The construction industry is undergoing digital transformation. In this article, we will be addressing project managers. The focus is on how they are in a position to drive this process and set the tone for future developments.
There is no denying that a project manager is one of the most vital people in any construction industry. The overall success of project delivery heavily depends on them. In fact, the very future of the industry also relies on their role. Project managers in the construction industry are in a unique position. They have insights into nearly every aspect of the company, giving them a better understanding of gaps in processes, communication, and overall performance.
Although not primarily a decision-maker, a project manager is one of the most important people when it comes to the digitisation of the sector. That said, we believe project managers have a crucial role in shaping the future of the industry. In this article, we will explain how this can be achieved and what they should do moving forward.
How Does Project Management Impact on the Construction Industry?
Traditionally, the role of the project manager is described as ensuring successful and smooth project delivery. However, this is a very broad term that hardly captures the complexities of the profession. The influence of project managers in the sector is substantial. They oversee cost management, resource allocation, ensuring the project adheres to the schedule, preventing scope creep, quality control, and many other responsibilities.
Lately, the role is becoming even more vital. Specifically, with the industry undergoing digitisation, project managers now have a new area of responsibility to assume. And it’s a revolutionary one.
The Perfect Time to Change
The industry is changing right now. You can either wait and follow others or take the lead. We strongly suggest the latter, as this opportunity probably won't come again. Plus, the stakes are still low - you can afford to make mistakes without losing anything.
Digitisation of the Sector
The construction industry is often seen as lagging behind the rest of the world in terms of digital transformation. However, despite significant delays, the process has started and is accelerating as we speak. The sector is currently in a state of uncertainty, experimenting with new methods while trying to maintain some traditional practices. In other words, nothing is fixed at this stage, and there are no definitive right or wrong answers.
The course the process will take is highly uncertain. Historically, a brick-and-mortar industry has been difficult to automate because it is run by the ‘old boys’ who pass their knowledge to future generations rather than adopting a new mindset. However, younger leaders are trying to compromise and incorporate innovation, recognising its importance. Overall, the digitisation of the construction sector is quite unique compared to other industries. No one knows what the final outcome will be, but everyone has the opportunity to contribute.
Role of the Project Manager
It may be surprising, but project managers wield the most influence when it comes to shaping the future of the industry. While they are usually not the decision-makers, their opinions carry significant weight. Essentially, they act as intermediaries between the back office and the on-site team. They possess insights into each group's responsibilities and maintain direct communication with both. This positions them perfectly to take the reins of the digitisation process.
With their finger on the pulse of every assignment, project managers have a deep understanding of the obstacles and caveats faced by different teams. It’s only natural for them to seek solutions. Not to mention, every project manager aims to improve their forecasting and delivery quality, something most digital solutions are designed to achieve. In other words, the role of the project manager is to be the driving force behind the ongoing process of digitisation. They must instigate change, communicate its benefits, and oversee its implementation. Or, to put it simply, set the new industry standards.
Be the Backbone of the Company
It all sounds great and inspiring, but where do you begin? Shaping the future of the entire sector isn't an easy task, nor will it happen overnight. There aren’t any fixed best practices yet, but we’re happy to share a few stepping stones.
Nourish an Innovation-Focused Mindset
Digitisation is more than simply introducing digital tools into your processes. No matter what changes you make, if your teams aren’t committed to the idea itself, it won’t achieve the desired outcome. Innovation, above all, is a process. This means it is ongoing and requires consistency. Usually, people can only be consistent if they believe in what they are doing. If your team doesn’t think the change is helpful, they will probably go along with it for a while and drop it once you stop paying attention.
To avoid wasting effort and resources, you should persuade your team of the idea before turning it into reality. Ensure that each person understands what benefits they will gain, how it will impact their daily routines, and what the long-term advantages are. Some initial discomfort and growing pains are normal, especially for those who are not very tech-savvy. However, if they see it as a worthwhile investment of their time, they are less likely to abandon it easily.
Build Your Company’s Digital Toolbox
Alternatively, if you’re not a decision-maker, do a thorough job of presenting its short- and long-term benefits to the stakeholders. Don’t be disheartened if you are rejected a few times; keep showing initiative. The construction sector is quite behind in innovation, and many companies still hesitate to begin digitisation. But if you consistently demonstrate the positive change it can bring, you will eventually succeed.
As a project manager, you will be using the digital toolbox frequently, if not most often. That’s why it’s important that it caters to your needs and provides you with the tools and functionality necessary for success. Additionally, you have a better understanding of your team dynamics, work style, and preferences than the higher-ups. This puts you in a position to select software that is suitable for everyone to use without requiring extensive training or disrupting existing workflows and processes.
Time to Take the Lead
You can’t delay now, not after understanding the role you must play. Project managers have always been a vital part of the construction industry, but the sector’s future now rests in their hands. And it’s not the time to take it easy.
What Will the Future Look Like?
There are currently no industry-leading standards, no universally accepted methods, and no set rules when it comes to digitisation. However, digital transformation is already progressing rapidly. Now is the ideal time to experiment, discover new solutions, and establish the path that other project managers will follow in the years ahead. This represents a unique opportunity that no other industry currently has to shape the future of the sector.
We understand that the fear of failure might be holding you back, as these are uncharted territories with unknown challenges and risks. However, sitting back and waiting for someone else to do the groundwork will not lead to success. Since everything is very new, the stakes are not high even if something goes wrong. Even then, it just becomes a learning experience. You are in a position to shape the industry. Don’t waste this opportunity.
Summary
As digital transformation accelerates, project managers must step up now. With deep knowledge of both on-site and back-office challenges, they need to take charge and drive the process forward. The main challenge is to foster the team’s mindset so they remain committed to digitisation in the long term. From there, the project manager should take responsibility for creating a digital toolkit that will help the company achieve its short- and long-term goals.
There are currently no industry-standard practices or rules when it comes to digitisation. It is a unique opportunity for project managers to make their mark on the direction the entire industry takes. Our final advice is to be bold and not fear experimenting. At this stage, there is no failure - only experience.
Start shaping the industry today with Timesheet Portal.