Construction projects give project managers a set of new challenges. Without the right tools and software, project managers in the construction industry may be faced with pressure and anxiety that will affect the project’s progress. However, construction management software brings you tools to manage technical, human resource and financial aspects of your construction project. These tools and features become even more vital as you continue to operate in the time of the pandemic. In this article, we will take a look at the top 10 construction project management software systems (in no particular order) you and your company should familiarise yourself with.
1. Monday.com
This well-known project management platform lets you collaborate with staff, contractors, stakeholders, and other members of the team working on this project. In any construction project, people are the most valuable assets, and affording them the opportunity to communicate seamlessly on one platform ensures the success of any construction project. Monday.com has laid out various details in a seamless and well-organised manner so that everyone working on the project has a clear view of priorities, tasks, responsibilities and more. All relevant project information is organised in one place and synced on Monday.com. Having everything synced ensures that members are always aware of the projects’ progress.
Furthermore, stakeholders stay updated on any changes, issues, and priorities on their projects. You can even conduct sync meetings on the construction site with all decision-makers in attendance with this tool. Here’s what users have identified as some pros and cons for Monday.com:
Pros:
- The software has a responsive, clean, and friendly UI that allows for customisation.
- It serves as an intranet of sorts, even acting as a social media where people can comment, like posts, and tag other team members.
- It has a lot of ways of giving you a view of the information. It organises it by project, deadlines, members, periods of time, and other parameters.
Cons:
- Some of the automatisation features could be turned on by default, meaning, where a project manager would change some information on a board, it automatically does the same to other places. Currently, they are a bit tucked away.
- Besides having a good UI, some elements are a bit overwhelming at first, as the software has a lot of functionalities that require getting used to.
2. CoConstruct
CoConstruct is web and mobile-based. It is designed for the requirements of design-build firms, builders, and clients. Offering three functionality modules that assist remodelers and builders in managing key project-related tasks, such as activity planning, scheduling, budgeting, and client communication, this application stands out among the crowd because of its distinctive design. It allows constructors to effortlessly manage constantly changing concepts instead of being limited by predefined types of materials, designs, and activities. This aspect is made possible as the software enables unlimited customisation and is open to client revisions and modifications. This then helps companies streamline their communication with their clients. You can easily request a free demo that will guide you through all the software’s key features to familiarise yourself with CoConstruct, and here are some pros and cons from users:
Pros:
- The integration of all aspects needed to run a remodelling company efficiently: project scheduling and management, financial planning and customer service. Since it’s an all-in-one suite and cloud-based, it enables your team to keep track of all our projects in real-time. Communication breakdown is the last thing we want, so being on the same page is not only desirable but makes for the best possible relationship with our clients.
- Product education – CoConstruct helps new users and gets them to start using the tool right away. The dashboard resource materials are incredibly useful. You don’t have to spend a lot of time training new hires on the system and onboarding new clients.
Cons:
- Some mobile functions are limited, like adding/editing and selecting reports.
3. STACK
STACK is a cloud-based on-screen take-off and estimating tool for professional contractors of all business sizes and all trades. Users can quickly and easily upload digital plans and complete take-offs using the software, create detailed estimates and submit accurate bids. A full suite of pre-built reports is included, giving the user all the details and insights they need. STACK also provides a pre-built database that includes in-depth lists of equipment, labour, and materials of all common construction items. Unlimited training and support are included in the price of every STACK subscription, making it easy for you and your team to reach STACK’s training and support teams by phone or by using the in-app chat functionality. Some pros and cons for STACK, according to users, include:
Pros:
- Produces quick estimates for construction projects
- Trainers are knowledgeable and professional
Cons:
- No mobile version
- Requests clients create an account to view take-offs
4. BuilderTrend
BuilderTrend has an excellent portal that allows project managers to view their details easily, communicate well with clients, and keep confidential items separated for security. Through Change Orders, Product Orders, Contracts, and more, the Financing section keeps everything on track for project managers and clients. It is one of the most recommended in the construction project management industry because it has more pros than cons, and we will take a look at some of the users’ chosen ones:
Pros:
- Workflow management, resource planning, and scheduling are easy.
