People in construction have been taking a traditional approach to construction management for a long time now. Paper filling offices, spreadsheets for everything, the wrong version of a plan being sent to the subcontractor – we’ve all been there.
These traditional methods worked and still do to some extent – but they’re undeniably often slow, prone to mistakes and hard to track.
What if you could do it all – and more – on just one centralised platform?
Construction management software is the answer. It’s a central hub where all project data – communications, plans, documents, schedules, reports and inspections – resides in one secure, accessible place.
Contents:
1. The need for construction management software
2. Benefits of using construction management software
3. Key features of the best Construction Management software platforms
5. Considerations when choosing Construction Management Software
This article explains why you need construction management software, what to look for when buying it, and how your teams can use it to build better.
Before we go any further, if you already know that Construction Management Software is something you’d like to know more about, then the best way to do it is with a 1-2-1 demo of PlanRadar. You can book yours at a time and date that suits you via the button below.
Want to find out what PlanRadar can do for you? Book a demo with the team today.
The need for construction management software
Think about how annoying it is to lose an important document, read messy handwriting, or have to update multiple spreadsheets manually every time one little thing changes.
Manual project planning is time-consuming and susceptible to errors. Paper-based documentation, though tangible, is cumbersome and prone to loss or damage. Similarly, spreadsheets lack the finesse needed for complex project management.
Essentially, old-school management systems lead to problems like inefficiencies, mix-ups in communication, and a lack of up-to-date info. This often leaves project managers scrambling to keep up instead of staying ahead of the game.
Construction management software, on the other hand, is an all-in-one solution, streamlining every stage of your project, from planning and scheduling to communication and quality control.
Benefits of using construction management software
Construction management software is a tool that helps you build smarter, quicker, and better.
Here’s how it can transform your construction projects:
- Increased productivity: Construction management software can handle everything from estimates and schedules to purchase orders and tracking the project. Everything stays organized and easy to find in one central place. This means no more searching for lost documents or trying to make sense of scribbled notes. With this, your team can really focus on the main thing – building. Things get done quicker and more efficiently, without a drop in quality.
- Project schedule: The software helps you map out every step of the construction process, from the foundation to the finishing touches. Track progress, identify bottlenecks, and adjust schedules on the fly, ensuring your projects stay on track and budget.
- Data-driven decision-making: Construction management software gathers valuable data on every aspect of your project, from labour hours to material usage. Analyse this data to make informed decisions that optimise your workflow, improve efficiency, and ultimately, build better.
- Transparency: Show your clients you’re on top of things with real-time project updates and progress reports. They’ll appreciate the clear communication and professionalism, and you’ll build trust and lasting relationships.
- Minimal errors and rework: Construction management software automates tedious tasks and reduces the risk of mistakes. Built-in features like automated workflows, clash detection, and progress tracking minimise costly rework.
Key features of the best Construction Management software platforms
The best construction management software is a comprehensive toolset to streamline and enhance the various facets of construction projects.
Here are the key features that make these software solutions worth the investment:
Project Planning and Scheduling
No more scribbling on calendars and sticky notes. Construction management software lets you map out your entire project, from day one to ribbon-cutting, with detailed timelines, milestones, and dependencies.
Gantt charts, calendar views, and even interactive roadmaps give you a bird’s-eye view of the journey, keeping everyone on the same page (and timeline).
Resource management
Need to know if your trusty excavator is free next week? Construction management software, such as PlanRadar, tracks equipment, materials, and even your team’s availability.
You can assign resources to tasks, optimise their usage.
It provides a clear overview of available resources, helping teams make informed decisions about where to allocate personnel and equipment for maximum efficiency.
Communication and collaboration
Construction management systems serve as the nerve centre of project communication and collaboration. It revolutionises the way teams interact, offering a centralised platform for sharing updates, files, and messages among project managers, engineers, and field personnel converge.
Real-time communication eliminates the hassle of scattered messages, ensuring that every team member is up-to-date with the latest information. Whether you’re on-site or working remotely, construction management software will foster a collaborative environment, boosting efficiency and teamwork.
Quality and safety management
The construction management system goes beyond just overseeing tasks; it actively contributes to the project’s quality and safety. It helps you conduct regular safety inspections, ensuring compliance with industry regulations. It’s like having a virtual safety officer on board.
