With a wide range of high-pressure responsibilities, project managers are some of the most important players in a construction firm. They spend their time managing employees, working with clients, reporting to superiors, and making sure everything goes according to plan.
Once upon a time, there was a hard limit to the amount of work a project manager could take on. PMs were shackled by in-office land lines and pen-and-paper record keeping. Collaboration with clients and subcontractors had to be face-to-face. Today however, collaboration and record keeping can occur anytime, anywhere. With advanced construction project management tools available, expectations for project managers are sky high, and only PMs with the best tech can keep up. Let’s see how modern construction software has reinvented the project manager:
1. Project Planning
Every project begins with an idea, and it’s up to the project manager to turn that idea into a reality. To actively collaborate with stakeholders, PMs needs a streamlined communication tool. PMs and clients should be able to share and review blueprints, budgets, records and other crucial data in real-time. These early communications set a precedent of total collaboration so you can ensure that client feedback is considered at every stage.
2. Project Coordination
Once you’ve planned out the details of your project, it’s up to the project manager to make the arrangements and keep things running smoothly. It takes more than a simple collaborative tool to effectively manage employees, contractors and consultants. Robust software with advanced functions and integrated apps are essential for keeping everyone on track. Mobile reporting apps, for example, have the power to ‘stream’ relevant data from the jobsite to the office. PMs (and their supervisors) gain more access to information in less time.
3. Reporting & Accountability
It’s nearly impossible for a project manager to memorize every aspect of day-to-day operations. Yet, they’re expected to consistently advise clients, manage staff and inform their supervisors. Strong management software makes it easy to find and organize relevant project data. Advanced systems even let you format and send out reports based on standardized data. With the latest technology, project managers can keep meticulous records without breaking a sweat!
Overall, adopting these tools cuts out wasted time and empowers collaboration. You’re the project “leader,” after all, and it’s time to start leading. Want to learn more about project management technology? Check out our top 5 tips to improve construction management.