The work of a construction project manager revolves around planning, organizing and overseeing the construction process from the beginning to the finishing while ensuring that they deliver the best work within a tight schedule and within the budget. The development and advancement of technology and application of internet of things and software has been a breakthrough in ensuring that project managers deliver these demands seamlessly unlike the past.
Phases of Construction Projects
Construction projects can be subdivided into three phases. The preconstruction phase, the construction phase and the post-construction phase. Each phase has its own steps and procedures which take place there and require different technologies to execute.
- Pre-construction Phase
This is the first phase which involves the conception of the construction idea and all the preparations made prior to undertaking the construction. This phase involves planning and development, design and procurement. Feasibility studies, pro-con lists, and extensive input from stakeholders and capital budgeting take place in the planning stage. The design stage involves developing different structures and designs for the project at hand. Architects and designers work together with the project managers to develop a design that suits the budget. Preconstruction software include Takeoff software which helps developers come up with estimates accurately, construction estimating software which aids in calculating the labor and materials costs. Construction bid software helps in finding and managing qualified subcontractors. Finally, the construction scheduling software helps in scheduling to help in minimizing time wastage.
- Construction Phase
This phase involves the actual work at hand to be done. This phase only commences once the preparations have been complete. Recent technological developments have seen the development of various software to aid in perfecting the construction process while sticking to the budget and time schedule. The construction management software manages the execution of the construction process by tracking the process and execution of the project like time spent on tasks and machine performance. Collaboration tools are necessary in aiding the management and coordination of the various stakeholders participating in the project like engineers, contractors and suppliers.
- Post-construction
This phase involves the final reviews done on the project and doing counterchecks on the project. Construction project managers can use the punch list software to review the perfection of the project. This software aids in performing final tasks like file sharing, document editing, task notifications, and e-signature.
Conclusion
Construction project management is often a difficult task especially when the managers are tasked with many tasks. Project management software aid in making the process easier and more accurate for the project managers.
