the project phases and defining deliverables for each milestone.

Most projects that follow best practice use the following main phases:

# Conception. Before you plan anything investigate the feasibility of the project. Complete a project feasibility report. This should include costs, deliverables, timelines, and how and why it will be done.
# Planning. Once the project has the go ahead with scope, budgets and timelines set, start planning how to achieve each phase. Complete a work breakdown structure for each part of the construction project. Allocate resources and setup a schedule in construction project management software. Make sure to include every last task with timelines and costs assigned.
# Implementation. Implementation begins when people actually start the physical work. This is when the construction of the building occurs. You need to keep on top of:
## Time management. Keep track of time. Use the schedule to compare estimated times to finish against actual completion times.
## Managing costs. You should already have estimated costs against each task in the schedule. Add in actual costs on completion of each task.
## Managing quality. Quality management is vital for the quality of the end product. Without processes and procedures to ensure the quality of every aspect of the build, there is no way to maintain a quality build.
## Managing change. Good processes for change management make changes simple to execute. Construction management software can manage the change process for you. This makes it simple for all stakeholders to access with transparency.
## Managing risks. Risks should already be logged into a risk register. Keep a close eye on these so you can mitigate them before they occur.
# Keeping control. Keeping control is really part of implementation. It is all about staying on top of the costs, risks and meeting timelines to get those milestone payments.
# Project close out. Wrapping it up is an important part of the construction project process. To close out a project write a report, address any outstanding issues, file any administrative paperwork for completion and redistribute resources no longer required on the project.

[[File:ac55ac_56930af39a32411e9cb99a78746f1992~mv2.jpg]] Setting up roles and management systems

All construction projects have clear roles with responsibilities assigned, along with management systems to make everyone accountable. It is important for the success of a project that there are clear leaders with good communications skills to lead the construction team.

Assign roles and responsibilities to team members with matching skills. Take advantage of people’s key strengths to get the best outcomes.

Managing quality assurance

How do you manage quality assurance? This takes knowledge of legislation and regulations. You also need to know how to set up processes to maintain quality assurance during each project phase. Construction projects have to meet many standards. Missing anything can mean expensive repairs after completion. And, a loss of your reputation.

Tracking and identifying variances

Tracking is vital to any construction project. It allows for the identification and resolution of project variances. Using [https://www.raptorpm.com/construction-project-software construction project software] can take care of everything you need. Reports, cost overruns schedule slippages can all be identified and reported on automatically. You need ways of measuring the performance of the project that you can apply to the work breakdown structure and any other parts of the work. Examples of measurements you can use include:

* Budgeted cost of work. This is the scheduled cost in the budget for the scheduled work.
* Actual cost of work. This is the cost of work completed at any time according to the organization’s accounting system.
* Budgeted cost of work performed. This is the earned value of the completed work at any nominated time.
* Estimated cost at completion. This is the expected cost to complete the construction project calculated at any given point in a project.

By using the work breakdown structure as the basis for project tracking it helps to establish a project baseline. This gives you something to measure against.

These best practices are interrelated. By missing any of these, your project will run into trouble. With the complexity of managing construction projects, project managers need all the tools available. [https://www.raptorpm.com/ Construction project management software] makes it easy to track projects with transparency. It also helps when dealing with the change process and alerting to potential risks all in a central database. We hope you enjoyed reading this guide to managing construction projects.

[[Category:Construction_management]]

Signs you need construction project management software

2018-03-06T12:30:55Z

RaptorPM:

Are you using construction management software? These signs can show you how it can transform the way you deliver construction projects. The nature of the construction industry is changing as technology and materials drive different challenges. In today's environment profit margins are down, compliance increases and the need to streamline every task is a constant battle. Technology has changed the way we do things. Automate time consuming processes and procedures that make your life as a project manager easier. You may think how is that going to help you on a construction project. But, there are many ways you can digitise work processes and procedures to speed up the work and cut costs. If you relate to any of the following, maybe it is a sign you need to invest in construction management software.

