Construction Management Software (CMS) also known as Project Management Software refers to the series of applications to help users effectively manage construction projects, resources, and customers. It includes scheduling and tracking worker daily tasks, punch listing, daily internal communications, and client billing. The web-based Construction Management Software increases the efficiency and productivity of construction firms and businesses. On-site crew members, project owners, and other stakeholders can stay connected even without the internet in real-time.
What are the Benefits of using Construction Management Software?
Construction Management System tool comes with all the required features to plan, schedule, and execute the client’s projects. The CMS key benefits are listed below:
Effective Planning and Scheduling
The CMS comes with a tool to help to simplify the planning process. Project managers can plan a management plan with tasks like distributing resources, setting up deadlines, and creating deliverables easily and quickly. They can prioritize tasks as per the benefit of the project.
Boosts Team cooperation
A Project team generally comprises members from different departments of the project. The CMS keeps the owner, on-site workers, and other members in close connectivity making it easier to communicate and actively conduct status calls.
Task Management
With the software, managers can easily assign tasks to the team members. The on-site workers can check the software and start working on the tasks allotted to them as per the priority. The tool also sends automatic reminders before deadlines.
Smooth file accessing and sharing
The tool also enables safe accessing and sharing important documents. Furthermore, users can make changes and leave feedback as it is cloud-based.
Hassle-free addition of new workers
The CMS maintains a project log that enables us to view the entire progress of the project simply. It enables new workers to easily catch-up and starts the work within a short time.
Effective Risk management
With the help of CMS, project managers can compile a list of risks and plans to mitigate them. Project members can actively participate, giving feedback, and discussing various solutions.
Cost and budget management
CMS allows project managers to manage the resources. They can keep tracks in real-time mitigating excessive project costs and optimizing the process.
Work from home
Irrespective of the physical location, the team members can remain connected. With CMS, remote project management has become very easy for managers to properly lead their team and guide them through.
Increased productivity
All the added advantages of the software successfully optimize cost and time requirements. This, in turn, helps in making a smart decision that enhances productivity
What are the competitive advantages of using construction project management software?
With high yielding performance and smooth running of project processes, Project Management Software gives an immediate competitive edge in today’s competitive environment. Businesses that implement tools can gain the following advantages:
Higher completion rate:
A Project Manager Tool is capable of increasing productivity along with efficient time and cost optimization. It helps to strategize work schedules, resources, reduce risk factors, and always stay connected with the team members. It enables finishing projects in less time and with less cost.
Collaboration in real-time:
The PM software comes with a cloud-based communication function that keeps the team connected even at low connectivity areas. Project managers can easily hand out tasks and schedules that are accessible by on-site workers in real-time. They can also send feedback and queries. There will be better collaboration and a better sense of professionalism.
Increased customer satisfaction:
A satisfied customer goes a long way for any business. A project is completed on time and under budget, consequently, the customer is happy. With PM software, Project successes are assured. As a consequence, it creates a better and confident work environment.
What are the different Business Sizes using the PM software?
- The various breakdown of business sizes using construction project management software are as follows:
- Single User: Less than $1 million in annual revenue. A small family-owned firm, with no IT department and uses a single software
- Small business buyer: Up to $50 million annual revenue. A firm with 2-100 employees, with no IT department, using 2-10 software licenses.
- Midsize buyer: Up to $100 million annual revenue. 2-100 employees, the IT department, and 11-100 software licenses.
- Midsize-enterprise buyer: More than $100 million in annual revenue. A firm with 100+ employees, an IT department, and 100+ software licenses.
What are the various PM Software tools?
Takeoff:
Takeoff is a pre-sale process in which the estimator measures construction plans (blueprints and drawings) to determine the number of materials and labour required for a job.
Estimating:
The software calculates the cost required for material and labour as well as produces a detailed bid proposal based on those estimates.
Bid management:
The software helps a contractor request bids from subcontractors and suppliers before submitting a job quote to a building owner. In short, the process bridges the gap between pre-sale and project management.
Accounting:
The software helps firms manage their job costing, core accounting, fixed asset accounting, and payroll. It’s common to find some job costing and budgeting in construction PM software; QuickBooks or Xero is an accounting system that can be used additionally.
Different Features of construction PM software
Bid Management
PM software enables us to invite and accept bids from subcontractors and third-party stakeholders. It allows analyzing and comparing the bid to choose the best option.
Document Management
Documents are as easy to store as it is to create. Furthermore, the software easily tracks and manages in real time. The project members can easily access and send feedback as required.
Project Management
Project Managers can strategize an optimized management plan keeping in mind the resources, risks, budget, and deadlines.
Contract Management
All agreements and contracts between the company and their clients, crewmates, vendors, and stakeholders can be properly maintained with centralized access.
Timesheet Management
With PM software, the managers can easily track the work status as well as the employees’ work hours.
Pricing guide of the Software
The software offers ‘per user, per month’ pricing. As per a vendor’s website, the base plan of the software is available on three pricing tiers:
– $0 – $16
– $16 – $22
– $22+
Premium plans are available at much higher rates that include additional features such as APIs, Third-party reporting, and premium support.
FAQs
- What is the best construction management software?
CoConstruct, a web-based construction management software, Is the best available option for contractors, modellers, and design-build companies.
- What is the average implementation timeline?
For any small to medium businesses, the average implementation time is 18.4 months.
- What is the software used in construction management?
Construction Management uses a web-based construction Management Software like project management, job site data collection and reporting, collaboration, and so on.
- What is the construction management system?
Construction Management System is a professional service that uses project management techniques to effectively plan, design, and schedule a workforce from start to end.
Popular Construction software available in market
BuildTools
BuildTools is a web-based, fully integrated construction project management software. It is a residential construction management software designed to manage and connect the back-office processes. Users can better manage their budgets, schedule subcontractors, issue purchase orders, and other behind-the-scenes work processes. They can keep their projects in sync and up-to-date. In a single platform, it has bid management, document management, budgeting, communications, purchase orders, accounting integration, and more.
Buildertrend
Buildertrend is a web-based construction management platform that manages communication, project schedule, budget, tasks, documents, and more. It is for custom builders and remodelers, specially built for managing custom projects.
WorkflowMax
WorkflowMax is a cloud-based free construction management software that provides end-to-end PM solutions. It has tools for leads, quotes, timesheets, job management, and invoicing. Pricing is at a convenient user per month basis, so it is easy to scale depending on the company’s business loan. It is ideal for architects, building and construction professionals, surveyors, and engineers, among others. It works well with construction accounting software like Xero as well.
Field EZ Construction Management Software
Field EZ provides a smart field service management solution that helps firms and construction businesses to manage their field operations through automated scheduling and work management. G2 has awarded FieldEZ as a Leader for Field Service Management Software in 2020. Its web-based construction management software provides some of the best construction and earth-moving heavy equipment.
