Budgets and deadlines are everyday aspects of construction projects and are closely related. Projects that are delayed typically become more expensive, and changes to the initial scope often increase the budget and completion time. However, many aspects of the construction process can be optimized with software and there are benefits for both developers and contractors.
Software solutions have been developed for every stage of the construction process, from design and planning to procurement and construction management . To achieve the best possible results, technology can be combined with the services of experienced construction professionals.
Our professional project engineers and construction managers can help you complete projects faster with the help of technology.
1) Faster project design and approval
The pre-construction phase is sometimes seen as an inevitable step in projects and can be treated simply as the first item on the checklist. However, the design phase has a significant impact on the outcome of the project. For example:
- A professional MEP project can help you save thousands of dollars in utility bills and maintenance costs over time.
- The opposite also applies, and poor design decisions can greatly increase a building's cost of ownership.
Modern design software can help find opportunities to increase performance or reduce costs, especially when used by experienced engineers. For example, Revit can simulate an entire building in 3D before construction, and building systems can be visualized in a way that is not possible in 2D drawings.
The software can also be used to approve projects faster. Many steps in the design process can be automated while the design team focuses on making the best decisions and meeting local building codes.
2) Supply Chain Management and Procurement
Even if a construction project has a professional design approved upon first submission, construction can only proceed if all inputs are available. This applies to construction materials , tools, equipment and even skilled labor. The entire project can be delayed if a critical input does not arrive at the construction site on time.
Supply chains have been disrupted globally as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as events such as the blockage of the Suez Canal for six days at the end of March. Public contracts are always important in construction projects, but Effective purchasing planning has become critical in 2021. The US is also facing a shortage of essential building materials, including steel and lumber, while their prices are rising rapidly.
Using Building Information Modeling and construction management software, contractors can optimize material quantities and procure them as early as possible, even before starting the construction phase.
- This ensures that the project will not be delayed because key materials or equipment were not delivered on time.
- Planning is useful even in cases where delays are unavoidable, as it can be factored into the project schedule and no one is caught by surprise.
3) Time and resource management during construction
Building projects involve many parties beyond the owner, design firm, and general contractor. Construction managers must also coordinate material suppliers, equipment suppliers , manufacturers, and subcontractors to successfully complete a project. Keeping track of multiple teams and due dates is a challenge even for experienced project managers, but software can simplify the task.
With the help of project management software, you can view the availability of all resources for all stages of construction. This helps avoid delays caused by overloaded resources, such as planning two activities that use the same equipment at the same time. As with procurement, there is no need to wait until the construction phase to assign resources – the process can begin while the project is being designed and approved.
4) Cost optimization and prevention of change orders
Additional costs are rarely welcome in a construction project unless they offer a greater benefit in return. However, many unplanned costs are the result of change orders, which can often be avoided during the design phase. Modern software like Revit is also useful for this, as automatic clash detection can be used to find location and specification conflicts.
The software can also be used to optimize the layout of key building systems, even when all conflicts have been detected and resolved. Components such as ducts, conduits, and tubes often run a longer length than necessary and can be shortened to reduce costs . This not only saves materials but also installation costs.
Conclusion
Many software solutions exist for the construction industry and can be used for functions such as 3D MEP design, automatic takeoff, clash detection, simulation, equipment procurement and management. However, the specific uses of the software may vary depending on the project, but it offers the common benefit of saving time and reducing costs. Developers and contractors benefit from construction software, especially when used by experts.
