Find the top-rated construction management software to streamline every phase of your building project. Compare features, benefits, pricing of the leading solutions with free demos and price quotes.
what is construction management?
Construction management is the overall planning, coordination, and control of a construction project from inception to completion. The main responsibilities of a construction manager typically include:
- Developing the overall construction plan and schedule – Breaking the project down into manageable tasks and determining the order and timing of each task
- Estimating costs and creating budgets – Working with architects, engineers, and other professionals to determine project scope and specifications
- Procuring necessary permits and licenses – Soliciting bids and awarding contracts to subcontractors and vendors
- Overseeing the work of subcontractors – Ensuring quality control and safety standards are met
- Managing construction materials and equipment – Controlling schedules and costs
- Regularly inspecting work progress and productivity – Identifying and resolving issues and delays
- Managing communications and relations between all parties involved – Project accounting and documentation
- Coordinating inspections and certifications – Preparing progress reports for stakeholders/clients
The goal of construction management is to complete the project on time, within budget, and according to specifications, while minimizing risk and maximizing efficiency through careful planning and execution. Construction managers play a central role in orchestrating the construction process from start to finish.
how to do the construction management
Here are some key tips on how to effectively manage a construction project:
- Develop a comprehensive project plan with realistic timelines, budgets, quality requirements, etc. Break the project into phases and milestones.
- Assemble an experienced construction team – contractors, subcontractors, consultants, inspectors, etc. Ensure all team members understand their roles and responsibilities.
- Maintain constant communication and collaboration among all stakeholders through meetings, emails, phone calls, etc. Identify issues early and resolve disputes quickly.
- Use project scheduling software like Microsoft Project to create and manage timelines. Build in contingencies for potential delays. Track actual progress against the schedule.
- Closely monitor material deliveries, equipment, and inventory. Make sure supplies are ordered well in advance to avoid shortages.
- Implement quality control procedures like regular inspections, material testing, safety audits, etc. Ensure work meets codes and specifications.
- Carefully manage budgets and cash flow. Review invoices, change orders, payments, etc. Adjust budgets as needed.
- Document everything thoroughly – daily logs, inspection reports, meeting minutes, change orders, etc. Maintain organized project files and records.
- Conduct progress meetings with staff and subcontractors to review work status, troubleshoot problems, provide updates, etc.
- Be proactive in identifying and mitigating risks related to costs, schedules, safety, labor, weather, etc. Have contingency plans.
- Foster positive working relationships through communication, motivation, and leadership. Be decisive when conflicts arise.
Following disciplined construction management processes is key to delivering a high quality project safely, on time, and within budget.
which one is better manual or software construction management
Both manual and software-based construction management approaches have their pros and cons:
Manual management:
Pros:
- No software costs and learning curve
- Can use simple tools like spreadsheets, GANTT charts, paper forms
- Hands-on approach with physical paper trail
- Less reliance on technology/internet
Cons:
- More labor intensive for tracking, reporting, analysis
- Increased risk of calculation errors or missing data
- Difficult to update and share information in real-time
- Harder to visualize workflows and identify issues
Software management:
Pros:
- Automates complex tasks like scheduling, costing, document control
- Real-time data on project status, progress, changes
- Analytics and reporting for better insights and forecasting
- Easy to collaborate and share docs across teams
- Visual tools like BIM, CAD, and VR for design and planning
Cons:
- Software purchase/subscription costs
- The steep learning curve for some programs
- Overreliance on technology can be problematic if issues arise
- Less hands-on control and ownership over data
what is construction management software?
Construction management software refers to software programs designed specifically for the construction industry to plan, coordinate, and track construction projects. Some key features of construction management software include:
- Project scheduling – Creating Gantt charts, calendars, and critical path schedules for tasks and resources. Scheduling software helps plan and sequence project activities.
- Cost estimation and budgeting – Building detailed cost estimates and budgets for materials, equipment, labor, etc. The software can track actual costs against budgets.
- Document control – Centralized system to store, share, and track all project documents like drawings, contracts, RFIs, submittals, etc.
- Change order management – Managing changes to the scope, schedule, or cost of the project through automated change workflows.
- Construction accounting – Managing contractor payments, vendor invoices, compliance, and construction financials.
- Reporting and analytics – Generating real-time reports on progress, performance metrics, risks, and projections.
- Project collaboration – Features that allow all project stakeholders like owners, contractors, architects etc. to collaborate and share information easily.
- Mobile capabilities – Allowing field teams to collect and access data on mobile devices while on the construction site.
- Compliance tracking – Ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, safety standards, building codes etc.
- Integration with BIM, CAD, ERP and other AEC software used in construction projects.
