Construction Project Management Services and Construction Books
  • Construction Home
  • About Paul Netscher
  • +Construction Books
    • Successful Construction Project Management
    • Building a Successful Construction Company
    • Construction Claims
    • Construction Project Management: Tips and Insights
    • Construction Management: From Project Concept to Completion
    • An Introduction to Building and Renovating Houses
    • The Successful Construction Supervisor and Foreman
    • Designing your ideal home
  • Construction Management Services
  • Book Reviews
  • Contact
  • Blog | Construction Management
  • Site Map
  • Blog | Home Improvement
  • Index of construction articles
  • Useful Links
  • Index Home Improvement

Top 5 Software for Construction Project Planning and Management

11/3/2021

5 Comments

 
Picture
The construction industry like any other industry has evolved during the years bringing innovative projects that will mark the future. Striving for change and transformation, this industry has introduced numerous tech solutions that focus on successful project delivery, and better collaboration and communication among managers, planners, and overall team members. In the article that follows, we will explain how construction management software solutions become the leading power in the industry, plus we will touch base with the top five apps to manage construction projects. 

​What is Construction Management?

​The practice of planning, analyzing, monitoring, and overall managing construction projects from start to finish is called construction management. The goal of construction management is to deliver construction projects successfully on time and on budget. Being a complex practice, the best way to manage construction is to use construction management software.

The Rise of Construction Management Software Solutions

At its most basic, construction management software helps project planning and control through various operations such as estimation, budgeting, scheduling, resource coordination, and the effective use of a project’s time, cost, and quality. In brief, construction management software has been created to simplify the communication between project participants, increase transparency, share documents in a timely manner and develop techniques for resolving conflicts.
 
Not long ago, construction project management consisted of documentation and methodology. Even though the focus of the construction industry has always been successful project delivery, there was limited use of project management software. This eventually produced a lot of documents and managing resources through them was hard and painstaking. However, as a result of technology expansion, planning and running construction projects became much more complex. Traditional methods and processes became unable to handle larger budgets, integrate multiple disciplines, manage the increased number of project participants, tighter schedules, stringent standards, etc. This was especially evident in the construction industry when companies started to waste millions of dollars every year due to a lack of project planning, organizing, and data transparency. Many managers faced cost-control boundaries, and inadequate communication, which lead to not having a common understanding of the project’s state at any given time.

Under such circumstances, the daily efforts were not aligned with the project goals and tasks. Furthermore, the construction project was unable to be observed as a system due to the absence of efficient real-time reporting infrastructure and task management software.  Companies fail to forecast and calculate labor productivity for the next period, which causes the unavailability of resources for equipment and materials. This mindset led to poor productivity and systematic issues making it impossible to reach a deadline while staying and passing quality standards.
 
The need for implementing a managerial tool in construction management practices was inevitable. The main objective of this tool was to increase the efficiency and accountability of everyday tasks such as planning, designing, estimating, and developing effective communication between project participants. 
Picture

Top 5 Construction Project Management Software

​With the varying number of construction tools that exist, it can be confusing to decide which software best fits your needs. To help you find the best solution, we cover the top 5 construction management software:
 
1. Oracle Primavera P6 – The Standard for Planning and Scheduling
 
With over 30 years of existence, Primavera P6 has been considered as a standard for project-intensive industries. Developed to help companies optimize resources, this software provides solutions to plan, build, and manage projects of all size by using real-time data. Robust, and easy-to-use, it the software integrates project and portfolio planning and delivery teams for planning, resourcing, risk mitigation, scheduling, and program management.
 
Basic features:
  • Resource allocation and management
  • Reduced risk of schedule overruns
  • Project performance visualization
  • Integration with financial management and HCM systems
  • Resolve overallocation through leveling or changing resource assignments.
 
Providing standards for planners, schedulers, and project controls, Primavera P6 has opened the market for new third-party tools to enhance its working environment by introducing XER files. There are many solutions that can be used along with P6 such as viewers that allow you to open .xer project schedules without a P6 license. Also, some of these XER viewers provide possibility for analyzing project schedules and generating reports.
  
2. Procore – Connect everyone on your project with one platform.
 
Procore is one of the most popular cloud-based construction management platforms in the market that helps construction firms manage risks and build quality projects. This app has user-friendly interfaces. The platform includes features like bid management, daily logs, job site tracking, emails, meetings, project photos, punch lists, RFIs, scheduling, project specifications, submittals, timecards, and transmittals.
 
Basic features:
  • Construction project management
  • Bid management
  • Construction site safety management
  • Construction accounting
  • Jobsite tracking
  • Easy to use
 
Procore gives your team access to review, create, edit, and share project data with team members from various locations. Along with project management, Procore keeps team members together even if they are in different locations.
  
3. BIM 360 – Connect your workflows, teams, and data.
 
As a cloud-based construction management tool, BIM 360 is developed to suit engineers, architects, designers, contractors, and other construction professionals. It is designed to help project members to make informed decisions, to speed up the delivery of their projects adhering to industry standards and project specifications.
 
Basic features:
  • Revit-based work-sharing
  • BIM coordination
  • Bid management
  • Quality management
  • Jobsite safety management
  • Design review and change visualization
  • Track key performances indicators
 
BIM 360 enables managers to have absolute control over their project and resolve issues faster because of dashboard coordination, design visualization, and racking real-time data. This software is part of the Autodesk Construction Cloud.
 
4. Powerproject 
 
Designed to support construction planners, Powerproject is one of the leading project management software solutions for construction. It is available as a standalone, enterprise, or cloud app that combines drag and drop functionalities with numerous features.
 