[[File:Construction-project.jpg|link=File:Construction-project.jpg]]

== Common construction project challenges ==

When work is frustrating, fraught with never-ending challenges, you need to rethink the way you do things. You need construction management software. Here are some common challenges construction projects face every day:

* Difficulties tracking the schedule. Are you still using spreadsheets to setup work schedules?
* Lack of consistency for verifying finished work.
* There is no way of tracking potential issues. This can result in major project hold ups because you find out too late to avoid the consequences.
* Team members rely on outdated information and documents. There is no central system for team members to access the latest information as they work.
* No record of who did what on the project.
* There is only an Excel spreadsheet to show a client how the project is tracking.
* Key project milestones come and go without completion.
* Using different software for different parts of the project without them being linked together.
* Costs keep going up or there are penalties for missed milestones.

If you relate to any or all these, then it is time to instal construction software to help you stay ahead to deliver on time and on budget. Construction management software is a good long-term investment for the business.

== More data to track ==

Modern technology, designs and processes in construction delivery means there is more data to track. With the advancement of building technology, it is more important than ever to keep up with changes. This is far easier to achieve by deploying industry specific software that helps manage all aspects of your construction project. It should also act as a central storage system for all project documents, meaning everyone has easy online access 24/7. This then links in to the overall project schedule, where anyone can run an analysis to see the impact of changes.

== Lack of transparency ==

Using old project management techniques can mean your project progress has a lack of transparency. It takes good analysis from before you start building to after completion to achieve success. Good construction management software gives you real-time tracking of tasks and activities. This makes it easy to see how each project is progressing so you can keep it moving trouble free.

== Scheduling work and tasks ==

Having trouble keeping track of who is doing what? Construction project management software takes care of work schedules. At a click of the mouse you can assign tasks, budgets, and timelines to your team. Construction software can alert and solve any issues with things like the unavailability of equipment, shortage of warehouse space, missing equipment, staff shortages and miscommunication. Using construction management software is a faster way to manage construction projects. It can make life stress-free.

== Drowning in disorganization ==

Are you drowning in disorganization doing things the old way? You keep missing milestones and have no idea how the project is tracking. Is this costing the company in penalties for not completing milestones on time? It is time to get organised. Use construction management software to put your life and project back on track. It will give your project a structure with a detailed schedule of tasks, a budget and completion dates. When a process finishes or changes, everyone involved gets notified with automatic updates. There are so many people involved in a construction project – architects, subcontractors, designer, suppliers and stakeholders. Project software gives everyone the information they need to complete tasks on time and on budget.

== Poor cost estimates ==

When you find your cost estimates fall short there must be a better way. Using technology takes the guesswork out of costing. It helps to manage the budget, cost changes, extra costs and any cost cutting. Construction management software can do all this and more. It can resolve, generate and submit invoices when setup to do this automatically. Construction projects work on tight budgets, so you cannot afford to make financial mistakes. These can be disastrous for a project resulting in costing the bottom line money. Construction software tracks accounts payable and receivable, and maintains your financial data securely.

== Moving to the cloud ==

No longer do you have the security or management issues of databases. Construction project management software moves everything to the cloud. This means that when you update something it updates across all views. Everyone with permission can view information permanently stored in the cloud. All they need is a smartphone or suitable device. So, now is the time to change from the old way of doing things if you do not already use construction management software.

--[[User:RaptorPM|RaptorPM]] 12:30, 06 Mar 2018 (BST)

[[Category:Construction_management]]

Signs you need construction project management software

2018-03-06T12:28:44Z

RaptorPM:

Signs you need construction project management software

2018-03-06T12:26:11Z

RaptorPM: Created page with "Are you using construction management software? These signs can show you how it can transform the way you deliver construction projects. The nature of the construction industry i..."

Are you using construction management software? These signs can show you how it can transform the way you deliver construction projects. The nature of the construction industry is changing as technology and materials drive different challenges. In today's environment profit margins are down, compliance increases and the need to streamline every task is a constant battle. Technology has changed the way we do things. Automate time consuming processes and procedures that make your life as a project manager easier. You may think how is that going to help you on a construction project. But, there are many ways you can digitise work processes and procedures to speed up the work and cut costs. If you relate to any of the following, maybe it is a sign you need to invest in construction management software.