The software also streamlines quality management by providing tools for identifying and addressing issues promptly. The proactive approach ensures that your project maintains the highest standards throughout its lifecycle.
Reporting and analytics
This feature transforms raw data into actionable insights. It involves compiling and analysing data from various project aspects, providing a comprehensive overview. Reporting and analytics empower project managers to make data-driven decisions.
Construction management software generates detailed reports on project performance, allowing managers to identify trends, spot potential issues, and make informed decisions. It turns data into actionable strategies for continuous improvement.
Who is it for?
PlanRadar allows us to share information across all of our teams instantly, and when people have the information they need, they’re empowered to make the right decisions.
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Construction management software is designed for a broad spectrum of stakeholders involved in construction projects. Its user-friendly interface and versatile features make it suitable for various roles within the construction industry.
- Project managers: Project managers are at the forefront of utilising construction management software. They leverage its features for project planning, scheduling, resource allocation, and budget management.
- Construction teams: On-site and off-site construction teams benefit from streamlined communication and collaboration tools. These features enhance teamwork, allowing for efficient task management, document sharing, and instant updates on project progress.
- Contractors and subcontractors: Contractors and subcontractors utilise construction management software to coordinate their tasks, manage resources, and communicate with other project stakeholders.
- Engineers and architects: Professionals involved in the design and planning phase, such as engineers and architects, can use the software for the exchange of design plans, document management, and quality control.
- Safety and quality assurance personnel: People responsible for safety and quality assurance leverage the software’s tools for conducting inspections, tracking safety incidents, and monitoring adherence to quality standards.
Considerations when choosing Construction Management Software
The best construction management software is a targeted investment, not a one-size-fits-all solution. So, you’ll need to consider several factors before you select one.
Consider your project needs and size
The first step is to map out your project’s size and complexity, the size and structure of your team, and the specific pain points that keep you up at night. Is it budget overruns? Missed deadlines? Communication breakdowns?
Look for features that address your concerns directly, like resource management systems and real-time collaboration.
Think about your team structure and workflow, too. Look for software that caters to your team’s size and communication style. Real-time collaboration tools and mobile accessibility can be game-changers for on-the-go teams.
Research and compare different options
Don’t jump headfirst into the first software you see. Do your research. Compare features, pricing plans, and user reviews. Check past reviews/testimonials, attend demos, and see what others are using. Also, consider the user interface – is it intuitive for your team?
Remember, the “cheapest” option might not be the best value in the long run. Invest in software that grows with you and meets your needs for years to come.
Look for scalability and integration.
Think beyond the present project. Will this software grow with you? Can it handle more extensive projects and growing teams? Choose a CMS that can scale to accommodate your future endeavours, whether it’s tackling complex buildings or expanding your team.
Bonus points for software that seamlessly integrates with other tools you already use, like accounting software or project communication platforms. Streamlined workflows and centralised data are essential for smooth operations.
Implement and train your team
Even the best software is useless if no one knows how to use it. Invest in proper implementation and training. Make sure your team is comfortable with the new platform and understands its full potential. Encourage questions, provide ongoing support, and celebrate their successes.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Software companies have dedicated support teams and resources to guide you through the selection and implementation process. Utilise their expertise and make the most of your investment.
Look at ease-of-use
One of the key factors in the success of rolling out any new productivity platform is how easy that platform is to use. This is especially true when your workforce isn’t the most tech-savvy. If you want to get the most from any technology, your people need to be confident in using it, and even teaching it to colleagues.
For us at PlanRadar, ease of use is a big focus. And that shows in the feedback we get from our customers – 81% say that they found it easy to get their team onto the platform, and 75% of our customers chose us over our competition because of how easy we are to use.
For a quick overview of PlanRadar, check out this video.
Final thoughts
We started with the question: what is construction management software? And hopefully, by reading this blog you now have the answer!
If you’re looking to buy construction management software, remember that the right construction management software needs to align with your needs, empower your team, and unlock your full potential.
And that’s where PlanRadar comes in. Our intuitive interface, powerful features, seamless integrations, and unparalleled customer support make us the best construction management software out there.
Book your demo of PlanRadar today and see how we can transform your construction journey.
