Managing a construction site is a herculean task. It’s amazing to see parts becoming wholes, to watch a humming construction site transform from an empty land filled with materials into a structurally sound building. This can only be materialised with the help of the entire construction team and its head, the construction manager. Construction managers must keep the project within a financial plan, on schedule, and all these must be carried out in accordance with relevant codes, laws, guidelines, etc.
These construction processes can be extremely frustrating if managers have to rely on tools that are not tailored to the construction industry. This will also have an impact on the quality of the project as well as on revenues made and timelines. Taking all this into consideration, we present below 4 tips on how every construction manager can effectively stay on top of their projects and increase site visibility.
1.Start using automated reporting system
It is no secret that the construction industry depends on Excel spreadsheet and WhatsApp. And we get why. They are both great tools that can make managers’ life much easier and allow them to connect with different people just in a few clicks. However, when it comes to managing a construction project, these tools are simply not enough because some construction managers still use manual methods to compile important project information. As a result, construction managers end up having delayed visibility of what’s happening on the field and quickly come up against cumbersome decision making and excessive admin workload. This is why it is so crucial to find the right tools for their projects.
By relying on an automated delivery tool, managers will be able to save significant time over the span of the build. Imagine getting a real-time view of the project site and stay on track with each team’s progress at every stage all from your mobile phone. Fortunately, this feature is actually available in construction management software like IFCA’s ContractX. ContractX is a customer-centric solution with real-time data that hyper-connects contractors, clients and suppliers that help manage construction projects efficiently.
2.Budget your project well
Budgets for construction projects help determine what is affordable and should be set as early as possible. It is important that they are based on facts and are realistic. Construction managers are responsible for tracking and monitoring all costs, especially as they relate to initial budgets. Even relatively small construction projects contain hundreds of moving parts and individual costs. So, to remain effective, construction managers need to use relevant solutions that can also help them to manage costs as they move through the key phases of construction project lifecycle. Contract management solutions should enable contractors to keep a close eye on their expense control and be on track to avoid project cost overruns. A great contract management software like ContractX even allows managers and stakeholders to input costs, budget changes, and other calculations to keep track of any material changes in the project’s finances.
3. Tackle one problem at a time
On a daily basis, no construction project manager has the time to reply to hundreds of emails a day — or use the phone to call and address every question about budgets and progress. This is something that needs to be changed, and there is only one way for that to happen. And, that’s by using construction-specific tools that can collaborate with different stakeholders and ensure that everybody is reporting into a single data source. With, the responsibility is pushed to the teams on-site, and project managers have more freedom to focus their attention on things that matter the most.
4.Plan ahead but expect the unexpected
In industries with slim margins for error, it’s important to plan ahead. Being clear about the parameters of the project from the outset will decrease the number of changes once construction is underway, reducing delays and unexpected costs. It is important for construction managers to work with subcontractors and suppliers to ensure they are setting realistic expectations regarding schedules and project milestones. For instance, subcontractor management can be complex when you have multiple contingent subcontractors. If the delivery of one subcontractor is late, it can have a knock-on effect on the others. Subcontractor management requires a relentless focus on project management, coupled with effective processes to keep two-way communications channels open, constantly. Using solutions, such as ContractX when managing construction projects can help improve communication, collaboration and also improve overall project performance – thereby reducing delays.
Final say
The project manager’s productivity is directly proportional to the success of the project. If the project managers are not able to schedule their tasks or collaborate with the team members effectively, the project gets affected. Hence, it is imperative for the project managers to streamline their tasks and manage their time optimally. This can be achieved with proper construction management software (CMS) that has reactive technology built into it. That way, construction managers will complete their project with minimal delays and carry their business to greater heights with increased revenue.
Resources and Further Reading
How to manage a construction project step by step
https://www.letsbuild.com/blog/10-helpful-tips-for-construction-managers
5 Productivity Tips for Construction Project Managers
https://www.acecloudhosting.com/blog/productivity-tips-construction-project-manager/
5 Tips For Construction Project Managers
https://www.constructconnect.com/blog/5-tips-for-construction-project-managers
20 Tips for Construction Project Managers