Managing a construction project is not easy. From coordinating with clients to arranging contractors and liaising with material suppliers, projects can quickly spiral out of control due to poor organization and planning.
As a construction executive, it's your job to keep all these plates spinning at the same time. Without an effective project management tool, this will likely mean a lot of emails, spreadsheets, notebooks and, perhaps most importantly, mental energy.
However, with construction management software, you can say goodbye to all the hassle and confusion by switching to an easy-to-use application. No wonder 68% of construction companies will be using software by 2024.
What is construction management software?
Construction management software is a project management tool that helps construction companies digitize and better organize their daily needs. With a software system developed specifically for construction management, companies can automate their business processes, enable real-time communication, and even automate and optimize their marketing plan.
As with any project management tool, construction management software is the perfect way to centralize all aspects of your business in one convenient, cloud-based location. This means that all your documents, information and processes will be accessible to you at all times. Technology, it seems, is truly at the heart of the industry.
5 reasons to use construction management software
There are a multitude of reasons why construction management software can help you run your business – here are five of the most important.
1. Organization and customization
Organization can be difficult to maintain when you're in charge of a construction project. Without software to help you keep track of everything and everyone involved, you can quickly feel overwhelmed.
With construction management software, you'll be able to store relevant documents in one place and organize them using searchable tags. You will be able to create project management processes and protocols so that everything runs smoothly. You can even track project progress step by step so you never miss important steps in the construction process and always complete your projects as planned.
2. Real-time communication and networking
In a large construction project, there are often hundreds, if not thousands, of people involved. With construction management software, everyone in your company – and even some of your contractors – will be able to stay in touch throughout the project.
Most software programs offer in-app communication tools like chat messengers, tagging features, and commenting features so you can keep the right people informed. Unlike emails, or even worse, snail mail, using the communication features of a cloud-based software program means that all communication takes place in real time and your projects can move forward in the most efficient way possible.
Discover: track task progress in real time
3. Minimized risk of lawsuits
Running a large construction company can put you at risk for legal trouble. If construction errors occur, for example, you could be held liable – and as any construction executive knows, a long and expensive legal battle is never good for business.
With a good software program, you will be able to quickly and effectively ensure compliance with all standards and regulations at every step of the construction process, from planning to design and construction.
4. Cost control and efficiency
Time is money. Sure, it's a cliché, but it's true. In business, extra time spent in meetings or on construction sites adds up and shows up in the final bill. If you want to run a cost-effective business, working efficiently is vital.
With construction management software, you will be able to streamline processes in almost every department. Instead of wasting time visiting the website to track your progress, you will be able to track your process digitally and in real time. A software program will also allow you to establish a clear schedule that the entire team can follow. It can also help you minimize delays caused by errors. Additionally, automated processes can drastically reduce tedious administrative time.
5. Team monitoring
It can be difficult to control a large construction team. When do people take breaks? What tasks do they perform every day? How many hours do they work? All of this information can easily get lost in email chains or paper timesheets.
With digitized project management, you will be able to track and analyze each employee's contribution to the project. This can not only improve efficiency, but also help you identify areas where protocols and processes (and employees) are simply not working as they should.
Using a construction management software program is a no-brainer. In addition to allowing you to run your business with maximum efficiency, the right software will also help you stay competitive in a rapidly changing industry.
