Streamlining Construction Projects with Software

• By Paula Dean
• 26-11-2024
• Software

Construction is one of the oldest professions because shelter is an essential part of human life. Thousands of homes, offices, and other buildings are constructed every year, and these projects are getting more expensive. Real estate developers, building contractors, and construction managers are in need of more efficient ways to conduct their projects and help their clients save money.

Technological innovation has increased efficiency in many aspects of life and it also has an impact on the construction industry. Construction managers can now use software to manage their employees, track inventory, assign tasks, set milestones, and minimize waste.

Current Challenges in Construction Management

Although construction managers are currently able to complete construction projects successfully, they often experience a host of challenges. These include:

Budget overruns

Poor planning and inefficient resource management often lead to budget overruns because construction managers may underestimate how much material is needed for the project. When they want to buy more to restock their depleted inventory, the price of building materials like lumber, steel, and cement may be higher, causing budget overruns.

Project delays

Setting unrealistic deadlines can put workers under pressure, which can result in sloppy work and redos. These cause delays that could have been avoided, and disruptions to the supply chain and adherence to safety standards can also delay construction projects.

Managing complex projects

Some construction projects involve many subcontractors, workers, and timelines that need to be coordinated. This can be difficult for project managers to deal with without the right system in place. Also, they will be exposed to many problems and unexpected occurrences that they have to quickly resolve to keep the project going as scheduled.

Client demands

Some clients have new demands mid-construction and sometimes make changes to project specifications. Also, there are times when they demand real-time updates and reports on the ongoing project, which underscores the need for progress tracking.

Benefits of Construction Software

Construction software takes care of the challenges listed above and helps construction managers optimize their projects to increase efficiency. It inspires a project management approach called Lean Construction Management.

Lean construction management aims to reduce the time it takes to finish a construction project and make it more cost-effective. Lcmd construction management software improves project planning and resource management and integrating it with your existing building processes will result in the following benefits:

• Better workplace communication
• Improved inventory management
• Greater productivity
• Rapid project completion
• Cost efficiency
• Better adherence to budgets
• Improved teamwork
• Reduced waste

Types of Construction Software

There are different types of construction software and each one caters to a different aspect of construction projects. However, here are the major categories of construction software and a brief summary of their uses and features:

Project management software

Construction managers use project management software to plan construction projects, schedule tasks, create milestones, set deadlines, track key performance indicators, and maintain control of their operations. This software contains features like budgeting and cost management, milestone scheduling, task scheduling, and collaboration.

Building information modeling software

Architects and civil engineers use building information modeling software to create 3D models of buildings, bridges, and other structures that they are about to construct. This software gives them a visual representation of the structure being built so they can make changes where necessary.

Accounting software

There are many expenses incurred during a construction project. They include workers’ wages, building materials, and logistics. Construction managers have to ensure that they track every expense and pay workers on time to avoid budget overruns and project delays. Accounting software records expenses and keeps track of cash inflow and outflow, which makes audits easy.

Lean construction software

Lean construction is focused on making the regular construction process more streamlined to increase efficiency, reduce waste, and provide more value to everyone involved in the process. Lean construction management software has features that can achieve the aforementioned goals such as real-time progress tracking and workflow optimization.

Fleet management software

During construction, there are a lot of materials and equipment to be moved around, making logistics an essential part of the process. Construction managers can use fleet management software to schedule delivery trips, track delivery vehicles, and schedule vehicle maintenance.

Workforce management software

The government usually requires construction workers to be trained and certified before they can work on a construction site. Construction managers use software to maintain their workforce and store information about their workers that may be needed during audits.

Challenges in Adopting Construction Software

Although construction software has numerous benefits as outlined above, there may be challenges getting people to adopt it. However, those challenges pale in comparison to the benefits that construction project managers will gain from embracing the use of software. Those challenges include:

Refusal to embrace change

Some people are stuck in their ways and find it difficult to embrace new systems and technologies that may improve productivity and efficiency. They need to be talked into using construction software or seeing first-hand how it helps other construction managers for them to be convinced to adopt it.

Steep learning curve

There are construction managers who are not tech-savvy, so it may be difficult for them to use software to perform tasks that they can already handle without it. Teaching said managers and construction workers how to use various construction software may be an uphill task that takes a lot of time and effort.

Integration with other software

Construction managers who use multiple software for their operations have to ensure that they can all be integrated or work seamlessly together. This eliminates unnecessary complications and makes the management process as smooth as possible.

High implementation cost

The cost of purchasing the licenses of different construction software may be high enough to discourage construction managers from adopting it. This is particularly true for small construction firms that operate on a tight budget.

