There’s a lot to consider when looking for a construction program management software. With all of the bells and whistles that can come with one of these platforms, there are a few components that we feel are an absolute must-have. Take a look at our checklist of fundamental features you need in your construction software.
1. Cloud-Based
Through the cloud, your team has the freedom to move projects forward from any location on any device. RFIs, change orders, submittals, and approvals can all be processed immediately. Cloud computing also makes collaboration very easy—your team can share real-time data instantly and securely, so you know you’re always making decisions based on the latest information, not speculation.
2. Accountability
The right platform should offer project transparency so each team member knows his/her tasks at all times, the deadlines of any outstanding items, and the progress achieved thus far. This decreases risk for management as verifiable actions are just a click away.
3. Automation
Construction projects have traditionally been with pen and paper processes. With today’s cutting-edge construction management software, nearly all paper processes have been digitized. Even approval workflows are automated. There’s no more waiting on an email response or questioning where an approval is. Construction software streamlines these processes with real-time push notifications and status tracking.
4. Bid Management
One of the most monotonous tasks in the construction process is undoubtedly bidding projects. This is yet again another paper-laden, manual process that can lead to delays and miscommunication. Before using a standardized software, many of our clients were frustrated with all the double entry, mismatched line items, and having to respond to the same repetitive questions. Your construction management software needs to come equipped with a full-suite of tools to take your bid management process online.
5. Collaborative (CPM) Scheduling
Project schedules are the backbone of any construction program, and the right construction management software will be able to support nearly any schedule format. Not only that, but your team will need the ability to access multiple views (Gantt, calendar, task, etc.) of project schedules along with personnel assignments to each task. Once these schedules are in the platform, program-level status reports can be scheduled to be sent out to stakeholders. Top-level decision makers will also be alerted when project schedules are at-risk.
6. Cost Control Management
The level of financial transparency you experience when you move to a construction management software is unbeatable. From preliminary budgets all the way through change order management and paid invoices, you’ll see very few (if any) discrepancies between commitments and realized costs. You should expect every expense to have a clear audit trail and be linked to respective projects. If not, keep looking. Because when you have this level of financial clarity, your team will be better equipped to forecast future projects and make improved purchasing decisions.
7. Dashboards
Key stakeholders need quick access to program-level data. From schedule milestone reports to project budgets and change order information, these stakeholders can’t afford to spend time searching through spreadsheets and shared drives to find the data they need. Within a construction management software, reporting dashboards can be easily configured to give decision makers the information they need, when they need it.
8. Document/Workflow Management
Key stakeholders need quick access to program-level data. From schedule milestone reports to project budgets and change order information, these stakeholders can’t afford to spend time searching through spreadsheets and shared drives to find the data they need. Within a construction management software, reporting dashboards can be easily configured to give decision makers the information they need, when they need it.
9. Integration with Other Systems
Key stakeholders need quick access to program-level data. From schedule milestone reports to project budgets and change order information, these stakeholders can’t afford to spend time searching through spreadsheets and shared drives to find the data they need. Within a construction management software, reporting dashboards can be easily configured to give decision makers the information they need, when they need it.
10. Mobile App
