With the rise of advanced technologies today, the majority of industries are adopting these technologies and its continuous advancement. But the construction industry was a late bloomer. For many years, it has been tailed by its label as a “late adopter”. But today, the industry soon acknowledged these advances. However, the complexities of the entire process of this type of business are still existing and still a recurring issue. Common objectives are not clearly defined, hazard management, unrealistic expectations and many more issues revolving around it are still faced. Nevertheless, the issues are manageable now wherein proper management and execution of plans are meticulously outlined and defined. Deliberately, project managers have made it sure to consider the application of construction management software in order to fix all issues.
Tools like this are efficiently providing software solutions for much better and more organized construction management. Good thing that the availability of this software is continuously rising in the market today. Pro Crew Schedule is certainly one of the best software applications available in the market. Everything that a construction company needs is offered by this software tool. If you are about to establish your own construction firm, it is better to consider this software product. However, first and foremost, one must have thorough knowledge about the software for construction management, its promising features and why it has become an essential application in the construction industry.
Software Designed for Construction Management
Before heading to the benefits and other important details of the software tool, it is more helpful to know first what a construction management application tool is all about. Again, people who show interests must have the knowledge and understanding of this. Basically, it is a collection of processes, information and programs which are being used in order to execute a variety of tasks. The execution of these tasks is specifically intended for the assembling and establishment of all kinds of infrastructures. Project managers are normally the ones who administered the tasks and responsible for organizing everything with the use of the software. Apart from these managers, the construction managers, engineers, architects and other workers involved in the project will have exclusive accessibility to this tool. That’s the general concept of how this software will be used and accessed.
With the continuous demand for construction management solutions also comes the consideration of buyer preferences. The following are the top four software capacities and features that usually requested by the purchasers:
- Measure Takeoff
- Project Tracking
- Estimation of Costs
- Job Costing and Accounting
The Benefits of Using Construction Management Software
So what really a construction management software offers both for the users and the project development? As someone who has every intention of purchasing this kind of application tools, knowing the advantages of it is very much necessary. Below are the listed benefits of using this tool for the overall project development:
Simplifying the Document Management
All documents which are part of the project and being kept by the people involved will be better managed by the use of the software. It offers an all-in-one effective solution when it comes to the organization of these documents. It does include the estimation of job posting and project management.
Contractors will engage more in an online paper trail which allows them to have all documents and other related email information and message in one place. Having an audit trail and setting multiple alerts in meeting deadlines is also included.
Lessen the Complexities of HR Issues
Even human resources have a bigger risk to contractors. A software solution can effectively be helpful for contractors when it comes to the management of payroll and workforce reports. Without the existence of this tool, cash flow issues could be prevalent and this will progressively exist if it won’t be acknowledged and fixed.
Increasing of Profit and with Lesser Risk
A software for construction management is extremely a huge help in every single aspect of a construction business. Paperwork doesn’t exist and considered anymore and streamed manual methods as well when the software is majorly used. Hence, the contractors will have more extra time preventing and fixing the occurring problems in the firm. Increasing operational profitability and efficiency is also expected.
Assurance of Accurate Estimates
In construction projects, it all begins with takeoffs and estimations. The more precise the estimate will be, a much greater potential for increasing profit will happen. In the first place, it will be the project managers who will be held accountable if there are encountered errors and an over-budget project existed. With the solutions provided by the software, the performance of estimations is fast and accurate.
Estimators, on the other hand, can able to use assemblies that are accessible from software solutions. This is necessary for easy swapping of materials when there are revised estimates. The software can give the estimators more time and save the time upon as well while using the assemblies repeatedly.
The Underlying Effects in Construction Management
Construction Management is already existing even before these software solutions are taking place these days. Everything is done manually before and it was unquestionably time-consuming, risk factors are numerous and projects were costly most of the time. The importance of construction management is also acknowledged even before up until now. Progressive changes are witnessed and have become obviously prevalent today all because of the utilization of this particular software tool. Apparently, this software tool for construction management is widely-used now with the majority of all construction firms.