Popular construction management software includes Oracle Primavera, Procore, PlanGrid, Sage Construction Cloud, Autodesk Construction Cloud etc. The software aims to centralize information and provide visibility across the construction lifecycle.
comparison of the top 10 construction management software options for 2023
- Procore
Procore is an end-to-end construction management platform that brings together project management, quality and safety, financials, and team collaboration in one unified system. With robust mobile capabilities, Procore gives field and office teams real-time project visibility and simplifies workflows.
Best for: Large general contractors managing complex commercial projects.
- Oracle Primavera
Oracle’s Primavera P6 is a powerful scheduling and project portfolio management software designed for large enterprises, especially in asset-intensive industries like construction. It provides advanced analytics and risk management tools.
Best for: massive infrastructure and engineering projects.
- PlanGrid
PlanGrid specializes in collaboration and workflow tools for managing blueprints, specs, submittals and all construction drawings and documentation. Acquired by Autodesk, it integrates with BIM 360.
Best for: MEP contractors and finishing trades managing lots of drawings.
- Viewpoint
Viewpoint offers an end-to-end ERP platform covering estimating, project and field management, accounting, and enterprise content management.
Best for: Multi-office contractors that need integrated financials.
- Fieldwire
Fieldwire is a popular construction field management app for tasks, issues, punch lists, and daily logs. It improves coordination and productivity for field teams.
Best for: Smaller commercial contractors with field-focused needs.
- Buildertrend
Buildertrend is tailored squarely for home builders and contractors, with streamlined tools for construction scheduling, customer management, and project financials.
Best for: Residential builders and remodeling contractors.
- Jonas Premier
Jonas Premier provides financial management, job costing, project management, and accounting tools in one cloud-based system for contractors.
Best for: Mid-sized general and specialty contractors needing construction accounting.
- Assignar
Assignar is an easy-to-use construction workforce scheduling and productivity management solution. Field teams can log work progress, defects and risks via mobile.
Best for: Tracking field workforce productivity.
- e-Builder
e-Builder is designed for capital program and facility owners managing large portfolios of construction projects with advanced portfolio analytics.
Best for: Public sector and institutional owners like universities and hospitals.
- Autodesk BIM 360
Autodesk’s BIM 360 fosters project collaboration and connects design data from AutoCAD and Revit to construction teams. It integrates with PlanGrid for a robust BIM solution.
Best for: General contractors that use Autodesk design tools.
top 10 construction management software in india
Here are 10 of the top construction management software platforms used by contractors in India:
- Procore – Leading all-in-one cloud-based construction management software with over 1 million users globally. Offers mobile capabilities.
- Oracle Primavera P6 – Powerful scheduling, resource management and analytics for large scale construction projects.
- Buildxact – Made in India project management and accounting software designed for the construction industry.
- Odoo – Open source ERP system with a construction management module for small to mid-sized contractors.
- Construct365 – Cloud-based construction management software from Zoho with features for field view, scheduling, and more.
- CATSCM – Comprehensive construction ERP software for builders and contractors developed by Brady India.
- EBuilder – Project lifecycle management software with modules for estimating, billing, construction accounting.
- Aconex – Collaboration and document control platform for effective information sharing across construction teams.
- FieldEZ – Mobile-first daily reporting, time tracking, issues and defects management app for field teams.
- GenieBelt – Easy to use construction project management software with resource planning and reporting tools.
Other notable mentions include PlanRadar, Bridgit Bench, Assignar, Jonas Premier, Reconstruct, Infosys Constellation, and Autodesk BIM 360. Many global tools like Procore, Oracle, Autodesk etc. have a strong presence in India as well.
top 10 construction management mobile apps
Here is a comparison of 10 top mobile apps for construction management and field productivity:
- Procore Mobile App
The Procore app provides mobile access to Procore’s construction management platform. Field teams can track daily progress, document issues, manage punch lists, and collaborate from the job site.
- PlanGrid
The PlanGrid app allows construction teams to access and share the most up-to-date building plans, specs, and documentation from mobile devices. Users can take photos, make markups, track progress, and collaborate.
- Fieldwire
Fieldwire improves field team coordination and task management through its intuitive mobile app. Teams can assign and track issues, share documents, create punch lists, and log daily reports.
- BuilderTREND Mobile App
BuilderTREND’s app gives home builders and contractors mobile access to manage contacts, track project financials, update schedules, and maintain work logs while on-site.
- Assignar FieldAccess
Assignar’s FieldAccess app allows supervisors to manage workforce schedules, equipment tracking, work progress updates, safety observations, and more all on a mobile device.
- BIM 360 Mobile App
Autodesk’s BIM 360 app extends collaboration and coordination capabilities to the field for reviewing 3D models, accessing project documents, plans and markups, and reporting issues.