[[File:Construction-project.jpg]]

== Common construction project challenges ==

When work is frustrating, fraught with never-ending challenges, you need to rethink the way you do things. You need construction management software. Here are some common challenges construction projects face every day:

* Difficulties tracking the schedule. Are you still using spreadsheets to setup work schedules?
* Lack of consistency for verifying finished work.
* There is no way of tracking potential issues. This can result in major project hold ups because you find out too late to avoid the consequences.
* Team members rely on outdated information and documents. There is no central system for team members to access the latest information as they work.
* No record of who did what on the project.
* There is only an Excel spreadsheet to show a client how the project is tracking.
* Key project milestones come and go without completion.
* Using different software for different parts of the project without them being linked together.
* Costs keep going up or there are penalties for missed milestones.

If you relate to any or all these, then it is time to instal construction software to help you stay ahead to deliver on time and on budget. Construction management software is a good long-term investment for the business.

== More data to track ==

Modern technology, designs and processes in construction delivery means there is more data to track. With the advancement of building technology, it is more important than ever to keep up with changes. This is far easier to achieve by deploying industry specific software that helps manage all aspects of your construction project. It should also act as a central storage system for all project documents, meaning everyone has easy online access 24/7. This then links in to the overall project schedule, where anyone can run an analysis to see the impact of changes.

== Lack of transparency ==

Using old project management techniques can mean your project progress has a lack of transparency. It takes good analysis from before you start building to after completion to achieve success. Good construction management software gives you real-time tracking of tasks and activities. This makes it easy to see how each project is progressing so you can keep it moving trouble free.

== Scheduling work and tasks ==

Having trouble keeping track of who is doing what? Construction project management software takes care of work schedules. At a click of the mouse you can assign tasks, budgets, and timelines to your team. Construction software can alert and solve any issues with things like the unavailability of equipment, shortage of warehouse space, missing equipment, staff shortages and miscommunication. Using construction management software is a faster way to manage construction projects. It can make life stress-free.

== Drowning in disorganization ==

Are you drowning in disorganization doing things the old way? You keep missing milestones and have no idea how the project is tracking. Is this costing the company in penalties for not completing milestones on time? It is time to get organised. Use construction management software to put your life and project back on track. It will give your project a structure with a detailed schedule of tasks, a budget and completion dates. When a process finishes or changes, everyone involved gets notified with automatic updates. There are so many people involved in a construction project – architects, subcontractors, designer, suppliers and stakeholders. Project software gives everyone the information they need to complete tasks on time and on budget.

== Poor cost estimates ==

When you find your cost estimates fall short there must be a better way. Using technology takes the guesswork out of costing. It helps to manage the budget, cost changes, extra costs and any cost cutting. Construction management software can do all this and more. It can resolve, generate and submit invoices when setup to do this automatically. Construction projects work on tight budgets, so you cannot afford to make financial mistakes. These can be disastrous for a project resulting in costing the bottom line money. Construction software tracks accounts payable and receivable, and maintains your financial data securely.

== Moving to the cloud ==

No longer do you have the security or management issues of databases. Construction project management software moves everything to the cloud. This means that when you update something it updates across all views. Everyone with permission can view information permanently stored in the cloud. All they need is a smartphone or suitable device. So, now is the time to change from the old way of doing things if you do not already use construction management software. [[Category:Construction_management]]

File:File:Construction management.jpg

2018-03-06T12:22:15Z

RaptorPM: Created page with " "

File:Construction management.jpg

2018-03-06T12:21:39Z

RaptorPM: construction project management

construction project management

User:RaptorPM

2018-03-06T12:16:03Z

RaptorPM:

RaptorPM is a secure, scalable [https://www.raptorpm.com/construction-project-software construction project management] platform, bringing together project management, risk management, scheduling and workflow management and collaboration tools that allows users to deliver on their projects without hampering their productivity. PM managers, contractors, sub-contractors, partners, clients and anyone involved can easily track project progress, communicate the data and contribute to project success.

The combination of our RaptorPM software and experienced project management team enables AEC organizations to deliver 24/7 real-time project control and visibility across all projects across all locations. RaptorPM suite of modules are highly configurable to each customer’s specific business processes.