Best construction project management software

Project management software is an essential tool for any business, especially when it comes to organizing and tracking tasks and progress. There are many different project management solutions on the market today, each with its own unique features, benefits, and drawbacks. Two of the most popular project management software packages are Microsoft Project and Oracle/Primavera Cloud.

In this article we discuss the important functionalities of both MS Project and Primavera, but also of Simjo, project management software that has been specifically developed for construction project managers.

Simjo strives to get an overview of the required management information with as few clicks as possible. To make a project a success, control and anticipation of changes are essential.

1. Projectplanning

Perhaps the most important feature for project management software, is the ability to create schedules and easily adjust them.

Microsoft Project

Looking at Microsoft Project, this tool offers good scheduling capabilities that allow users to assign tasks to team members. It also includes setting start and end dates for each task. This tool also has the ability to identify potential conflicts between tasks due to resource availability or other factors.

Oracle Primavera Cloud

Oracle Primavera Cloud allows users to create detailed plans and schedules for their projects. This helps users break down complex tasks into smaller, manageable chunks so that they can be more effectively and efficiently accomplished. In addition, users can define the resources needed and assign tasks based on availability with just a few clicks.

Simjo

Simjo has chosen to provide integral overview in the construction project, rather than just focusing heavily on planning options. This has the advantage of making it clear at a glance where any bottlenecks may arise.

In Simjo you easily create a schedule for your construction project. By assigning colors, you quickly draw attention to certain activities. It is also possible to indicate whether activities are part of the critical path. Furthermore, on the dashboard you can immediately see whether you need to adjust the scope, time or money.

2. Resource management

Sound resource management ensures that budget and materials are available effectively and efficiently and at the right time for the duration of a project. This enables project teams to deliver the project within budget and on time.

Microsoft Project

Microsoft Project allows you to manage your resources efficiently by, for example, keeping track of personnel costs associated with individual tasks. But also to see what resources are available at any given time and then allocate them.

Oracle Primavera Cloud

With Oracle Primavera Cloud, you can easily assign resources to multiple projects to maximize efficiency and productivity. It also allows real-time tracking of resources and costs, which enables you to react quickly when changes are needed. For example, in the event of unexpected circumstances or delays.

Simjo

Simjo helps you easily link project scope, time and money. So you always know where your resources are going and at what time. The cash flow chart in Simjo helps you keep an overview.

Simjo also takes your organization’s finance department into account by linking your budget with the cost types used within your organization. This way everyone has the same picture.

3. Reporting & analytics

Reporting on the progress of your construction project is another important feature of project management software. This not only gives you an overview of expenses and progress as a construction project manager, but also makes it easier to share progress with (internal) clients and suppliers.

Microsoft Project

In Project, you can report in detail on completed tasks, upcoming milestones, display budget updates and visualize resource utilization. It is also easy to calculate ROI on specific costs.

Oracle Primavera Cloud

Primavera offers the option to generate insightful reports on budgets, resources and tasks. These reports are also customizable, so you can display exactly how and what you want.

Simjo

In Simjo, the main emphasis of reporting is on speed and simplicity, compared to the endless details and options of the other two tools. You generate a report for your project at the click of a button. You simply add an explanation, after which you have the report available in PDF.

In Simjo you can also see at a glance the reports that have been prepared. So you can always find exactly what has been communicated previously about your project.

Also read: Budget overrun in construction projects: concerns and tips

4. Collaboartion and communication

Samenwerking in een team is de sleutel tot succesvol projectmanagement en het op tijd opleveren van het project. Functies die de samenwerking bevorderen zorgen ervoor dat alle betrokkenen hun rol binnen het project begrijpen en precies weten wat er wanneer moet gebeuren. Dit voorkomt misverstanden en vertraging.

Microsoft Project

In Project is het eenvoudig te communiceren met teamleden door opmerkingen te plaatsen en chatberichten te versturen. Ook het delen van documenten en het toewijzen van rollen en verantwoordelijkheden is mogelijk.

Oracle Primavera Cloud

In Primavera, you are connected as team members and work real-time on different aspects of the project.

Simjo

In Simjo, you easily collaborate with team members. Simjo offers ready-made templates, aimed at the Dutch construction and infrastructure sector. Combined with the project copy function, a user can quickly start steering the project without training. In addition, Simjo provides clear task suggestions for effective steering.

Conclusion

Both Microsoft Project and Oracle/Primavera Cloud have their own unique advantages, making them both options for companies looking for powerful yet easy-to-use project management solutions.

Yet Simjo offers advantages over both tools, the most important of which are overview, simplicity and speed. The roadmap is another unique feature that promotes mutual collaboration. Because of the clear product tours, users don’t need any training to use Simjo. And this also saves time and costs.

Want to discover how Simjo supports your construction project?

Get a free Simjo trial.