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Programs for scheduling processes have been in use since the 1960s. Researchers used algorithms and various applications to help improve the process. Construction scheduling software comes in multiple forms that include simple and free to sophisticated and premium tools. They also differ in the functionalities that each one offers. However, one must keep in mind that larger construction management systems generally have a construction scheduling software feature that is highly detail-oriented.
Construction scheduling software aims at planning the pace of work in a precise manner, thereby shortening the time of completion and resulting in budget saving. Construction management software also ensures that your projects do not go beyond the budget that has been allocated for them by a client and also that they do not take up more time than they are supposed to.
What is Construction Scheduling Software?
Construction scheduling software includes various programs that are offered by vendors such as large and small software companies and businesses that are used by professionals in order to organize, assign tasks, forecast work, and monitor construction projects on a daily basis.
Such efficient software facilitates construction managers in coordinating subcontractors as well as resources, helping them identify problems at the early stages.
Benefits of Construction Scheduling Software
Precise execution plan
A project management software for construction or a construction scheduling software acts as a roadmap guiding the project in the right manner. It ensures that you have a precise execution plan to help you deal with any shortcomings that one might encounter in the process. This means that project managers no longer have to fret about not having proper guidelines for smooth execution.
A good construction scheduling software can help you focus on the necessary objectives and priorities in order to get precise work done on details that matter the most to the project owner.
Sequential work
With the help of a construction scheduling software, tasks can be lined up in sequential order. This effectively reduces any clashes or overlapping between two or more tasks at hand. Moreover, when a schedule is planned out, it becomes easier for the entire staff involved in the project to follow a set pattern.
Risk reduction
In construction projects, there is always a high risk of budget and time. According to a study, 65 percent of all projects worth over $1 billion and 35 percent of all projects worth below $500 million tend to either be late or go over budget.
However, when a construction project management software is used, the specified risks significantly reduce to a great extent, as both your schedules and budget are neatly outlined. Project managers can set a maximum budget and deadlines for each task that have to be achieved in a specific span of time.
Productive use of labor
More often than not, it becomes a tough task to deal with the workforce in the right way. A dedicated project management software can help you track work timings and how long a laborer has been working on a task. This way, project managers can assign subsequent tasks without overburdening them or overlapping two tasks.
Productive use of labor is a high priority when it comes to construction business as the entire building process is dependent on them. Moreover, it is important to track their activities to ensure that you are not paying them for sitting idle or not doing any work.
Coordination with vendors and subcontractors
One of the greatest advantages of installing a construction scheduling software is that project owners can easily coordinate with the vendors and subcontractors on a routine basis and keep them in the loop. The software makes it easier to connect to these vendors and subcontractors, allowing building owners to share their ideas and communicate their needs regarding the project.
Another advantage is that any changes to be made regarding the plan and process can easily be communicated and do not require daily meetups. This allows you to carry on with your routine without being disturbed.
Transparency
Construction project management software provides transparency in your project. Building owners, contractors, project managers, as well as vendors and subcontractors, will be able to see each and every aspect related to the project and how it is progressing on a daily basis. Transparency ensures that there are no miscommunications or overlapping of tasks assigned. This ensures smooth management and that the project is carried out smoothly and efficiently.
Allowing transparency in operations is the key to successful projects. It plays a crucial role in maintaining cordial vendor and client relations.
Top Construction Scheduling Software
- PlanStreet
PlanStreet is a project management software that is a big help with construction and contracting projects. It consists of simple and efficient project management tools such as timesheets, task lists, timelines, and dashboards. With its user-friendly interface, PlanStreet enables project managers to edit timesheets, timelines, and dashboards all in real-time. It also includes a document management feature wherein users can share documents, files, and invoices related to the project they are working on.PlanStreet can facilitate you with project scheduling and project budgeting in an efficient manner. It helps project managers and industry professionals in calculating the actual cost, actual revenue, and margin against resources, material, equipment, and tasks.
- Buildertrend
Buildertrend is a construction management system used by remodelers, home builders, and general and specialty contractors. This software combines the tools of project scheduling, financial management, project management, service management, and customer management on a single platform. Buildertrend is a cloud-based software and can be accessed anywhere with the help of a mobile device or computer with access to the internet. The software also provides its users with pre-sale tools that include a CRM system, proposals, and other built-in features. With the help of Buildertrend, you can schedule, budget, update timesheets, and more.Buildertrend assigns an account manager to each company that provides training and support.
- CoConstruct
CoConstruct is a construction project management software that is popular among builders of custom homes. It is a one-of-its-kind single-entry estimating system that enables users to enter information once and process that data flow from the estimation to bids and budgets. Users can manage the entire project from anywhere with the help of their desktop or mobile phone with the application installed.CoConstruct also aims at streamlining scheduling, client and subcontractor portals, time clock, task lists, and more. It offers builders unlimited projects for use with prospective clients. The subscription includes an implementation coach and custom branding that matches the builder’s website and brand identity. It offers both online and phone support, unlimited training such as in-person and two-day training sessions that allow you to learn from other CoConstruct users.
- Contractor Foreman
Contractor Foreman is a cloud-based construction scheduling software that is aimed at businesses focused on the construction industry. The key features include scheduling, planning, accounting, contact management, and other features, to name a few. This software offers a custom dashboard that provides users with information regarding employee timings, employee locations, appointments, notes, local weather, etc.Contractor Foreman also facilitates users in maintaining OSHA 300 logs, safety meetings, update safety topics, and assign discipline types to multiple incidents. The software is available on both iOS and Android platforms as an application that can be accessed by users from anywhere with the help of a mobile device or computer having access to an internet connection. Contractor Foreman offers monthly subscription and provides features such as email support, product videos, frequently asked questions (FAQs), an online knowledgebase for its users around the globe.
- RedTeam
RedTeam is a construction project management software that aims at project management, financials, and document sharing. It is most suitable for midsize general contractors. The software is cloud-based and was developed by contractors for the efficient management of pre-construction, construction, and closing stages of the project. It effectively connects team members with the help of any device having an internet connection.The platform for this software has been built, keeping in mind the routine work of general commercial contractors. It tracks everyday conversations between team members and also enhances performance management, unlimited storage of data, backups, support, and on-going training sessions. RedTeam is available on both iOS and Android platforms as an application that can easily be accessed on any device.
Bottom line:
Construction project management software provides building owners with much-required transparency regarding the project and its progress. This way, the contractor’s accountability also increases. These programs aim at offering a smooth flow of information between the owners of a building and the contractors, resulting in heightened customer satisfaction and improvement of quality.
However, project managers need to be careful about which software they choose to ensure it best meets their needs. Consider aspects such as the budget, price of software, level of schedule that you need, and the kind of functionality that you expect from the software.
