Signs you need construction project management software

1 Introduction
2 Common construction project challenges
3 More data to track
4 Lack of transparency
5 Scheduling work and tasks
6 Disorganisation
7 Poor cost estimates
8 Moving to the cloud
9 Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki

[edit] Introduction

The nature of the construction industry is changing as technology and materials drive different challenges. In today's environment profit margins are down, compliance requirements are increasing and the need to streamline every task is a constant battle.

Technology has changed the way we do things, automating time consuming processes and procedures that make work as a project manager easier.There are many ways to digitise work processes and procedures to speed up activities and cut costs.

[edit] Common construction project challenges

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Team members rely on outdated information and documents.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.

It may be 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.

[edit] 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 a 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.

[edit] Lack of transparency

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

[edit] Scheduling work and tasks

Construction project management software can take 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 such as the unavailability of equipment, shortage of warehouse space, missing equipment, staff shortages and miscommunication.

[edit] Disorganisation

Use construction management software to give projects 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. Project software gives everyone the information they need to complete tasks on time and on budget.

[edit] Poor cost estimates

Using technology takes can help manage the budget, cost changes, extra costs and any cost cutting. Construction management software can resolve, generate and submit invoices when setup to do this automatically. Construction software tracks accounts payable and receivable, and maintains financial data securely.

[edit] Moving to the cloud

Construction project management software can move 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.

--RaptorPM 12:30, 06 Mar 2018 (BST)