In this article, we will explore the most common causes of delays in construction projects. We will also consider possible solutions and explain why we believe digitisation of the industry is the way forward.
Every client expects their project to be finished on time, if not earlier, and of course, to be perfect. However, any project manager knows that this is rarely achievable. Sometimes, things go off track. You go over budget, suddenly run out of materials, make a small typo, and your data becomes skewed... The list of potential issues is very long. But ultimately, they all lead to delays. The construction industry, in particular, is very unforgiving of these setbacks.
Before you can eliminate the mentioned delays, you need to understand their causes. That’s what we will discuss in today’s article. Furthermore, we will also advise you on what measures should be implemented to prevent these situations in the future, rather than simply dealing with the consequences.
Many factors can delay a construction project. These include weather conditions, supply chain problems, workplace injuries, and more. They also involve elements that are more within your control, such as project tracking, data collection, lack of communication, and others. In particular, there are several reasons for delays that you can prevent.
The preventative measures are usually quite simple and require little effort, often being dismissed as ‘too good to be true’. However, sometimes things don’t need to be complicated to be effective. This is just one of those cases.
Projects start with a plan. This is not just a formality or ‘industry’s best practice’ but an absolute necessity. A project plan forms the basis of everything, and if it is unstable, the outcomes built on it will also be insecure. But what are the main differences between a plan and a good plan? Let’s discuss that.
Planning starts with understanding your objectives. From there, you can begin mapping out the resources needed to reach those goals quickly and cost-effectively. Of course, you also want the process to be smooth. When it comes to construction specifically, there are many factors to consider. This includes building materials, equipment, workers, and safety measures. But there is even more to think about.
To prevent delays in construction projects, firms also need to recognise that some resources should be allocated to back-office procedures. Specifically, software that enables the automation of tasks which don’t require direct human judgment. For example, transferring files from one platform to another. We recommend setting aside a budget to develop a dedicated digital toolbox. There is a good chance that once created, it can also be utilised on future projects with minimal adjustments. In essence, it’s likely a one-time investment that will serve you well over time.
As you may know, things rarely go according to plan, even when you’ve put your best effort into preparation. The most common cause of delays in construction projects is things going off the rails. However, most of the time, it isn’t necessarily caused by unforeseen circumstances. Instead, it results from a lack of flexibility in quickly adjusting to changes. Your plan and forecast should serve as your guides, and you should therefore be prepared to be thrown off course.
Good planning includes being ready to quickly choose an alternative route when things don’t go as planned. For instance, a shift scheduling software can help you swiftly assign workers to cover unexpected absences. A holiday management platform also informs you of everyone’s availability. Using digital tools for collaboration quickly identifies problem areas and allows team members to step in and resolve issues, potentially getting the project back on track as quickly as possible. Overall, things are unlikely to go exactly as you hoped. And that’s okay. What matters is whether you can turn them around.
Prevention is simpler than damage control and repairs. Easier said than done, isn't it? Not quite. When it comes to project management, preventative measures are typically very straightforward to implement. And we are about to demonstrate this.
With so many moving parts involved in project planning and execution, it is easy for incomplete processes, forgetfulness, and conflicts to slip in. Naturally, all these factors cause time losses and can lead to delays. Instead of addressing them individually as they arise, it is better to tackle the root cause and implement preventative measures. Interestingly, they typically originate from one relatively simple source: human error. This can often be resolved by removing the human element from the process.
Introducing digital solutions to construction projects allows you to delegate many tasks to computers. Unlike live employees, technology can handle larger volumes and more complex tasks faster and without sacrificing accuracy. Even automating just a few steps in a process can significantly improve its overall flow. Additionally, it will gather data as it operates, which is a topic of its own and we are about to discuss it.
Incorrect or missing data can place a serious burden on any project. It is especially common in the construction sector where accuracy and quality are crucial for compliance. However, data cleaning and maintenance is an ongoing task. Considering we live in an era of constant flow, it’s nearly impossible to keep on top of it at all times, leading to inaccuracies and gaps.
The ray of hope is that it is impossible for humans. The technology, however, is highly advanced in not only collecting but also filtering data. Using the right digital solutions to operate processes gathers data for you and, with just a few clicks, can present it in a digestible format that makes analysis very straightforward. It is also easily accessible on demand, facilitating extraction for audits, post-project reviews, or simply to determine when significant changes occurred.
Typically, the faster the process moves, the lower the chance of delays. But how do you make the process faster without compromising quality or increasing the risk of mistakes? The answer is very simple.
Back office work is the part of construction that many don’t see, but it doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist. Since most companies employ a mix of hourly, temporary, and contractor workers, it is bound to generate a lot of admin work. With various other tasks such as legal compliance, finances, client liaison, and more, the behind-the-scenes of every construction firm is often overworked on a daily basis.
This is the breeding ground for mistakes that later lead to delays in construction projects. However, like most of the issues discussed so far, it can be prevented through digitisation. As we’ve already noted, automation not only offers faster turnaround times but also helps minimise human error. Automating administrative tasks enables your staff to focus on matters that require human judgment without feeling pressured to rush.
Delays in construction projects are often unavoidable, but this doesn’t mean they have to impact delivery and quality. Good planning and the ability to skillfully shift resources when needed can help you easily manage inconveniences without disrupting the project. With many moving parts, however, this may seem almost impossible. But don’t worry: there are many tools available to handle these issues. Not only do they make the process faster, but also more accurate and less prone to errors.
Automating as many aspects of the back office as possible can significantly improve how your on-site operations function. Not to mention, it can positively influence your relationships with clients, potentially securing more projects in the future. Overall, project delays aren’t the problem itself - it’s how you manage them.
Become more adaptable and navigate more intelligently. We will support you.