When selecting construction project management software, there are a few key features you’ll want to ensure that you have access to within whichever platform you choose to use. There are many options on the market these days with each designed to serve a different purpose, so finding the right option for your needs can be difficult. While the specialised features that you need in your construction project management software will depend on your unique situation, there are a few that you’ll want to ensure that you have no matter how you run your business:
Document Storage
Pretty much every project comes with a large amount of paperwork, so having somewhere to store all relevant documents should be one of your top priorities when selecting construction project management software. Not only does this make keeping on top of documentation a whole lot easier at a management level, but, if your construction project management software has a function that allows you share paperwork, it also helps ensure that everyone who is working on any given project can easily access any information that they require to get their job done right.
Time Tracking
Another feature that it’s good to have included in your construction project management software is time tracking. This helps streamline the process of managing and paying staff and also helps you keep an eye on how long things are taking in comparison to how long they were estimated to take. This helps with future planning and means you can easily give clients regular updates on how their project timeline is progressing.
Cash Flow And Accounting
Speaking of paying staff, if your construction project management software doesn’t include a section for managing cash flow and accounting, you’re missing out. While it’s rare to come across construction project management software that facilities the payment of staff directly through the platform, you shouldn’t find it too hard to find an option that includes a feature where payroll is automatically calculated and material costs are monitored. Keeping on top of these aspects of your project is vital to managing your budget and projecting future expenses, so having it rolled into your construction project management software is a major time saver.
Easy Access
You’ll also want to select construction project management software that is quick and easy to access from any device. This helps ensure that staff and contractors on your projects will take up use of the platform and means there will be no excuses for non-compliance. It also means that if anyone is unsure of what they’re meant to be doing, they can quickly check and get back to work, therefore maximising efficiency and productivity.
This feature also allows staff and contractors to pull up a licence or other form of documentation at a moment’s notice if needed so you don’t have to worry about not having the right information at hand when it is needed.
Resource Management
Finally, you’ll want to select construction project management software that helps make resource management easier. This factor will most likely come down to your preferences, as it’s what most of these platforms were originally built around, however, it’s still important to put some thought into this part of the selection process, as the solution that appears to be the best for your needs at a quick glance, may not actually be the most useful once you dig a little deeper.
Now that you know what general features to look for in construction project management software, it’s time to put together a list of specific things that you need based on your personal situation and then begin your search, enjoy.