Construction teams have many moving parts. Construction management software helps plan and schedule tasks to keep projects running smoothly and finished on time. Therefore, it is vital to keep track of everything in one place to ensure nothing is overlooked or forgotten.
What is Construction Management software?
Construction management software is a digital tool that helps simplify construction management processes. It streamlines the day-to-day operations, schedules projects, and improves how they are delivered. The software also makes it easy to locate documents and eliminate paper, which can be misplaced, lost, or destroyed.
Construction management software also allows stakeholders to communicate in real-time, encouraging collaboration from one or more locations. The ability to send a rendering or updated plan to someone on a jobsite without leaving the office saves time and increases productivity.
What Are the Benefits?
Cloud-Based Solution
One of the advantages of having cloud-based construction management software is tracking and documenting an entire project from start to finish. Providing a cost analysis or project update to a client with the click of a button adds value, professionalism, and loyalty.
Centralization
Having project scheduling software to generate pertinent information is crucial to a successful project. All the information is in one place where all stakeholders will review or make changes to the project flow when needed. In addition, construction scheduling software creates real-time project updates to keep everything running smoothly.
Decision making
Construction management software houses project data in one place for easy access and timely decision-making. The software helps make the right decisions at the right time, keeping the budget and schedule intact.
Real-time updating
Technology makes it easy to keep track of things without human error. Avoiding errors helps with collaboration, productivity, efficiency, and communication throughout the team.
Integrations
Different projects may have different schedules and worksheets from other programs. Construction software allows certain portions of project information to integrate into the system for overview and insight of current and future projects.
Resources
Managers use this software to avoid wasting resources and make better decisions.
Cost analysis
Construction management software is a great tool to assess planning, resource allocation, and potential cost inconsistencies.
Green construction
Going green is vital within the industry, but having real-time data on how your project complies with LEED standards helps get projects done the right way.
Accountability
Construction software helps with accountability throughout the project – from scheduling to accounting. This software is also helpful in keeping track of contractors, when and how they work, and any costs attached to their roles.
Time management
Construction scheduling software helps with project planning and delivering those projects on time. Unfortunately, many projects fail in this area due to poor planning. With this software, firms can forecast issues, errors, and delays during the process. Tracking when tasks finish ahead of schedule allows for quick adjustments in the project timeline.
Construction Planning and Scheduling Software Providers
Touchplan is an innovative and trusted option based on superior tools and world-class customer support. Some providers on the market include construction scheduling software like Microsoft Project, and for those working in the cloud, the Microsoft Project download. There are also two versions of construction scheduling software Primavera including Oracle Primavera and the standard Primavera software.
There is a running debate on Primavera scheduling vs. Microsoft Project and which one does a better job. First, it’s important to note that although both are utilized, Primavera is a database-based software, while Microsoft Project is a file-based software. Touchplan has earned the highest accolades from customers based on their use of the software and the supporting team behind the tool.
Construction Planning and Scheduling Software Cost
While getting a free version of construction software to try out can help you choose the one that works best for your needs, using free software as a standalone may not work as a long-term solution. Investing in a robust program ensures you will have the latest versions, all the updates, and you won’t have any restrictions that come with free downloads.
Construction planning commonly requires resource management, project budget, timeline, estimating, job costing, and schedule tracking. The software is an integral part of the project planning and control of the timeline. However, if a contractor does not correctly utilize or implement construction scheduling software, it may negatively impact the project.
When searching for the best construction scheduling software, it’s best to consider all the things you need. Finding a construction management software free download is not hard. However, the real advantages and values come with using a fully functional tool that efficiently serves the whole project team to deliver noticeable results.
Training, Templates, and Examples
Before making your final selections on which construction software is right for you, consider the type of training involved in implementing a new program. Touchplan has a supportive range of training that spans one-to-one team engagement to weekly group training sessions.
In addition, each instructor will accommodate teams and companies based on their individual preferences – something not often found with software providers. This innovative approach is unique to the Touchplan team. News users can also utilize resources like the FAQ’s section, tutorial videos, and partnered events such as Lean Construction Institute’s various events.
In addition, teams can view a construction schedule example via Touchplan to understand what the plans would look like to understand the dynamic real-time advantages the software creates for busy project teams.
Apps and Download Options
Finding the proper construction planning and scheduling software can be difficult, especially with so many different options on the market. Looking at the best construction management software list and apps can help point you in the right direction. New and important software and app alternatives are entering the market daily, constantly shifting the landscape of construction applications.
Some things to consider when seeking out the right software or apps for you and your teams:
- In general, does a web-based construction management software suit your needs? How about construction contract management software?
- For crews and schedules, is a construction scheduling app necessary? Or is construction crew scheduling software important? Does crew scheduling app availability matter? Where does construction employee scheduling software rank? Is free job scheduling software something to consider?
- For job types, is specific residential construction management software essential?
- For processes, is the critical path method or CPM scheduling software helpful?
Understanding what you’re looking to achieve and how potential options can work with your existing software and teams can make adoption more manageable and advantageous for the entire project and organization.
Many online review sites and tech-based publications compare various construction management software, so you can download and review them in more detail. To help augment sparse resources, some consider the best free construction scheduling apps, choosing free job scheduling software, free construction program software, or free crew scheduling software. A construction company software free download may also be just the thing to begin using construction management software systems to increase efficiencies, accountability, and productivity. However, free options are not recommended for long-term solutions.
Should all construction firms and contractors use construction planning and scheduling software? Absolutely. But, each organization has its own needs and should find a solution that works best for its team.