10 benefits you can get from a custom construction management software
The construction market is snowballing. The companies here range from small firms to large corporations. They all have different clients, order volumes, and, naturally, different requirements for corporate tools. Picking up the right construction management software and training employees to work with it normally is not a trivial task. Challenges start from the search. We will look at the five most popular apps for construction management and explain why custom development is preferable.
The five best ready-made construction management solutions
Archdesk
Archdesk is an ERP that is actively used by construction software companies in the UK. It aims to streamline workflow through multiple tools such as project plan, budget control, scheduling, document flow, RFIs, and more.
Pros
Ability to switch off unnecessary features
Handy planning tools
Helpful support
Cons
Overwhelming interface
No free trial
No offline access
Price varies depending on the selected plan.
Best for heavy construction companies.
Monday.com
It is a versatile tool that is used as a construction project software by small businesses. It has a lot of templates and visual elements for quick workflow setup.
Pros
Good visualization
Variety of PM tools
Mobile app
Cons
No in-app chat
No accounting tools
Complicated navigation
Lack of construction-related features
Price starts from $29 per user per month.
Best for project management across different industries.
Projectteam.com
Projectteam can be used as a construction management and collaboration system that helps make and share drawings, RFIs, punch lists, contracts, field reports, budgets, etc. It also has some room for customization.
Pros
Instant access through cloud app
Ability to create custom forms and fields
In-depth training program
Cons
Slow documents upload
No estimating feature
No offline mode
Price starts from $700 per user per year.
Best for construction project architects.
Procore
Procore is a construction business software that unites owners, architects, contractors, and other project participants. It presents itself as an all-in-one solution that comes along with construction development from start to finish.
Pros
Excellent drawing tools
Seamless communication between office and field
Easy integration with other apps
Cons
Complex interface
Many useless features
Crippled program version on a mobile app
Price varies depending on the selected plan.
Best for team members collaboration.
BuildingConnected
This is kind of a meeting place for owners and builders, where both sides can find a perfect match through a convenient interface and simple navigation. The platform is deployed in the cloud, so you can reach it from any place without being tied to office hours.
Pros
Extensive base of subcontractors
Constant features updating
Ease of use
Cons
Too generic categories of subcontractors
Rarely revised address database (many invalid emails are detected)
No mobile support
Price varies depending on the selected plan.
Best for commercial construction firms.
Ten features to look for in custom construction software
While most programs cover the entire spectrum of the necessary features, the required set for a given business may not be available in a single solution. In this case, owners have to either use several third-party services or redo a specific one. But the wiser decision would be to make a unique product that 100% fits your business needs. That is why many companies often opt for custom development.
Below we list ten features to consider if you plan to build custom construction management software.
Tasks management. Even the smallest construction firms have different staff categories working from the office and in fields. Software must solve the problem of downtime through precise task scheduling and control.
Budgeting. Object construction starts from planning and budgeting. A custom app can supply all the tools you need to do it quickly and efficiently. You can count on automatic calculations, graphical elements, and sharing options.
Bidding. In a customized construction management platform, you can adjust parameters for automatic bidding. For example, you can filter contractors by time availability, region, costs, etc.
Scheduling. This feature goes far beyond the working shifts timetable. You can schedule using vehicles and instruments, assign employees to professional courses, distribute projects, etc.
Asset control. It helps you track building materials and equipment and make sure all projects are progressing without interruption. In a custom app, you can create automatic distribution and adjust notifications when certain materials come to the end.
Document flow. Custom software may be one-stop for all construction documents, from bids and invoices to drawings and contracts. Sharing tools and role-based logging will help your team collaborate and edit papers as well as reach docs even when in fields.
Risk assessment. Advanced apps can evaluate risks and advise on better decisions. For example, if you integrate with a weather forecast service, your app may recalculate the project implementation time taking into account weather conditions.
Residents tools. You can create an app for buyers and tenants as a part of your residential construction management program. The users could track the construction progress through in-built cams, apply for buying apartments, pay bills, view docs, and so on.
Third-party integrations. If you are not an emerged start-up, most likely, you already use some corporate tools, such as CRM or ERP. With custom software, you do not need to abandon well-established processes. The devs will link a new-coming app with your favorite programs, so you won’t need to interrupt the current workflow.
IoT connectivity. Smart things can add value to your app and enhance UX. Take, for example, a drone or smart lock. The former allows studying the terrain and track the construction progress remotely. And the latter raises the comfort and security of your residential buildings.
What technologies should the construction management app developers use?
The tech stack selection largely depends on the result you want to get. We believe expert software for construction should be deployed in the cloud and have a full-featured mobile app. That’s why you should consider Java, AWS, .NET, React.js, etc.
This will allow you to access the program whenever you like and quickly respond to changes in the business environment. Some companies may not accept the entire dependence on the Internet connection. This problem can be solved with a desktop app that automatically synchronizes with the online account when the Internet goes up.
Construction software also benefits from the latest technologies and innovations. The most advanced apps use AI, VR, AR, BIM, and 3D printing to visualize drawings, see buildings in 3D mode, and present the final project look to the client. They also connect with smart buildings through IoT tools and promote industrial optimization via high-capacity automation.
Final thoughts
Construction management software empowers business capabilities and helps set up the workflow according to current trends. Today there are many ready-made solutions staffed with features to fit almost any taste. Yet, it is challenging to find the right one because each business has specific demands. If you reached a deadlock in your search, consider hiring construction software developers. They will conduct in-depth business analysis and deliver powerful software with a unique feature set.
