How do you choose the right project management software for your construction project?

Are you the proud owner of a construction company or do you work within a company or organization in the construction sector? Then you might consider using project management software for your construction project.

Such software ensures better organization, administration and planning of your project. Certain software also makes achieving set goals a lot easier.

But what exactly is project management software and what should you pay attention to when purchasing it? In this article we would like to share a number of useful tips with you.

What is project management software?

Companies as well as organizations and individuals use project management software to plan, organize and manage business activities. For example, you often encounter it in construction, where proper planning is necessary for a project to succeed.

What project management software exists today?

There is no shortage of choice when it comes to project management software. Popular examples of project management software include Asana, Trello, Monday, Jira and Basecamp.

Project management software specifically for a construction project

However, some project management software is designed for specific industries or purposes such as the construction industry. Project managers or contractors use it to manage the project.

For example, the software is used to complete specific tasks. It is accessible to everyone involved in the project, making it easier to monitor progress. Project management software is capable of performing all kinds of tasks. Here’s a small sample:

• Creating tasks and task lists.
  Software allows the team involved in the construction project to create task lists, set deadlines and closely monitor progress.
• Setting up a calendar or schedule.
  This allows the construction team to keep track of a calendar to ensure that the schedule runs smoothly. In addition, this overview allows you to immediately see what still needs to be done.
• Improving communication
  Project management software is designed to allow the team involved to share documents and be able to collaborate. Communication is also easier through such software.
• Time tracking
  Both performers and clients can track how much time they have spent on assignments and projects.
• Reporting and analysis
  Certain software provides users with data and insights to make better decisions and measure the progress and success of their tasks.

What benefits does project management software offer?

Using project management software for your construction project is a good idea for several reasons. For one, it makes for better organization and a schedule often runs better on schedule.

1. See at a glance which tasks are open

Those involved can immediately see which tasks are still open, who is responsible for what and when the deadline for certain tasks is. As a result, everyone is on the same page faster and nothing falls between the cracks.

2. Insight into planning

In addition, many project management programs contain functions such as calendars, timelines and graphs that visualize the progress of a project. This obviously comes in very handy in construction.

3. Understanding issues and problems

It also maps out specific areas where a project is behind. As a result, you are quicker to take action to fix the problem.

4. Promotes communication (even remotely)

Another benefit of project management software is that it facilitates communication and collaboration between team members. Many tools include features such as task assignments, comments and file sharing. These make it easier for team members to share information and provide feedback. This is particularly useful for remote teams because it makes it easier to keep in touch.

It also makes it easier to collaborate from different locations. After all, many project management tools include mobile apps, which help team members stay informed and productive even when they are away from their desks.

5. Increasing productivity

Project management software also contributes to the efficiency of a construction project by taking over “boring” and “repetitive” work. You can then automate certain tasks, such as preparing reports. That saves you a lot of time and worry.

In short, project management software helps construction teams work efficiently, meet their deadlines and complete projects successfully. It also increases and improves transparency and communication between everyone involved in a construction project.

Also read: 5 Tips for efficient project management using tools

9 Tips on choosing project management software for your construction project

Perhaps you are considering using project management software for your construction project. If so, don’t rush into it. Consider the following factors to make a good and informed decision:

1. Pay attention to ease of use

The software should be easy to use. Complicated language and poor navigation are not a good sign. Clear software is intuitive to use and allows team members to quickly master management and use.

2. Choose software with the right options

Carefully consider in advance which functionalities the project management software should have. For example, consider visual display in the form of graphs, simple time tracking options, various ways to create and manage task lists and budgeting.

3. Choose software that is easy to integrate with other software

Try to find software that can integrate with various other software and systems your company already uses. For example, it’s helpful if you can combine it with e-mail, Excel and a financial management software program.

4. Choose software with tools for communication

A good software program provides opportunities for easy and remote collaboration, such as through bulletin boards and team calendars.

5. Pay attention to scalability

Find out if the software program can scale up as the size and complexity of your construction project increases.

6. Choose reporting and analysis capabilities

Try to find software that offers reporting and analysis options to ensure you can easily track, review and share performance information.

7. Pay attention to security

Make sure the software vendor has paid adequate attention to security so that important data is never compromised.

8. Pay attention to the costs

Pay attention to the cost of the project management software. This will ensure that it fits within your company’s budget.

9. Choose good customer service

Make sure the vendor offers excellent support and customer service to help you with any questions or problems that may arise.

Also read our review of the best construction project management software.

Wil jij ook ontdekken hoe Simjo jouw bouwproject ondersteunt?

Simjo is project management software designed specifically for construction project managers. See how Simjo simplifies your work and sign up for a free trial.