4 Project Management Solutions for Construction

In today’s world, digital tools are essential for delivering construction projects. However, the market is filled with various solutions, making it difficult to choose the right one. In this article, we will provide project managers with a list of tools they need to successfully complete projects in the construction sector. 

Although the digitisation of the construction industry is only gaining momentum, the rest of the world has long been undergoing it. This has led to a high demand, resulting in a wide range of tools being available on the market. This complicates matters for project managers in the sector, who are probably uncertain about which software they need and which features are merely nice-to-haves. And no one likes to waste money. 

The good news is that, regardless of the industry, the digital toolbox for a project manager is usually the same. The basic setup, however, can completely transform the delivery and quality of construction projects. In this article, we will list all the tools you need and the impact each one delivers individually. 

What are the Benefits of Digital Tools in Construction?

There are many benefits that digital tools can offer to enhance 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 offers numerous benefits to the construction sector as a whole. However, these eight are the most important ones project managers should focus on. All of them are easily achievable with just a few tools. 

Toolbox for a Project Manager in Construction 

There is surprisingly little a construction project manager needs to elevate their game. Four tools are generally enough to cover the basic requirements, and some may need a few more to reach their goals, but as a rule, the foundation is quite solid. Without further ado, let’s look at what goes into it.

1. Project Management Software

Project management software is essential for any project manager, regardless of the industry they work in. Construction is no exception. Unfortunately, there are arguably more moving parts involved in delivering physically viable project results. While some sectors can manage with basic tools, construction requires a more robust platform. 

Not to mention, as the core of the digital toolkit, extensive functionality and flexibility alone aren’t enough. It needs to offer numerous options for integration, considering your other tools will likely be chosen based on their compatibility with the project management software. It would be unwise to reduce your list of options. 

2. Digital Timesheets

Construction projects typically employ either temporary or contracted on-site workers. Generally, they are mainly paid an hourly rate. While it may seem straightforward in theory, it often proves to be challenging in practice. This is because the same workers may operate at different rates depending on the time of day, location, task, and various other factors. If they are simply recording their activities on a paper timesheet or an Excel spreadsheet, calculating their exact pay can become quite complicated. 

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

3. Attendance and Holidays Tracking Solution

Resource management is crucial in project management, and workers are by far the most valuable resource a project manager has. However, they are also the most unpredictable. Not keeping track of attendance and holidays can very easily disrupt the entire project. Unfortunately, with large teams, it's impossible to monitor every worker individually without a dedicated tool. 

Using a digital solution to track attendance can help you quickly spot and prevent malpractices such as absenteeism, buddy punching, or false sick days. Additionally, a holiday management system will keep you informed about who’s off and when, so you don’t accidentally end up understaffed at crucial times. Not to mention, this visibility will help you allocate your resources more effectively, ensuring that workflow and deliverables aren’t impacted by fewer staff on site. 

4. Invoicing Automation Platform

While invoicing isn’t a complex process, it can become more complicated depending on the number of outsourced workforce units you are dealing 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 tend to pile up. Differentiating dates also makes them feel like an endless task. That’s why a construction project manager really needs an invoicing automation tool. With it, you can forget about this never-ending chore. Some solutions won’t just generate invoices for you - they will also distribute them on your behalf. 

Summary 

Although each industry has its own distinct goals, challenges, and requirements, project managers across all sectors require a similar digital toolkit. At its core, there will always be project management software with a wide range of available integrations to ensure all your tools are connected. Disjointed platforms necessitate manual data transfer, which is not only time-consuming but also highly prone to human error. 

Other tools you will need include digital timesheets to easily monitor your employees' hours and pay them accurately, without the hassle of calculating different rates. An attendance and holiday system will help ensure you are never understaffed and allow you to identify any potential gaps in work attendance. Finally, an invoice automation tool will handle billing for you, automatically raising and distributing invoices at the desired time without further involvement. 

Are you ready to begin assembling your toolbox? Include Timesheet Portal.