Featured article by Habib Khan, Independent Technology Author
Times are changing, and if you’re a big commercial construction project management construction company, you have to keep with the times to stay on top of the game.
According to the Access Group, businesses, the construction industry included, identified “capturing time/costs against the project” as their greatest project management challenge. With greater emphasis being placed on productivity, reporting, communication, the incorporation of technology into the different processes is increasingly becoming an integral need for the success of any commercial project. It is safe to say that nowadays, in commercial construction companies, it is becoming increasingly impossible to manage a large project successfully without using a commercial construction project management software.
Construction software, in a nutshell, is a collection of programs and processes that help perform various tasks within the building or assembling of a structure or infrastructure to increase productivity, efficiency, and competitiveness. The project management software can automate some tasks that’s previously done by a project manager, construction manager, design engineer, construction engineer, and project architects.
Now that we’ve defined what a construction project management software is, let’s now take a look at the different types of project management software. It comes in different forms, and it is divided mostly by the following: location of the application, intended size and how it’s going to be used.
Cloud-Based
Cloud-based project management platforms like Procore are platforms that are hosted web servers. This means users can access the software wherever they are through an app or a web browser.
On-Premise
On-Premise Project management platforms are also called locally hosted project management software. These platforms are installed locally into your company’s servers. This means that access to these systems is restricted to the devices that are already connected to your local servers.
Open API
Open API’s are software that gives the end user the to add on to an already existing application.
So now that you know what a commercial project management software is and its types, with hundreds of software out there, how do you know what’s the best project management software for general commercial construction to use? To get you started, we have compiled a list of project management software for commercial real estate construction that constantly tops the rating charts. Without any delay, let’s take a quick look at the best project management software for the construction industry.
The BEST CONSTRUCTION SOFTWARE IN A GLANCE
#1. PROCORE
Procore is a web-based project management software that runs on a Saas model ( Software-as-a-Service). Procore’s provides your company what they describe as Frictionless Construction at your fingertips.
Your data in the cloud stays safe with data stays safe with AES-256 bit encryption, continuous data backups, granular permission levels, and automatic user tracking.
Unlike its competitors that charge their subscriber a per-user rate, Procore’s web-based construction project management software allows you to connect unlimited team members at no extra cost – perfect for big construction projects! And, although the pricing is by a quote, it offers a simple flat- rate annual pricing which depends on how the software will be utilized.
Features & Technical Specifications:
Document management,
Drawing Management
Email Tracking
Meeting minutes
Photos
Procore Drive
REIs
Daily Log
Dashboard
Directory
Inspections
Scheduling
Punch List
Bidding
Budgeting
Change Management
Contract Management
Cost Management
SAGE 300 CRE Connector
Insights
Procore connect
Procore FX
Devices and OS Supported:
Android
Windows
Apple iPhone/Ipad
Mac
Language Support:
English
Deployment:
Cloud Hosting
#2. Genie Belt
Genie Belt is cloud-based, real-time, SaaS project management used by both small and large. It’s just special among different construction management software
GenieBelt offers an advanced interactive Gantt chart, where all the information is stored in an organized way and users can access it using their mobile devices.
It provides the following: real-time communication with your team from the office to the construction site, intuitive field reporting mobile app for IOS and Android, and reporting that provides an overview across all the construction projects.
Features & Technical Specifications:
Gantt Chart Display
Real-time Activity Feed
Project Summary Export
Live Project Views
Task Completion Percentage
Project Files
Management Reporting
Customized Support
Audit Trails
Account Manager
Web/Mobile Apps
Integration with Microsoft Project
Secure Cloud Hosting
Devices Supported:
Windows
Android
Ipad/Iphone
Mac
Web Based
Language Support:
English
#3. BuilderTrend
BuilderTrend is a cloud-based project management platform that combines project scheduling, financial management, customer management, and service management.
Its main features boast of a pre-sales tool that has a built-in CRM (Customer Relationship Management) system, quick bids, and proposals.
Features & Technical Specifications:
Gantt Chart Display
Real-time Activity Feed
Project Summary Export
Live Project Views
Task Completion Percentage
Project Files
Management Reporting
Customized Support
Audit Trails         Â
Account Manager
Web/Mobile Apps
Integration with Microsoft Project
Secure Cloud Hosting
Bid Requests
Proposals/Estimating
Leads/CRM
Auto email Marketing
Owner Login
Daily Logs
To-Do’s
Scheduling
Documents and Photos
Messaging
Warranty/PunchList
Plan Markup
Trade Partners
Payments
Budget
Purchase Orders
Integration
Lien Waivers
Time Sheets
Change Orders
Client Portal
Selections
Surveys
Communication
Mobile App
Devices Supported:
Windows
Android
Ipad/Iphone
Mac
Web Based
Language Support:
English
Co-Construct
Co-Construct is a web-based construction project management software that has three well thought of functional modules.
Co-Construct allows management of continually changing concepts by offering unrestricted customization, creating a product that’s open for modification and client revisions.
Features & Technical Specifications:
Budget & Forecast Project Costs
Single-Entry Estimating
Change Order and Expense Tracking
File and Photo Sharing
Streamline Bidding
Proposals
Timesheet Management
Jobsite Activity & Progress Tracking
Integration With Accounting System
Mobile Apps Customization
Leads Managing and Tracking
Keep Track of To-dos
Punchlist & Warranty
Schedule Coordination With Field & Office
Brand and Marketing Customization Options