- Measup
Measup uses mobile photo measurement and AI to produce on-site progress reports. Users can quantify completed work with automatically calculated measurements.
- PlanRadar
The PlanRadar app focuses on managing deficiencies and punch lists. Users can log and categorize issues, assign tasks, add photos, and monitor progress.
- Aconex Mobile App
Aconex connects teams and project information through a secure, cloud-based platform accessible via its mobile app for workflows, collaboration and approvals on the go.
- GenieBelt
GenieBelt’s simple, user-friendly app allows construction field crews to log daily activities via checklists, take photos, track progress, and report incidents.
construction management software pros and cons
Here are some of the key pros and cons of using construction management software:
Pros:
- Improves project visibility – Centralized information provides better visibility into project performance.
- Enhances collaboration – Allows all stakeholders to share documents and communicate updates in real-time.
- Optimizes scheduling – Software allows creation of detailed schedules and critical path analysis.
- Tracks costs – Provides tools to manage budgets versus actuals and control spending.
- Manages changes – Change orders and modifications can be processed and approved through set workflows.
- Generates insights – Dashboards and reports provide valuable insights into risks, productivity, etc.
- Increases efficiency – Automates manual processes like submittals, RFIs, logging, compliance, etc.
- Integrates systems – Can integrate with BIM, accounting, ERPs, etc. for easier data sharing.
Cons:
- Expensive – Construction software can be costly to purchase, install, and maintain.
- Training required – Takes time and effort to train staff on using the software effectively.
- Resistance to change – Some staff may resist switching from old methods to new software.
- Dependence on technology – Any internet outages or tech issues can hamper field work.
- Customization needed – Software may require customization to fit a company’s unique needs.
- Fragmented systems – Disparate software may not integrate seamlessly leading to data silos.
- Security risks – Cloud-based systems can raise cybersecurity, privacy and data ownership concerns.
size of the construction management software market
The global construction management software market is quite large and growing rapidly. Here are some key facts about the size and growth of the construction management software industry:
- The global construction management software market size was valued at USD 1.4 billion in 2021.
- The market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.2% from 2022 to 2030.
- The Asia-Pacific region accounted for the largest share of the global market (around 31%) in 2021.
- North America was the second largest regional market with a share of around 28%.
- Some top players in the market include Oracle, Trimble, Procore, Sage, Bentley Systems, and Autodesk.
- The integration of cloud computing, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data analytics is driving growth.
- Increasing adoption of software for project scheduling, resource allocation, budgeting, and risk management is fueling demand.
- The use of mobile construction management apps is rising significantly.
- The commercial and industrial building sector held the largest share of the end-user market segment in 2021.
So in summary, the global construction management software industry is already worth over $1 billion currently, and is projected to exceed $2 billion by 2030 through steady double-digit growth, especially in emerging regions. The market is maturing but still has room for innovation.
faq for construction management software
Here are some common frequently asked questions about construction management software:
Q: What are the main features of construction management software?
A: Main features include scheduling, cost tracking, document control, change orders, reporting, collaboration, mobile access, compliance, and integration with other tools like CAD and accounting software.
Q: What are the benefits of using construction software?
A: Benefits include better project visibility, improved team communication, more efficient processes, easy information sharing, insightful analytics, and increased productivity.
Q: Who are the typical users of construction management software?
A: Typical users are construction firms, contractors, subcontractors, project managers, superintendents, foremen, project owners, architects, engineers, and other construction professionals.
Q: What types of construction projects is it most suitable for?
A: It’s useful for all types and sizes of projects, from commercial buildings to heavy infrastructure to residential. Larger complex projects tend to benefit the most.
Q: How much does construction management software cost?
A: Costs vary widely based on the solution, features, number of users, deployment method (cloud vs on-premise), and customizations. But rough industry averages are $100-$500 per user per month.
Q: Is the software difficult to learn and use?
A: Many products are designed to be user-friendly and offer training. But there is often an initial learning curve, especially for less tech-savvy users. Ongoing training is key.
Q: How long does it take to implement the software?
A: Depends on scope and scale, but typical implementation can range from a few weeks to several months for larger organizations. Phased rollouts are common.
Q: Is data secure in cloud-based construction software?
A: Reputable vendors use the latest security protocols to protect data in the cloud. But users should verify security measures before choosing a product.
conclusion
Overall, construction management software provides more efficient systems, better data management, and advanced functionality compared to manual approaches. But it requires an investment and adoption effort. For small or short projects, manual methods may be preferred for simplicity. Larger complex projects tend to benefit more from purpose-built construction management software and technology. But the optimal approach depends on the needs and resources of each project and team. A combination system with both digital and manual tools is common.