The effects of this software tool to the construction management and all the areas it encompasses are instantaneously and consistently progressing with lesser errors, risks, and overall costs. Here is a list of beneficial effects of software when it comes to construction management:
- Risk Assessment for Construction Projects
- Accounting Software Control Costs
- Efficient Service Delivery
- Manageable Expansion of Business
- Improves Quality of Management
Choosing the Ideal Construction Management Software to Use
Again, construction management is no easy job. Numerous factors need to be considered first: progress reports, field crews, materials and equipment, overall budget and job cost, etc. It takes a lot of effort and time to organized, updates and complete every single thing. Numerous software applications are available in the market today for construction management purposes. With all of these solutions available out there, how do you choose the one ideal for your business?
Consultations may be required if necessary. You can ask from your industry peers or to widely research and read reviews. For easy selection, below are a checklist of what needs to be considered by the contractors upon choosing the appropriate software tool for the business:
Establishing of “Most Priority” and “Less Priority” List
As someone who is expecting to use the software, it is necessary to create a list of the features you might want to have. Make sure to have two categories: “Most Priority” and “Less Priority” List.
The first list is obviously for the features which are totally necessary for the business. This list should be short but precise and must outline the most priority. The second list could be broader but it depends. It is better to sort them by importance. Below are general questions you have to ask yourself when making these two categorized lists:
- What are your exact reasons for buying this software?
- Who will be responsible for running the software and maintaining it at the same time?
- Who has the right to have access to the software and the saved data?
- What format do you need to access the data produced by the software?
- How many people can have access to it?
- What devices for data storage are available?
Reducing of options
Having the above mentioned lists and finally enumerate the questions, it is the perfect time to reduce the listed options. First, it is important to examine your product lists so that it is easy for you to determine the items which are lacking important features. Identifying is an easy way to know what to eliminate. Finally, identify two or three software products fit for your company’s needs.
Clarifying of budget
Never forget also to determine and clarify the budget intended for the software upgrade. Set now the budget and always remember to permit other necessary expenses. It could be for an upgrade for additional hardware. Consider also other questions like “Will you use the device out of the box?” or the device itself requires customization and also consider the expenses for the maintenance as well.
Getting honest feedback from your team
Always asked for feedback to the staff who has the permission to use the software. Asking them about their user experience is necessary. In a way, it is beneficial for your business particularly on the implementation of the new software because asking the feedback from your people early on, they are most likely receptive to change.
Planning of transition
Taking time to plan out the transition for the new software is a must to avoid any issues. Successful implementation of a software product is possible only when there is a plan of transition. The success also depends entirely on the other factors such as feedback from the top of the line business owners.
The following are the steps for the success of implementation:
- Ignore implementing the new application tool during the busiest times of the company
- Never hesitate of asking support for the implementation
- Permission of system redundancy ensuring that none of any data will be bound to lose amidst the transition
- Discover if the software company provides a guide for the implementation
Implementation of the New Software Using Frameworks
There will be a set of frameworks that are to be used when implementing the software. The following are the most common frameworks used:
- Orientation of the Product
- Software Installation
- Setting up of Data and Plan Usage
- Live Projects
- Initialized Training
- Follow-up Training
- Continuity of the implanted software product
Construction Management Software Becoming an Important Tool in Construction Industry
Technology is progressively and rapidly changing. Generally, the final goal has always been making the finished products and services much better. The same thing for the construction industry. The software for construction management is perceived as a valuable investment today and a helpful tool in the business. Several points have supported why the software has become an essential tool. Below are the four major reasons why:
- Tracking of Expenses and Accounting
- Overall Production and Fleet Tracking
- Management for Field and Job-site Service
- General Management
Conclusion:
Construction management has played a vital role in any project’s development. It should be taken for granted. That is why it’s necessary to look for some other ways to improve on how you manage your business. Software tools are clearly designed and deployed with a purpose. In this case, software like Pro Crew Schedule is a great option for it offers a wide range of functionalities which make any complex projects manageable and guarantee an overall success to the project.
If you’re still in your traditional ways, it is the perfect time to change your course of implementation. Avail now a project management software for your construction projects and Pro Crew Schedule is certainly the best option. With the application of this software, you are always one step ahead and productivity is consistent. Anytime, you can request for a live demo!
