Construction project management tools should provide clear and intuitive navigation features. Look out for features such as hyperlinking documents, word searchability, stack and side-by-side viewing capability and clear organization systems to ensure that team members can quickly locate information they require.
Digital timesheets and inspection forms simplify billing processes for contractors and can save up to one sheet of paper per week. Look for products offering different pay rates and activity types so you can accurately track billable hours.
If you found this useful, you can also check out the following article from Bridgit for more information about construction project management software.
1. Integrations
Integrations bridge the gaps in information by connecting apps into one platform, helping teams work more competently on the job site and at their offices. Applications such as timesheets, drawing uploads, and spec management can all be integrated with project management software, so users only require one tool to complete tasks.
Construction projects are constantly in motion; real-time data is essential to making informed decisions. When searching for a project management solution with mobile collaboration tools designed to connect teams and promote task clarity, look for features like mobile team messaging to eliminate rework, mitigate risks, and meet schedules more efficiently.
2. Timesheets
Construction project management demands an effective time-tracking tool. Instead of filling out paper forms that may contain transcription errors, calculation errors or omissions, many contractors use software with timesheet templates as part of their construction project management program.
Managers can use this platform to track tasks, mileage and expenses and simplify payroll/invoicing processes. Furthermore, an in-app dashboard offers visibility into project progress while employees leave notes for managers.
Some construction project management tools offer advanced estimating and benchmarking features to assist with cost control, helping deliver projects within budget while decreasing rework through more open communication between all parties involved. They may even save money by identifying inefficiencies within your workflows and processes that cost money and decrease performance.
3. Document management
Document management is a must in any construction project software solution. This enables stakeholders to easily access all documents in one place, which improves collaboration and reduces mistakes – missing documents can prove disastrously expensive to any construction project.
No matter whether it is administrative documents, reports, plans or BIM models that need access quickly across different departments and sites, digitalizing all these files allows for faster distribution.
4. Scheduling
Construction schedules provide teams with an invaluable roadmap. They outline tasks with fixed deadlines and those where there may be some flexibility in meeting them, as well as helping manage resources used on a project; for example, if your team works with multiple materials, it can indicate which are available when and how long it should take them to complete one task.
Effective construction scheduling helps establish realistic project completion dates by tracking interdependent tasks and identifying their float (if any).
Analyzing this float allows you to shorten critical paths, improving cash flow and avoiding disputes with banks or clients. You can also use your construction schedule as a resource for creating budgets, and estimates, tracking equipment and personnel and providing strategic insight.
5. Reporting
Contractors rely on real-time data access and analysis to make quick, well informed decisions to stay on schedule and avoid costly rework. That is why the best construction project management tools provide instant reporting capabilities.
Fieldwire provides clients with a free mobile app to manage inspections and other tasks on the job site, which has received high praise from users due to its intuitive design, simplicity and robust functionality.
Fieldwire provides users with flexible digital form-building capabilities and mobile solutions for RFIs and submittals, eliminating paper inspection forms and enabling field teams to collaborate via chat or @mention. In addition, client portals, drawing management (version comparison and overlay), and robust dashboarding services are also provided.