- Convenient and useful report-building functions.
- Manages in one place – vital for an organisation.
- Time Saver – you don’t have to dig around through files/create templates/flip through your contact binder – it’s all there.
- Practical tools – designed for contractors. You get what you need – period.
Cons:
- Relatively pricey.
- Some features, such as financials and the Gantt chart, are more challenging to understand.
5. RedTeam
Created by construction professionals for construction professionals, RedTeam comes equipped with end-to-end construction management tools. Meaning, it will allow you to manage various areas of the construction business, from sales to production, in a single hub. Moreover, it is built specifically for large companies, so a project manager or relevant team members can expect robust enterprise-grade features that can handle heavy workloads. It offers a modern yet simple interface with drag-and-drop navigation, and because the platform comes with analytics features, you can also gain in-depth insights into your processes, so you can make data-driven decisions when it comes to operational optimisation.
Some Pros:
- In terms of cost control, RedTeam’s project budget tool keeps track of every stage of the project, starting with the buyout all the way to the payments to your vendors.
- Project management has never been an easy task, but with RedTeam’s drag-and-drop feature of the plans and specifications that you can input into the software’s optical character recognition tool, you can now say hello to stress-free plan management.
A Con:
- It offers no free trial.
6. Corecon
Whether you require contract administration and procurement management or workforce scheduling and quality control management, Corecon can provide you with the tools you need. It also comes with all the benefits of project management software, like progress tracking for projects, recording meeting minutes, and monitoring work orders at a granular level, and its customers’ pros are:
- Its numerous features give you the ability to track both project progress and leads at the same time
- Great reporting features that inspire sound business decisions
- Also available on mobile (as an app)
7. JobNimbus
An intuitive solution that combines CRM functionalities and project management features in one hub. Designed for construction companies and SMEs, this platform allows users to track leads, keep tabs on pending and ongoing tasks, and automate a slew of repetitive processes.
Pros:
- User-friendly programming
- Easy access to communicate with fellow team members
- Pricing templates are easy to use
Cons:
- Small details like selecting the date tend to be a process to access
- Certain printing options aren’t available
8. SmartUse
Designed for construction professionals who are looking for ways to reinforce team collaboration and simplify progress tracking for projects, SmartUse helps users mark up blueprints with ease, instantly share project documents with each other, and efficiently monitor any issues that may arise during construction. With this at your disposal, construction teams can modernise how they perform project planning, execution, and quality control.
Pros:
- It is easy to use, especially if you’ve used other software systems, as it functions like most.
- Support team is always available (though you will not need them much)
Cons:
- Inability to view drawings without internet connection
- Inability to view drawings on mobile
9. ComputerEase
ComputerEase is designed to be an all-in-one platform for contractors and offers robust features for essential construction management processes like job costing, inventory management, and purchasing, along with field-to-office integrations. Here’s what users identified as some pros and cons:
Pros:
- Provides the owner with all reports they need
- Helps the owner send any communication or report
Cons:
- The reporting is not as robust
10. Contractor Foreman
Contractor Foreman is an end-to-end construction management platform designed to aid companies in the industry in delivering projects on time and within budget. The software can optimise all back-end processes by organising projects, serving as a unified hub for information and correspondence, and giving all users complete visibility into the project timelines. It can handle estimates, billing, invoicing, purchase orders, and payment processing. Moreover, it can be used to handle work orders, make to-do lists, and generate insightful reports on project progress and costs. Its users identified some of these pros and cons:
Pros:
- Integration process is easy and painless
- Mobile app is easy to use
- Creating, submitting, approving and logging change orders on mobile is easily accessible and painless
Cons:
- Occasionally there will be a bug somewhere when you are using a newer feature
Build Your Construction Management Career
What the above systems all have in common is that they require human interaction to function. That is where you, as the construction manager, come in. Equip yourself with an online construction management course and learn the practical skills you need to handle the day-to-day management of both large- and small-scale construction projects.
