How to Evaluate Construction Project Management Software

The truth is that Enterprise resource planning (ERP) software offers many advantages for companies related to the construction sector since it allows them to face the day to day with less effort in the administrative field. Likewise, it can mean considerable growth for the company, so its implementation is recommended.

If we had to highlight some of these advantages, we could highlight the following:

• Simplifies and improves the execution of construction projects and works in progress: A software for construction project management has as its main objective the improvement of the processes involved in projects, so its management and results tend to improve with the implementation of these kinds of tools.
• The construction company achieves better organization and planning of projects, reducing administrative and indirect costs. In the end, this affects the bottom line of the company.
• Increased efficiency through more efficient project management. ERP software for construction project management allows you to control the different aspects of the project online, faster, and more optimally. By integrating with other existing tools, it is achieved that it receives the data quickly and online, allowing tighter control of deadlines and budgets.
• It makes the task of projecting expenses, according to the project execution plan, and income easier by managing the sales of the works already completed.

This allows for better control of cash flows and project finances.

How to Evaluate Construction Project Management Software

Once the different available options have been defined, there are some points that we should consider, apart from the characteristics defined above:

Updating of the provider’s website. If they have a blog, it is important to see if they are active, if they do, this will give you an idea of ​​how focused and up-to-date they are on the specific problems of their business.

View the number of released software versions. The worst thing you can do is choose a provider that has been in the market for 20 years but has not updated its technology in the last 19. The way of working changes and adapts to the tools available, for example currently using smartphones and tablets, so the tool must be updated.

Possibility of a free trial. Most providers allow you to test their tools for free, which is highly recommended. Within this product test, the possibility of receiving presentations or support from your sales team is very important; allowing you to clarify what your construction software CAN do, and more importantly, what it CANNOT do.

The simplicity of use of the tool. It’s important not to be tempted by “business solutions” because unless they manage multi-billion dollar projects, 99% of business solutions will be a glut for your business. One of the worst things that can happen when implementing software is that the team doesn’t like to use it because it is difficult and time-consuming. If this is too complex to use, after a few weeks of trying to get them to use it, the team will give up. Focus on a simple software. The build is complex enough to make it even more complicated with difficult-to-use software.

During this evaluation, it is very important to consult with the team. Organize a chat with the team and explain to them the problems that you want to solve, and that the new construction management program will make these work faster and easier. Ask them what they think; Do you know of any good solutions? Do you have any preferences or other criteria that we should consider when evaluating? Make the decision and go all together.

To carry out this evaluation in a structured way, it is recommended to use an evaluation table. This should include all the functions or features that we want and the different software options available. With it we can decide on one or another tool objectively without leaving any important point.