Best Construction Management Software

The construction industry is the lifeline of economies. From tunnels to skyscrapers, from bridges to corporate buildings, from roads to industrial structures, the construction industry has served economies in various ways. However, the industry is highly volatile and prone to economic uncertainties. Moreover, there is a huge demand for making structures smart, affordable, sophisticated, and equipped with sustainable energy sources. 

Delivering challenging projects amidst the highly-regulated environment and hostile circumstances is not an easy task. Construction companies need to develop strategies and technological agility to respond to disruptive forces. For radical transformation and profitability, the construction industry must create a value chain with technological support. Technology mitigates the ill-effects of lengthy claim procedures, budget overruns, and delays in projects. Efficient construction management is, therefore, critical to emerging as a winner in one of the biggest industries of the world. 

Players in the construction ecosystem can lead by deploying construction management software that enables them to easily create even the behemoth structures and readily meet rising customer expectations. 

Amidst lucrative vendor offers, construction companies and seasoned contractors that want to deploy a construction management system may find it difficult to choose and evaluate the best available solutions. Therefore, this buyer's guide intends to assist them in making a prudent buying decision. This buyer's guide for construction management software analyzes the types, usability, requirements, average pricing, key aspects, and important features related to construction technology.

The construction managers face a number of operational challenges on a daily basis. Inaccurate processes, communication breakdowns, supply delays, etc., can hamper operational efficiency. The construction life cycle in itself is a highly complicated process that requires multiple personnel to collaborate. Moreover, the growing demand for adaptable builds and future-ready digitally viable architectures with BIM (Building Information Modeling) technology has compelled contractors to deploy the best practices for managing construction projects. 

Efficient construction management is crucial to smooth completion of projects, service customers, manage and complete projects on time. Fortunately, the construction landscape is evolving rapidly, and technology disruptors provide new opportunities and paradigm shifts in construction projects and after service operations. Construction technology has further evolved with the rise of cloud and mobile technology. In this respect, the new age construction management software solutions keep services agile, improve operational efficiency, and fulfill project commitments on time.

Therefore, implementing a technology-based efficient construction management system is essential for the sustainable growth of construction organizations.

A construction management system is a set of application tools that helps construction managers to efficiently handle the back-office works, carry out on-site and off-site execution, and collaborate with the workforce in real-time. It has features for CRM, capital financing and budgeting, equipment management, risk management, resource planning, project scheduling, progress tracking, quality control, compliance, and many more.

Construction management software removes bottlenecks such as lag in construction productivity, sub-optimal processes, human errors and manipulation, slow administrative work, and a dearth of real-time information. It also helps in getting approvals, certificates, and permits for construction and standardization of building codes. With off-site and on-site automation, it makes construction workflow smooth and lets construction managers shift towards data-driven decision making. 

With integrations of 3D technologies, AI, AR and Robotics, and more, the construction systems have the ability to transform the complete face of your construction process and bring high-value output to your customers. It mitigates challenges in project management such as defining the accountability of individuals and teams. It reduces productivity loss by strengthening the EPC curve. (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction).

Construction management software work by taking care of various aspects of construction:

Preconstruction Phase: 

• Planning of the Construction
• Estimating the cost of construction
• Relationship management with suppliers investors, customers, and other stakeholders, 
• Gathering Market Intelligence about competitors, landscape, past projects, etc.
• Project evaluation, forecasting completion, phase analysis
• Designing the project, blueprints, 3D modeling, etc.

Construction Phase:

• Scheduling phases
• Supply chain management
• Tracking jobs and employees, project progress tracking, and Quality control
• Performance management
• Dashboard and reporting
• Alert workers on safety issues
• Remote monitoring of work, workforce, and equipment
• Cost tracking, expenditure monitoring 

Post-construction Phase:

• Monitoring Sales
• Providing sales support 
• After-sales services
• Storing records, documents, etc. for future reference

On-Premise 

These types of construction system software are licensed, and construction companies can install them within their IT infrastructure. On-Premise construction management systems are highly customizable in nature.  Contractors and construction businesses seeking software solutions for keeping their data on their own servers can opt for on-premise systems. 

Web-based

These types of online construction management platforms are hosted, and third-party digital construction management solution providers offer these tools. Web-based online platforms are very popular as apart from the contractors, engineers, and project managers; employees can also access these applications from anywhere with a login ID and a secure password. 

Cloud-based

These types of construction management software are hosted through third-party cloud solution providers. These are popular with large construction organizations that require massive data storage capacity and extensive flexibility. The cloud-based construction management solution is a SaaS (Software as a Service) product that allows construction managers and their customers to access the services using internet-enabled devices. 

Open Source

These types of construction management software allow users to customize source code for more features, modify inbuilt settings to suit internal needs, and add extra plugins to enhance the capabilities, usability, and functionality of the software. When construction companies need to accommodate specific features in their construction management solutions that are unavailable with any vendor, then open source construction software can be deployed.

Industries and services such as construction, real estate, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, flooring, glass, highway authorities, oil and gas, land development, excavation, and many more require construction management tools for becoming more efficient. 

