In the 21st century, construction projects are becoming increasingly complex. In order to meet the demands of customers and compete in a crowded market, construction companies are turning to hybrid project management. This involves using a combination of traditional and remote management techniques to oversee construction projects. By doing this, construction companies can navigate the challenges of the 21st century while ensuring that their projects are compliant with COVID-safe regulations.
Historically, construction site location distribution is also one of the most difficult challenges for project managers in terms of productivity and employee management. The traditional method of construction project managers driving from one construction site to the next to check on work progress and resolve employee issues is inefficient, labour-intensive, and time-consuming. The process also costs construction companies a significant amount of money in terms of lost productivity, as well as fuel and maintenance costs. With the industry now navigating a post-COVID safety and regulatory landscape, there are additional complexities to consider for every site visit.
There are many factors that may be tied to an increased need for hybrid construction project management. Some of the most important are:
- Increased construction project complexity
- Increased market competition
- Evolving customer expectations
- Shifting industry regulations for COVID safety
What’s changing in the construction industry?
However, the construction landscape has been gradually changing in recent years. RFID scanners, GPS trackers, 3D mapping software, and drones are among the technological advancements now widely used on construction sites. Along with these innovations, the increased use of project management tools has enabled project managers to carry out their regular duties even when they are far from the construction site.
Remote management is one of the logical next steps in the construction industry’s advancement. As the size and complexity of many construction projects grows, being able to digitally manage personnel schedules, delegate tasks, and monitor work progress can improve work efficiency and productivity at all stages of the construction build.
What are the key methods of hybrid construction management?
If you are a construction project manager, it is important that you consider using digital-led hybrid working methods in order to stay ahead of the curve. By doing so, you will be able to better serve your customers and ensure that your projects are completed on time and within budget. There are four main types of hybrid construction project management:
- Off-site management: This type of hybrid construction project management involves using remote working methods to oversee construction projects. This may include using video conferencing, phone calls, and emails to communicate with on-site workers. Additionally, off-site managers may use cloud-based project management software to track progress and communicate with workers.
- On-site management: This type of hybrid construction project management involves using traditional on-site methods to oversee construction projects. This may include holding regular meetings with workers, touring the job site, and signing off on work orders. Additionally, on-site managers may use project management software to track progress and communicate with workers.
- Blended management: This type of hybrid construction project management involves using a combination of on-site and remote working methods to oversee construction projects. This may include holding regular meetings with workers, touring the job site, signing off on work orders, and using project management software to track progress and communicate with workers.
- Virtual management: This type of hybrid construction project management involves using virtual reality (VR) technology to oversee construction projects. This may include using VR headsets to visit job sites and view progress. Additionally, virtual managers may use project management software to track progress and communicate with workers.
Which type of hybrid construction project management is right for your company? It depends on your specific needs and the type of projects you manage. However, all four types of hybrid construction project management can help you save time and money, be more responsive to customer needs, and better manage your projects.
For example, the mining industry has benefited significantly from embracing the transformation to hybrid and remote-driven site operations. Learn more here.
COVID safety and compliance for hybrid construction sites
The construction industry has been greatly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. In order to keep workers safe and comply with government regulations, many construction companies have implemented hybrid working methods. Hybrid working methods involve a combination of on-site and remote working. For example, some construction companies have started holding virtual meetings, while others have implemented staggered shifts to minimize the number of workers on-site at one time.
In addition to hybrid working methods, construction companies have also had to implement new safety protocols to protect workers from COVID-19. These may include:
- Construction sites may choose to maintain social distancing measures, face masks, temperature checks and changes to team scheduling to avoid overcrowded sites
- Businesses can implement tools for automation and digitisation of project paperwork, reducing the amount of physical pen-and-paper communication required and enabling real-time communication with office and site
- Construction teams may also opt to make changes to their preferred methods of team communication and work completion monitoring, to enable employees to work and report more flexibly
By implementing hybrid working methods and new safety protocols, construction companies can keep workers safe and compliant with government regulations.
Conclusion
Hybrid construction project management is a necessary tool for construction companies to stay ahead of the curve in the 21st century. By using a combination of traditional and remote management techniques, construction companies can be more agile and responsive to the needs of their customers. Additionally, hybrid project management can help construction companies save time and money by reducing the need for travel and on-site visits. Finally, hybrid project management provides a way for construction companies to manage their projects in a more efficient and effective manner.
Ready to start bringing your construction project management into a hybrid set-up? Go digital with PlanRadar today by booking a free product demo or contact us!