How To Choose The Right Construction Software

Choosing the right construction software will greatly increase the productivity, efficiency, and profitability of a construction project. There are many options for construction managers to choose from but for them to select the right option, they need to make careful considerations. This section details the steps that said managers can take to make an informed decision.

Outline the project needs

The appropriate construction software for a construction project depends on its needs and requirements. Construction managers should outline those needs so they can carefully study them. This includes acknowledging the project’s complexity (Is it a small or large-scale project?). It also involves an assessment of the core challenges that are expected (Are there potential delays, miscommunication, and compliance issues?).

Construction managers should determine what tasks they want the software to help them with. Will it be project management, budgeting, delivery tracking, field communication, inventory management, or a combination of these and other critical tasks?

Learn about the types of construction software

There are many types of construction software, as outlined above, and they cater to different parts of construction management. It helps if managers understand the different types of construction software and can use that knowledge to determine what they need for a project they are preparing to work on.

Assess the user-friendliness of the software in consideration

It helps to assess the user-friendliness of any construction software in consideration because it impacts how quickly managers and their team can start using it, and how easy it will be to use it for daily operations. Construction managers should also find out if the software offers demos, tutorials, customer support, and other resources that ease the onboarding process.

Assess their integration capabilities

Some construction projects require managers to use more than one software program. They should opt for those that can be easily integrated with the other programs, so data can be seamlessly shared.

Consider software accessibility

It is essential for construction software to be easily accessible so managers should ensure that the software they choose is available on smartphones and operates on the cloud. These will allow construction managers to have access to information they need from the software wherever they are.

Perform cost-benefit analysis

Cost-benefit analysis helps managers determine whether the cost of implementing any construction software is less than the return on their investment. Before purchasing the license to any software, they should consider the upfront cost, long-term cost savings, taxes, and other hidden fees. If the math paints a positive picture, then they can consider choosing said software.

Beware of cybersecurity risks

Using software exposes one to cybersecurity risks and those risks should be assessed to determine whether said software is worth selecting. Construction managers should ensure that any software they use has adequate cybersecurity protections and does not have a history of being cyber-attacked.

Different Phases of Construction

As established earlier, different types of software are used in different aspects of construction. This section will discuss the different phases of construction. Note that construction software can play a role in almost all phases and make them able to be completed quicker.

Planning phase

The planning phase of a construction project is when project managers and contractors define the project’s goals and structure specifications. During this phase, they also conduct feasibility studies, produce rough sketches for the proposed structure, render 3D models of said sketches, draft budgets, and set timelines for the project.

Design phase

The designs conceived in the first phase will be fleshed out and there will be more details added. Architects and engineers will finalize the look of the structure they want to construct and create a blueprint. Afterward, they will seek approval from their client and proceed to the next phase.

Pre-construction phase

Once there is a blueprint, the construction manager will procure building materials and obtain the permits and regulatory approvals to erect the proposed structure. This may include conducting environmental impact assessments, soil assessments, and land surveying. During this phase, project managers also choose suppliers, make deals with contractors, and set up temporary facilities on the construction site so they can start building.

Construction phase

This phase is where most of the work is done. Construction workers excavate the ground, lay the structure’s foundation, and build the actual structure. Afterward, they install essential utilities like plumbing systems, electrical wiring, and HVAC systems. This is followed by enclosures such as roofs, windows, walls, and doors. Subsequently, there will be some interior work like flooring, installing drywall, and painting. Lastly, the building will be inspected to ensure quality and that it meets compliance standards.

Post construction phase

This is when all finishing touches will be applied to the building to prepare it to be handed over to the client. This is when everything installed will be tested to eliminate deficiencies. The building will also be cleaned and prepared for handover.

Commissioning phase

When a building has been constructed, the construction manager has to hand it over to the client so they can use it for its intended purpose. This phase involves a formal inspection of the building with the client, a handover of the project blueprint, building drawings, and other similar documentation. The project manager will also give the client all the information they need to know about the building and sign off on the project.

Operation and maintenance phase

When a building becomes operational, it will need regular maintenance to ensure it is functional long-term and serves its purpose optimally. This means that parts of said building that deteriorate should be promptly repaired. Over time, the building may need upgrades and renovations to sustain it otherwise it will be at risk of collapsing or losing its appeal. Technicians can take care of small repairs, but major renovations should be done by construction managers who can oversee the entire process.

Endnote

Construction is now better since software has been introduced, and there are different types of software that can be used in multiple aspects of the project. Unfortunately, some construction managers are hesitant to adopt it because they believe it will affect their ability to effectively manage projects, especially if they are not tech-savvy. However, construction software improves productivity and efficiency, which allows construction projects to be completed quicker and provides a significant return on investment.