The construction technology ecosystem is shifting toward integrated software platforms that better serve customer needs. Technology can mitigate construction industries’ issues. The construction management system assists construction businesses to optimize workflows, reduce costs, decrease the burden on project managers, and increase the efficacy of construction works. No wonder the construction management software market is expected to reach USD 2.73 billion by 2027 witnessing market growth at a rate of 8.70% in the forecast period of 2020 to 2027.

Below is the list of entities that require construction software.

• Construction Companies
• Project Managers
• General Contractors
• Specialty Contractors
• Architects and Designers
• Homebuilders
• Home Remodelers
• Renovators
• Engineers

Provides full-visibility over every aspect of construction: Construction systems have the ability to track equipment, trucks, technicians, and other resources so that construction managers get complete visibility of the construction work. 

Help you get rid of error-prone manual processes: From billing cycles, invoicing, payroll, and other services to creating work orders, contracts, proposals, and purchase orders, an integrated construction management software can automate the entire construction workflow. 

Manages the entire project lifecycle: The construction management system manages and optimizes the entire workflow including, budget estimation, RFI (Request for Information) submission, contract approval process, timesheets, construction phase scheduling, and many more.

Real-time Reporting: Contractors get real-time reports on service utilization, project progress, asset allocation, revenue and cost, and various other parameters.

Efficient Budget Management: Budget management tools keep track of expenses, resources, labor pay, and more and help contractors to optimize costs. 

Synchronizes office and fieldwork: All authorized stakeholders, personnel, and sub-contractors can access the documents, tools, and applications from anywhere. The construction management software unifies the office and the construction site in a collaborative environment. 

Helps in achieving compliance goals: In an extensively regulated environment, the software helps construction companies to get work-site safety permits, approvals, and other necessary regulatory green signals. 

• Get accurate and timely information from vendors: 
• Keeps everyone informed and in the loop
• Helps contractors and on-site engineers in R&D
• Manages risks and creates safer work environments
• Creates a trustable source of information
• Reduces time-consuming tasks
• Improves the quality of construction

The pre-sales process refers to the set of activities that construction businesses do to acquire customers even before the construction has started or is in progress. Customers do pre-booking of the property, and builders provide them the property at discounted rates. Presales is important for builders as it brings in the cash and reduces their liability.

Construction management software with its inbuilt lead building tool, automated communication, meeting scheduler, and branding tools help businesses to interact with customers and convert leads into buyers. It comprises marketing tools that help builders in promoting their properties. With tools for predictive assessment, the software can also find opportunities for sale. Inbuilt CRM tools also help in targeting previous customers and generate leads through referrals and recommendations. 

Construction software also helps in litigious processes during pre-sales contracts. 3D modeling features help in creating simulated models of the upcoming projects.

• While users can deploy various standalone solutions such as accounting software, project management software, payroll software, and work order management tools, a construction management system is capable of performing all of the mentioned functions alone. It is an integrated system that covers various functional areas of construction work.
• It benefits all stakeholders and departments. With efficient operation and streamlined processes, it tends to improve the overall quality, speed, and accuracy of the construction projects. It is a long-term technological solution for contractors who want to ensure the timely completion of their projects. 
• The construction industry is heavily dependent on logistics for its material supply, and therefore, digitalization helps construction managers keep track of the supply chain and communication with the logistics partners. In-time deliveries from suppliers to construction sites allow project managers to complete activities on time. 

With a full suite of digital levers, the construction technology ensures projects are completed without delay.

Product-based approach: Today, developers offer branded 'structures' and 'services.' The constructed structures are delivered and marketed as 'products.' The buildings by construction companies have customized features that make one product different from the other.

The shift towards specialization: The construction industry has become niche-specific.Some companies specialize in making industrial structures, others in residential ones. Further bifurcation and subsegments have evolved, such as companies specializing in luxury housing, companies specializing in multi-storied buildings, companies making villas, etc. 

Customer-centricity: Construction companies are branding themselves with customer-centric approaches. Companies now offer discounts, timely deliveries, service extensions, warranties, and more to their customers.  Distinctive attributes and reliable services help construction managers build strong customer bonds and attract new customers. 

Investment in Technology: Construction companies are investing in technologies such as BIM, IoT, robotics, drones, and many more. With technological exuberance, companies are also recruiting new talents who have the necessary skills and technical knowledge. Technology-led optimization is also essential for adherence to carbon-abatement laws and sustainability. Companies are turning to safer methods that reduce water consumption, noise, and waste during construction.

Changes in Market Characteristics: Increasing demand for affordable housing, adaptable structures, and owner sophistication are emerging changes in market characteristics. Advanced analytics, digital procurement, and smart designs using 3D technologies are enabling better execution of projects. 

Changes in Processes: Technologies such as wearable devices, sensors, drone-enabled project monitoring for huge projects, machine learning, IoT are improving on-site processes and production capacities.  Another major change is the shift of traditional on-site construction activities to off-site facilities. The structures are only assembled on-site after being manufactured at off-site units. 

Project Management

The construction project management software has features for managing an unlimited number of projects, simultaneously supporting multiple projects, control access and permissions for each project separately, and manage project documentation. 