Basic features:
  • Bid management
  • Budget management
  • Job scheduling
  • Real-time scheduling
  • Resource scheduling
  • Reporting/analytics
Previously known as Asta Powerproject, this software holds an integrated BIM module for 4D planning by combining a 3D model and project plan.
  
5. Corecon – Cloud-Based Construction Software
 
Designed to optimize collaboration and workflows, Corecon integrates stored information into a singular database to maximize project profitability. The software suite helps contractors better track leads and projects, as well as manage bids, contracts, and documentation. Moreover, Corecon provides various modules for estimating, procurement, vendor bid management, documentation, time tracking, and more to ease the work of all team members.
 
Basic features:
  • Construction project scheduling and management
  • Bid management and construction estimating
  • Construction project accounting
  • Field staff management
  • Integration with third-party accounting programs
 
Corecon can be accessed via browser or mobile so your team can make quick and informed decisions regardless of the physical location. 

​Closing Thoughts 

​What is the best construction management software solution after all?
 
All software solutions have similar features, but the same goal: to help construction managers deliver projects successfully. In this article, we reviewed 5 solutions that will narrow down your choices when choosing a construction management app. Each platform is suitable for construction projects of different sizes and data complexity, you only need to find the one that best suits your needs. 
About the Author
 Vivien Goldstrong is a Consultant, Author and Planning Manager with 22 years of experience and expertise in implementation and consultancy related to Oracle Primavera P6. You can read her blog here: https://projectschedulepro.com
Other useful articles
​10 reasons why a construction schedule/program is useful
project scheduling - the relationship between time and cost
requirements of a Project schedule

Do you want to learn how to manage construction projects successfully

Picture
Click on picture to view books on Amazon
​Paul Netscher has written several easy to read books for owners, contractors, construction managers, construction supervisors and foremen. They cover all aspects of construction management and are filled with tips and insights.
Visit to read more.

The books are available in paper and ebook from most online stores including Amazon.
construction management construction project management
5 Comments
Louise hoffman link
12/3/2021 08:20:02 pm

Thanks for sharing this information.

Reply
Linda Hemsworth link
26/3/2021 08:37:58 pm

Thank you for this valuable information recently I have complete my white card training from Origin Institute, VIC for construction safety management.

Reply
Payal jain link
8/6/2021 05:22:28 pm

Thank you for sharing good information. I want to tell you that zepth is also a best construction project management software.

Reply
vishnu link
20/3/2024 02:11:59 pm

Keep up the great work! Thank you so much for sharing a great posts.

Reply
Construction CEO link
26/6/2024 09:59:29 am

It's so useful to have construction industry-specific software. Creating certified payroll reports is much easier. It also greatly reduces the risk of making needless errors in other areas.

Reply

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.

    Picture
    Picture
    Picture

    Archives

    December 2024
    November 2024
    October 2024
    June 2024
    April 2024
    March 2024
    February 2024
    January 2024
    September 2023
    July 2023
    May 2023
    March 2023
    January 2023
    October 2022
    August 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    March 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014

    ​Note: We welcome genuine comments, especially comments that add additional information to the subject matter in the article. We however reserve the right to remove inappropriate comments, which includes comments that have nothing to do with the subject, comments that include inappropriate language, and comments that are an advertisement for a product or company, or which include an advertising link. Comments must be in English. We will not enter into discussion on why a particular comment was removed.

    Categories

    All

    RSS Feed

    Copyright 2016 - The attached articles cannot be reproduced for commercial purposes without the consent of the author.
    The opinions expressed in the attached articles are those of the writer. It should be noted that projects are varied and different laws and restrictions apply which depend on the location of the contractor and the project. It's important that the reader uses the supplied information taking cognisance of their particular circumstances. The writer assumes no responsibility or liability for any loss of any kind arising from the reader using the information or advice contained herein.
    Picture
    "I have what I consider some of the best books on construction management."

    Books are available from:
    Amazon.com
    Amazon.co.uk
    takealot.com

    kalahari.com
    Amazon.in
    Amazon.de
    Amazon.fr
    Amazon.it
    Amazon.com.au
    Powell's
    Fishpond
    uread
    bokus
    Amazon.ca
    Amazon.es
    Other retail stores

    Available in paperback or on Kindle
    Picture
    ​"28 YEARS OF CONSTRUCTION PROJECT MANAGEMENT EXPERIENCE, DEVELOPING SUCCESSFUL CONSTRUCTION PROJECT MANAGERS AND BUILDING SUCCESSFUL CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES"
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture

Construction Books

Successful Construction Project management
Building a Successful Construction Company
Construction Claims: A Short Guide for Contractors
Construction Management: From Project Concept to Completion
Construction Project Management: Tips and Insights
​
Build and Renovate Your Home With Your Eyes Wide Open
Book Reviews

Construction services

Construction Management Services
Paul Netscher
Construction Management Blog
​Home Improvement Blog

Contact
Developing Successful Construction Project Managers.

Building Successful Construction Companies.
30 years of construction project management experience
  • Construction Home
  • About Paul Netscher
  • +Construction Books
    • Successful Construction Project Management
    • Building a Successful Construction Company
    • Construction Claims
    • Construction Project Management: Tips and Insights
    • Construction Management: From Project Concept to Completion
    • An Introduction to Building and Renovating Houses
    • The Successful Construction Supervisor and Foreman
    • Designing your ideal home
  • Construction Management Services
  • Book Reviews
  • Contact
  • Blog | Construction Management
  • Site Map
  • Blog | Home Improvement
  • Index of construction articles
  • Useful Links
  • Index Home Improvement