Taking a firm charge of any construction project can help tremendously. Knowing what the project goals are, setting exact performance parameters, and selecting project participants are a few of the challenges of successful construction project management.
It’s a full-time job, which is why many construction companies hire experts to deal specifically with project management. According to TrueLook, some of the biggest challenges regarding construction project management include hazard management, jobs going over budget, and poorly defined goals.
And, of course, this is just the tip of the iceberg. That’s why the construction project management software has been booming as of late. Experts estimate that the construction project management software industry will be worth well over $2 billion in just eight years – which is double the $1.2 billion it was worth in 2018.
Construction management software could be your solution if you want to increase productivity and job success but don’t want to create a new salaried position within your company. Many of our members here at Contractors Society of America utilize construction management software successfully in their own businesses. But how do you know which would be best for your company? According to our members and community, these are the best construction management software tools:
1) CoConstruct
CoConstruct is a great management tool to use if you run a design-build firm. That’s because it’s incredibly adaptable. While other software more or fewer locks you in as soon as you set a timetable, materials list, and schedule, CoConstruct allows you to make changes on the fly. Some of its best features include tracking changes in orders and material expenses and single-entry estimating – making it easier to provide clients with estimate service.
2) ProContractor
ProContractor is geared more toward the financial management of projects. One of the coolest features it comes with is the profitable project management feature, making it much easier to see what you will net at the end of any given project. By merit of this useful feature, ProContractor is also extremely helpful for submitting bids. It will help you streamline the bidding process, know what you stand to make and gives you the best chance at a winning bid.
3) Projectmates
Projectmates is a more comprehensive suite of tools for managing all aspects of the job – financial and performance. It comes with integrated tools like a document manager that stores plans, contracts, status report documents, and project photos neatly and conveniently. There are also scheduling tools you can use to help manage your team and the workflow. And there is a helpful capital planning tool to help you keep an eye on your bottom line and draw up estimates.
4) WorkflowMax
WorkflowMax is another comprehensive software suite best known for its client management tool, conveniently organizing client information and contacts info and categorizing projects according to the client. WorkflowMax is also a handy program to track the time spent on jobs and keep an eye on how much the job is costing/making. But perhaps the best thing about WorkflowMax is that it virtually eliminates the need to cobble together management tools from other software providers.
5) Procore
We get asked, “what is Procore construction software?” a lot. T7his is a popular construction management software package because it automates many tasks like document delivery and team member revisions. Procore offers an easy communication platform so you can keep in touch with all the key players of a project. Procore is best suited for companies that already use (and want to keep using) other management tools because it can sync with many other popular construction management software tools.
6) GanttPro
GanttPro is a great tool to use, especially if you are already using Gantt Chart. With the GanttPro software suite, you can easily break down projects into subdivisions or sub-tasks. The subdivision is an invaluable tool for contractors who regularly take on large-scale or nuanced projects. You can use GanttPro to define clear timelines, goals, schedules, and job parameters among the subdivisions. GanttPro also archives jobs so you can audit the work you have already done to see what needs to be improved.
7) BuilderTrend
BuilderTrend simplifies estimates, proposals, and sales with a variety of features that will impress construction companies. Users can import Excel data and other integrated software while working from existing templates and accumulating digital signatures. The tool comes with a built-in email marketing feature allowing quick responses to leads and the ability to craft effective email blasts.
Keep it in Perspective
So what is the best construction management software of all seven that we have highlighted? That will depend mightily on what your specific needs are. For instance, if you find financial planning to be your biggest challenge, ProContractor would be incredibly helpful. But Procore is one that came up a lot when we were pooling insight from our contractors here at Contractors Society of America.
At any rate, keep things in perspective. Be honest about areas of project management that you are struggling with and make a choice accordingly. And for more tips and resources, contact us here at Contractors Society of America.