Workflow Management

The construction project management software manages workflows with predefined project execution process, automated tools for submissions, documentation, emails, notifications, and more. 

Job Costing

The job costing feature of the construction management system applies costs for specific jobs automatically. With changes in job or construction, work cost is automatically updated. 

Scheduling

Users can schedule various activities, on-site and off-site jobs, and manage various schedules from a single location. Users can visualize schedules on Gantt charts, customize the view, and update progress or change in schedule in real-time.

Document Management

Document management module stores, organizes, and retrieves documents about the project. The documents stored in a centralized repository can be retrieved immediately for various purposes. 

Equipment tracking

Construction software tracks and manages equipment and generates reports about usage, maintenance, and depreciation. 

Asset Management

This feature handles assets, stocks, inventory, and supplies. Users can automatically create orders for procurement from multiple suppliers based on stock levels.  

Invoicing

Embedded with multiple invoicing strategies, the software keeps track of contracts, orders, changes in order quantity and, based on it, can generate invoices automatically. 

Centralized Management

Construction managers can keep an eye on all data and activities related to the construction project from a centralized dashboard. 

Estimation and Bidding

Users can create, upload, compare, and share estimates. Users can run variance reports. Bidding integration helps in managing bids from beginning to end.

RFIs

Users can create, track, and send Requests for Information for approval. The software has features for submittal tracking, document storage, and searching. 

Timesheets

This feature allows construction managers to record their employees’ login and log out time accurately and helps in keeping the payroll accurate. 

Back Office Functions

The software takes care of various back-office functions related to construction projects such as designs, contracts, bidding, modeling, quotations, document management, and more. 

Reporting

The software enables real-time reports, insights, and analytics on key parameters and automated delivery of reports to concerned departments and stakeholders. 

Before you invest in the construction management software, you need to configure your own requirements and analyze the goals and objectives for which you need the system. Your goals may range from increasing productivity, reducing costs, eliminating waste processes, and saving time to increasing customer satisfaction, gaining better visibility into projects, deploying lean processes, etc. Once you make a list of all objectives, you can look at the list of vendors and ask the below questions: 

• Does it provide full visibility over all ongoing project processes?
• Does the vendor provide support, training, and a free trial of the software?
• Will it easily integrate with your existing systems, tools, and IT infrastructure?
• How easy is it to train employees, users, and subcontractors? 
• Can the software integrate with other technologies such as IoT, accounting software, payroll, machine learning, etc.?
• How secure is the software from a compliance point of view?
• Does it have the required storage capacity? 
• Is the software user-friendly, sophisticated, and easy to implement and navigate?
• Is the solution accessible on all devices such as desktops, laptops, tablets, mobile phones? 
• Can it process all types of purchase orders?
• Does the software provide offline accessibility?
• Is the interface multi-lingual? 
• Can it provide custom reports?
• If it has a native mobile application?
• Does it limit the users and storage? 
• Can it work smoothly with low bandwidth internet connectivity?
• What key indicators does it track?
• Are any hidden costs, installation, and training charges? 

One should avoid vendors that would cause complete disruptions to current processes, require a high upfront investment, and are not transparent about complete pricing, including the hidden costs. A vendor that accommodates more features answers your queries, and provides maximum facilities in less price should be your first choice.

The costs of  the best construction management software depend on a large number of factors such as:

• User interface and experience
• The kind of benefits it provides to the construction industry
• Type of Integrations and functions it has
• Features it offers
• Deployment required: Cloud-based, Web-based, on-premise software, or open-source.
• The number of devices it can work on simultaneously
• Type of automation it offers
• The number of operating systems it supports
• Forecasting capacities
• Real-time reporting capabilities
• Quality of service and user support offered 
• Privacy and the data encryption it provides 

These variations can significantly change the pricing estimations of construction management software. 

Methvin, LetsBuild, PlanHub, and BuildShop are free construction management software with limited feature plans. If you need Free and open source construction management software, check out eSub.  Builder apps such as Snappii costs $15 per user per month. PlanGrid’s basic plan will cost you $49 a month, and the advanced plan comes at $139 a month. 

CoConstruct comes for $299 per user per month for five projects and $399 for ten projects. For other construction management software solutions such as Bridgit, e-Builder Enterprise, RedTeam, Procore,  you need to contact the vendor. Get the updated and complete information from the GoodFirms construction management software product list.

GoodFirms is a frontline IT market research company providing buying assistance to B2B IT service seekers. GoodFirms relies on meticulous research and astounding analysis of the IT products and services to provide the buyers with the best available knowledge of thousands of IT services and products. GoodFirms offers a reliable listing of more than 60000 software products and services and a collection of more than 30000 reviews from verified users. GoodFirms analysis, combined with the unbiased and genuine reviews, can provide an extraordinary glance into the usage, brand reliability, features, capabilities, merits, pricing, and many more aspects of the listed software products and services. 

The readers of this buyer's guide to construction management software are advised to navigate the list of thoroughly researched market-leading software solutions that provide immense features and best services to manage their construction projects.  You can also read reviews of construction management software here.