The construction industry has a crucial role in the US economy, adding to USD 1.7 trillion. But unfortunately, AEC (Architecture, Engineering, and Construction) industry has long kept itself aloof from technological advancement. In a 2015 survey, it was found that more than half of the construction companies still rely on legacy systems to perform operations. There wasn’t anything like construction management software in their dictionary! This technological divide has lessened, but 27.5% of construction companies are still in the deliberation phase.
Relying on paper and pencil in today’s technologically driven world means you are trying to build a building by doing guesswork that lacks accuracy, clarity, management, and aligned communication. That results in having vague project scope, unnecessary delays, miscommunications, and supply chain hurdles. Result? Increased risk of errors, and loss of time and money.
So, no wonder that the buzz of technological adoption for operational efficiency and better management is increasing in the AEC industry. It’s time for the companies to say ‘goodbye’ to the old legacy system and ‘hello’ to construction management software.
Construction project management software helps get a competitive edge and a firm position in the industry. Here is how:
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Real-Time Communication and Collaboration
Without proper communication and collaboration, any construction site is like dispersed pieces of the puzzle that don’t give a clear picture. So, keeping everyone on the same page helps get a clear picture of the operations and progress. It’s only possible through real-time communication and collaboration between the on-site and off-site teams.
But construction PM software has changed the communication game in the AEC industry for the better.
Construction management software has made project managers’ lives less stressful by providing a platform for keeping everyone in the loop. Now employees, contractors, clients, and project managers can stay connected and up to date so that everything goes smoothly.
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Project Management
With the old legacy system, project managers were always hooked to the edge of their seats because there were so many system flaws, which could turn into irreversible damages.
But construction project management software has changed the approach toward project management, making it more strategic, efficient, and streamlined. From comprehensive planning, sharing information with the team, tracking the supply chain and budget, to directing project changes, construction project managers can handle all this within one system without juggling different operational units.
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Document Management
Document management is another black hole in the construction industry.
Recall those times when you had to dive into the pile of documents to find a relevant file, and it was always a matter of several hours to find the required file – a time-wasting, annoying, and hectic activity that was like an everyday story.
However, thanks to construction PM software, this painful story has changed. Now project managers can handle and secure their important files and put documents in an organized way. They can store all the essential paperwork in an online cloud-based system accessible from anywhere to anyone.
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Resource Management
Let’s admit that keeping construction equipment in the best form and securing them from any loss and damage is one of the biggest headaches for construction project managers. Firstly, construction equipment and resources are expensive, and it takes a huge chunk of money to buy them. Secondly, any loss or damage can delay the process. So, both the situations are not welcoming at all.
With construction management software, project managers can keep a record, align resources, track their utilization in projects, and check their health. All these benefits point to one thing: your resource management becomes more efficient and organized.
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Budgeting
Budgeting is like the backbone of any construction project as it can make or break a project. Inaccurate budgeting can shake the whole project, resulting in overspending than estimation, delays, or worst, project toppling. And nobody wants this to happen, even in the worst nightmare. That’s where construction management software is helping construction companies!
Project managers can make their budget management game better through CMS, as it helps in:
- Standardizing bid proposals
- Providing better insight into possible risks
- Automating project costs, like material and labor cost
- Giving comprehensive comparison with previous project costs
With all these things in hand, it becomes easier to do accurate budgeting that minimizes the possibility of mid-project re-budgeting.
Conclusion
Construction project management software has changed the AEC industry, and now project managers can take a sigh of relief as they can seamlessly control, manage, and see every aspect of the project. Not to forget the on-time and within-budget project delivery that was before a dream for the construction project managers that was rarely achieved.
CMS is a go-to solution for every company looking to break the barriers of the legacy system and come to an advanced construction environment where process automation and better project insights are taking the construction management stage for all the right reasons.
So, if you are still stuck with old systems, we hope you find your way to the advanced world soon – you will not regret it!