4 Project Management Solutions for Construction

In today’s world, digital tools are a necessity to deliver construction projects. However, the market is filled with all kinds of solutions, making it hard to choose the right one. In this article, we will provide project managers with the list of tools they need to deliver successful projects in the construction sector. 

Although the digitisation of the construction industry is only picking up its pace, the rest of the world has long since been going through it. This means that the high demand has generated a wide selection of tools on the market. This complicates things for the project managers in the sector, who are likely unsure of what software they need and what falls into the category of nice-to-haves. And no one likes wasting money. 

The good news is that independent of the industry, the digital toolbox for a project manager is normally the same. The very basic setup, however, can fully transform the delivery and quality of construction projects. And in this article, we will list all the tools you need and the impact each of them delivers individually. 

What are the Benefits of Digital Tools in Construction?

There are many things the use of digital tools can offer to improve construction projects. Here are some of them:

1. More accurate forecasting;

2. Improved efficiency through better resource distribution;

3. Easier communication and collaboration;

4. Less repetitive admin work;

5. Smoother and quicker internal workflows;

6. Cost savings;

7. Easy assurance of compliance;

8. Solution to avoid being understaffed.

Overall, digitisation carries a plethora of improvements to the construction sector as a whole. These 8, however, are the ones project managers should care about the most. And they are all very easily achievable with but a couple of tools. 

Toolbox for a Project Manager in Construction 

There is surprisingly little a construction project manager needs to elevate their game. A total of 4 tools. Of course, they are enough to cover the basic needs and some may need a couple more to reach their goals, but as a rule, the foundation is rather solid. Without further ado, let’s look at what goes into it.

1. Project Management Software

Project management software is the bread and butter of any project manager, regardless of the industry they work in. Construction is not an exception. Alas, there are arguably more moving parts when it comes to delivering physically viable project results. While some sectors can get away with the most basic tools, construction will need a more serious platform. 

Not to mention, with it being the core of the digital toolbox, extensive functionality and flexibility alone won’t cut it. It needs to have a lot of options for integration, considering your other tools will most likely be selected using their compatibility with the project management software as criteria. It would be unwise to shorten your list of options. 

2. Digital Timesheets

Construction projects usually work with either temporary or contracted on-site workers. As a rule, they are mostly paid on an hourly rate. While it doesn’t sound difficult in theory, it usually is in practice. Simply because the same workers may be operating at a different rate that changes due to hours of the day, location, task and many other factors. If they are simply marking their activities on a paper timesheet or an Excel spreadsheet, it can be very difficult to calculate what their pay is. 

However, if you utilise a digital time-tracking solution instead, these won’t be your constant worries. Digitising timesheets means you can implement time rules that will calculate different rates for you based on the preset criteria. In other words, instead of wasting time and risking errors everytime, you only need to set the tool up once and it will do all the work for you. 

3. Attendance and Holidays Tracking Solution

Resource management is incredibly important in project management, and workers are by far the most important resource at any project manager’s disposal. However, it’s also the most unpredictable one. Not having your finger on the pulse regarding attendance and holidays can very easily derail the entire project. Alas, with big teams its impossible to look after every worker individually. Not without a designated tool. 

Using a digital solution to track attendance can help you quickly identify and nip in the bud any malpractices such as absenteeism, buddy punching or false sick days. Additionally, a holiday management system will keep you in the know of who’s off and when, so you don’t end up accidentally understaffed at the most critical moment. Not to mention, this visibility will help you distribute your available resources better, making sure the workflow and deliverables aren’t affected by less staff on site. 

4. Invoicing Automation Platform

While invoicing isn’t a difficult process, it can get intricate depending on the number of outsourced workforce units you’re working with. Whether it’s independent contractors or 3rd party agencies, they are likely to have different rates, dates and requirements when it comes to raising and clearing invoices. 

Not to mention, invoices are prone to stacking up. Differentiating dates also makes them feel like a never-ending task. This is why a project manager in construction really needs an invoicing automation tool. Equipped with it, you can forget about this tedious task. Some solutions won’t just generate invoices for you - they will distribute them on your behalf too. 

Summary 

Despite each industry having its unique set of goals, challenges and requirements, project managers across all sectors need a similar digital toolbox. At its core, there will always be project management software with a vast number of available integrations to ensure all your tools are connected. Disjointed platforms require manual data transfer which isn’t just time-consuming but also very susceptible to human error. 

Other tools you will need are digital timesheets to easily track the time of your employees and pay them accordingly, without worrying about calculating differentiating rates. An attendance and holiday system will help you ensure you are never understaffed, as well as spot any potential gaps in work attendance. And finally, an invoice automation tool will take over billing for you, both raising and distributing invoices at the selected time without your further involvement. 

Are you ready to start building your toolbox? Include Timesheet Portal.