All construction software programs are different and each will have their own unique advantages and disadvantages when it comes to working with them. Having said that, whether you’re using a single platform, or a suite of options, there are certain key features that you’ll want to ensure you have access to. Today we’re outlining these features so you can decide which construction software programs are best for your business:
Planning
A standard feature in many construction software programs is the ability to use them for planning purposes. This doesn’t mean, however, that every option will suit your needs. Having an accurate plan, and the ability to easily refer back to it, is vital for the success of your projects, so the importance of having this feature in a manner that works for you and your crew should never be underestimated.
Document Management
The next key feature you’re going to need to ensure that you have in your construction software programs is the ability to manage documents. Paperwork for a project can sometimes be just as complex as the project itself, so staying on top of things in this regard is vital for safety, compliance, efficient workflow and more.
Employee Location And Timesheet Tracking
Speaking of safety and managing workflow, work sites are dangerous places so knowing who’s on site, and when, is far too important to be kept in a paper log book that you’d have to scramble to track down in the case of an emergency. The good news is that many construction software programs allow you to keep track of this information electronically, meaning that you can have it at your fingertips at a moment’s notice if it’s needed. Bonus points here if you also give payroll access to this information as it can greatly streamline the process of managing and paying wages.
Issue Reporting
When you’re working on a large project, things are bound to happen. No matter how careful everyone is, issues pop up to cause problems when they’re least expected. While these issues will generally be small in nature as long as all staff, equipment and processes are compliant and of a high standard, they’ll still need to be recorded so being able to do this within one of your construction software programs will be a useful feature. Not only does this allow for immediate entry (so no one has to worry about remembering that paint spill at the end of the day) but it also makes tracking occurrences over time a whole lot easier.
Communication Capabilities
Generally if staff need a paper trail of communications they’ll simply pop open their email app and get in touch that way. This isn’t always efficient, however, as emails can get lost and aren’t always seen immediately. Plus, if you’re working across multiple projects, or on a particularly large one, it can be confusing as to what is being talked about. This is why having communication capabilities with your construction software programs is so great as it will allow workers to leave comments and work out issues in a much faster, and more precise, manner.
Budget Tracking
Finally, keeping on top of your budget can get a bit messy when you’re managing multiple aspects of various projects. Construction software programs are great for managing and categorising spending across your budget and allow you to see what’s gone where (and what’s still available to spend) with ease. Not only is this a win for those who manage your money, but it’s also a great way to assess where efficiency could be improved or see where more funds may need to be allocated.
So there you have it, six key features that you simply must have within your suite of construction software programs.