Businesses across various industries have started using project management software to improve their workflow and stay on top of their activities. Similarly, construction companies have also begun using construction project management software to aid their day to day operations.
These software’s are useful for purposes such as automating administrative tasks, planning and scheduling activities, and tracking project developments. However, many construction companies fail to utilize these software effectively due to improper implementation practices.
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach for setting up construction management software; however, construction firms should follow some general steps when they are choosing and setting up their new management platform.
So here are some easy steps to implement construction management software at your business.
Table of Contents
1. Select the right construction management software
Before choosing a construction management software, it’s important to understand the needs of your operation and identify areas that could be aided by the software.
Construction managers should consult with other employees to evaluate the challenges they are currently facing in their day to day operation. These could be challenges related to budgeting, keeping track of issues, or managing payroll.
You can then start looking at the various field project management software options that are available on the market and run them by your IT staff. This step is important as some construction project management software may not be compatible with your existing IT systems.
Many software providers also provide free trials of their software. This makes it easier for construction firms to try out various management solutions before picking the one that is right for them. You should ask your staff to test each option and provide feedback on each software’s capabilities and ease of use.
It’s important to select a software that your employees are comfortable using, as the success of your operation may depend on your staff’s efficiency and accuracy when using them.
2. Configure your new management software
After purchasing and setting up your construction management software, you will need to configure it to take over or assist with different duties. This includes transferring data related to contractors, suppliers, and clients from your old management system to your new one.
This process may take some time so it should be implemented as soon as possible to avoid disrupting construction activities. However, you should also find time to run a “testing” period in which employees are free to test out the software and implement what they have learnt during training.
Some modern construction management solutions come with a construction management app that can be installed on mobile devices. Construction workers can use these apps to send and receive project messages, conduct field inspections, and track RFIs.
Staff members who will be operating this app should be trained to use them effectively and with minimal problems.
3. Plan your activities using the software
Once your staff have completed training, you can start planning your activities using the management software. This phase of implementation should be taken slowly so that each employee involved with planning has a chance to get acquainted with this new management platform.
If your end goal is to shift multiple aspects of your operation towards a centralized management system, this move should be completed gradually. A good rule of thumb would be to focus on learning one feature of the software before moving onto the next one.
For example, if construction managers wish to create a budget using construction management software, they will need to first identify expenses and costs for their operation. This information is usually gathered manually before being used to create the budget; however, suppliers and vendors may be able to provide this information in a format where it can be readily input into the software’s budget management system.
Once your suppliers and vendors are familiar with your new system, they can update prices and supply availability automatically so that it is factored into your budget without requiring manual assistance from staff. After this feature has been implemented, project managers can start focusing on other more complex features such as budget optimization tools.
4. Focus on collaboration tools
Many of the activities completed on worksites require collaboration between employees. These collaborative efforts can be made easier with the help of project management software.
By focusing on collaboration tools such as scheduling and document management, you can familiarize employees with your construction management software and ensure that they know how to use them effectively in their day to day activities.
Accurate reporting is crucial for the success of any construction project, so it’s vital that your employees are comfortable with this new arrangement.
5. Troubleshoot problems
Construction management software typically offers a wide variety of features. Many of these features can be difficult to understand, so you may need to seek help from the software provider from time to time.
Luckily, most construction management software providers offer great support services to help their clients overcome challenges and use their software effectively. If you or your construction staff are facing any difficulties with your new management software, you should reach out to support services immediately. They can identify any problems that could be resolved with additional training, or whether or not the software needs to be reconfigured.
Your construction project’s success will rely on your construction management software to a large degree. This is why it is important for construction firms to understand the capabilities of these management solutions, and seek assistance whenever possible.
When used correctly, field project management software can make your operations easier to manage. Over time your construction business may be able to take on larger and more complex projects with the help of this management platform.
Construction management software are quickly becoming the norm in the construction industry, so it’s better for construction firms to get acquainted with these management solutions sooner rather than later if they wish to compete with other firms.
