Technology & Construction: Project Management
It is safe to say that technology has had a hand in revolutionising multiple aspects of the construction industry. For the most part, the technology does tend to focus on the construction itself, making it easier and quicker to carry out the work. However, in recent years there have been a few strides made on the administrative side too. Let’s take a look.
Project Management: An Overview
Project management should seem pretty obvious. Construction projects need managing to ensure that they remain on budget and that they do not experience delays. The project manager keeps track of all of the different elements encompassed within project management, including the schedule and the health and safety considerations. Traditionally, this meant paperwork and lots of it, taking up room in the project manager’s office, and it could be difficult to keep track of.
Project Management Tools
There are several options when it comes to project management tools. Your use will depend on the project itself and whether your business tends to work more on residential or commercial projects because some tools are geared towards one or the other. For example, Kahua offers project management software and tools to businesses with a focus on large-scale commercial or government-funded projects, although a few can be used universally.
Again, the tools do differ depending on the project, but for the most part, they offer solutions which cover all areas of managing the project from the initial planning stages through the development and building until the project is finished. This could be document management, bid management and fund management in the initial stages. After the bid or planning permission is secured, then the tools evolve to encompass budget trackers, reporting and analytics, as well as planning tools.
Choosing the Right Solution
There are several things to consider when it comes to looking into project management solutions for your construction business. The considerations all obviously centre around your business. How big is your business? Small businesses won’t need the same comprehensive packages as larger businesses will. What does your construction business build? Do you mainly build residential properties or commercial spaces? You will also need to think about how much you can afford to spend on these solutions. Some tools are billed on a subscription, and you are expected to pay for them monthly; others charge annually, and some are only subject to a one-off payment. You will also need to take into account the ultimate goals for your business. For example, a construction business that wants to grow will need project management tools that are easily scalable.
Is it Worth it?
This is a difficult question to answer because, truthfully, it is hard to give a universal yes or no. There are too many variables involved. If your construction company is small, mainly dealing with small residential projects, then it might not be worth the investment. However, if you are looking to grow your business or secure more government construction bids, then these tools can be invaluable. Think about your business.