What should construction Project Managers be Reporting?

Welcome to another insightful blog post, where we delve into the crucial elements that construction project managers should be reporting on. Keeping your job site under control, satisfying stakeholders, and providing proper updates are essential for project success. So, what should you be focusing on? Let’s dive in. 

The Era of Administration and Wasteful Documents

We’ve all experienced the overwhelming burden of excessive documentation in the construction industry. This era of administration creates a lot of waste, not just in paper but in time and resources. The aim here is to help you eliminate unnecessary reports and focus on what truly matters.

1. Team Health: How to Track Your Team Health

Tracking your team’s health is pivotal. Katie and I are currently writing a book, “Elevating Construction First Planners,” where we emphasize the importance of team health. Here’s a simple method:

• Define criteria for team health (balance, coverage, fun events, connections).
• Use tools like Excel to create a survey for your team.
• Aggregate and analyze the scores, and address areas scoring below 80%.

For instance, if your team feels overburdened with RFIs and change orders, take actionable steps to alleviate these pressures. Regularly track and discuss team health during your meetings.

2. Production Plan: How to Track Your Production Plan

A well-maintained production plan is the backbone of your project’s success. Here’s what to focus on:

• Buffers: Ensure you’re not more than halfway through your buffers halfway through the project.
• Handoffs: Track the percentage of successful trade handoffs.
• Roadblocks: Keep a roadblock tracker and work daily to remove obstacles.
• Risks: Monitor anticipated risks and address them weekly.

3. Supply Chain Management: How to Track Your Supply Chain Management

Efficient supply chain management is critical. Here’s how to track it:

• Ensure design completion ahead of the production plan.
• Release trade partners promptly to procure necessary materials.
• Track procurement steps from release to arrival on the job site.
• Verify deliveries for timely and accurate receipt.

4. Deliveries: How to Track Your Deliveries

Monitor the delivery process to ensure materials arrive on time and are inspected and ready for use. This minimizes delays and ensures smooth workflow.

5. Job Site Conditions: How to Track Your Project Site Conditions

Maintain a clean, safe, and organized job site. During OAC meetings, prepare a slide deck with pictures showcasing cleanliness, safety, and progress. This not only keeps the team motivated but also demonstrates your commitment to excellence to stakeholders.

6. Training for Your Team: How to Track Training for Your Team

Regular training is vital for team competency. Track:

• Daily, monthly, and quarterly training sessions.
• Yearly big training events.
• Certifications and boot camps attendance.

Ensuring your team is well-trained will significantly impact your project’s success. These key areas of reporting and tracking will make a significant difference in your project management effectiveness.