In this blog, we’re going to discuss how construction management software can be a key asset—if it’s implemented correctly. If you’re wondering what you can use this technology for, how to maximize its potential, and how to keep it from steering you off track, then you’re in the right place. Let’s dive in.
How the Software You Use Can Affect Your Systems
Let me start with a story. A consulting company that was incredibly proficient in lean construction and implementation was excelling with Last Planner, Takt, and other great scheduling tools. During one of their sessions, we were asked to provide feedback.
As Kevin and I did a field walk, it was clear they were experts in creating flow on projects. However, one of their team members explained how they had stopped using certain fundamental practices because their construction software no longer supported them.
This is something I’ve seen repeatedly throughout my career. The construction software you choose can guide your workflows. But if it limits you, it can create challenges for your processes and systems. That’s why it’s important to understand the impact of the software on your project. You need to ensure that it enhances, rather than hinders, your workflow.
Qualities of a Good Construction Management Software
For construction management software to be truly effective, it needs to be fast, addictive, and—most importantly—useful. If the software slows you down, introduces unnecessary complexity, or adds steps that waste your time, it’s not worth using.
A good example is a safety app that required 23 additional steps just to log safety incidents and documentation. The excessive steps discouraged usage and diminished the overall effort. So, when selecting construction software, it’s essential to find one that accelerates workflows, not complicates them.
How Construction Management Software Can Help With Cost Management
Construction management software is invaluable when it comes to cost management. This is one area where I don’t recommend relying on Excel. Even one incorrect formula in Excel can wreck your estimates and projections. The software available today for cost estimation and budgeting helps you manage data accurately, from budgeting to pay applications. It minimizes the risk of errors that could tank a project.
How Construction Management Software Can Increase Efficiency
Efficiency is one of the main benefits of construction software. As a superintendent, I once used an app called Note Vault. It streamlined my workflow by allowing me to take a picture, add voice-to-text notes, and sync them into the project management software for the daily report—all with minimal effort. The key to efficiency in software is finding applications that enhance normal workflows without adding unnecessary steps.
How Construction Management Software Can Make Documentation Easier
One of the best things about construction software is its ability to improve documentation. Having everything in one place—plans, specifications, RFIs, contracts—simplifies record-keeping and ensures easy access for years to come. This kind of centralization is crucial for ensuring that documentation is retained and retrievable when needed.
How Construction Management Software Can Improve Collaboration
Collaboration is vital in construction, and there are many software options that facilitate this. Whether it’s WhatsApp for communication, Miro for whiteboarding, or Microsoft Teams for chat and file sharing, the right collaboration software can make team communication smoother and more effective. When your team is better connected, the entire project benefits.
How Construction Management Software Can Streamline Your Process
Software can also assist with risk management and quality control. However, be careful to select software that doesn’t overcomplicate things. I’ve seen software systems that were so clunky and burdensome that quality checks plummeted. Quality and safety must be integrated into the software in a way that makes them easy to monitor and track consistently.
Other Uses for Construction Management Software
Data analytics, mobile access for field workers, resource management, and even tracking material procurement are just some of the additional functions that good construction management software can provide. Power BI is great for data analytics, and tools like Beam 360 Field and Bluebeam help streamline documentation, project tracking, and more. Make sure the software you choose integrates well with other tools you already use and enhances your overall project workflow.
My Favorite Construction Management Software
Some of my favorite construction management tools include Bluebeam, Beam 360 Field, and Procore, among others. These tools can enhance everything from daily reporting to punch lists and collaborative work environments. Just make sure that your suite of tools works together harmoniously to support your project’s goals.
Conclusion
The right construction management software can empower you to do your job better by making key processes more efficient and streamlined. When implemented correctly, software should support your work, not complicate it.
I hope you found this blog helpful and feel more empowered to make smart choices with construction management software!
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-Takt Virtual Training: (Click here)
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-Listen to the Elevate Construction podcast: (Click here)
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-The Takt Book: (Click here)
Discover Jason’s Expertise:
Meet Jason Schroeder, the driving force behind Elevate Construction IST. As the company’s owner and principal consultant, he’s dedicated to taking construction to new heights. With a wealth of industry experience, he’s crafted the Field Engineer Boot Camp and Superintendent Boot Camp – intensive training programs engineered to cultivate top-tier leaders capable of steering their teams towards success. Jason’s vision? To expand his training initiatives across the nation, empowering construction firms to soar to unprecedented levels of excellence.
On we go!