Digital construction management solutions, especially BIM-powered software, have revolutionized the AEC industry in recent years. Allowing architects, designers, contractors and engineers to work more efficiently, BIM makes construction projects much more streamlined and cost-effective.
Choosing the right software for your projects, however, can be a daunting task. With several BIM software and services to choose from, it indeed gets a bit confusing. Don’t worry, though – here’s a comprehensive guide on finding the right digital management construction software.
10 factors to consider when choosing a digital management construction software
When choosing a BIM-powered digital construction management software, weigh your options based on the following factors.
- Collaboration
Collaboration goes a long way in cutting costs and boosting productivity. Different teams working on the project should be able to collaborate seamlessly on the platform to work towards the goal. A good construction management software strengthens collaboration and communication, ultimately resulting in quicker project turnover.
- Enterprise resource planning
Enterprise resource planning (ERP) comprises a suite of applications designed to collect, store, process, and manage digital data for a variety of business needs. In the construction industry, it helps manage various core business processes. When choosing a digital construction management solution, make sure it includes ERP. You may choose from a plethora of ERP architectures based on your requirements.
- Real-time reporting
Delayed data and reporting can cause severe problems, potentially making a project go past its deadline or/and exceed the budget. Successful construction project management calls for real-time data, and this must be addressed by the software of your choice. A digital construction software with real-time reporting features also grants stakeholders greater control over the operations.
- BIM consulting and management services
Unless you have a dedicated team of experts specializing in BIM technologies, consider choosing a solution that comes with consulting and management services. Contractors can seamlessly outsource digital construction management to make the most of the software and deliver projects timely while minimizing costs.
- On-site support
Alongside professional consulting and management services, companies may also need on-site BIM support and field coordination. Likewise, pick a provider that can offer your engineering team day-to-day on-site support if needed. The best BIM service providers out there also conduct training sessions and workshops to train their clients’ workforce.
- Security
Well, you certainly wouldn’t want to compromise sensitive or confidential project information and plans. Any software you use for construction management would have access to a trove of data concerning the project. Hence, data security should be a key consideration. Make sure to choose a software with adequate safeguards in place. You can use SSPM Solution that evaluates data that is not protected, and hardened SaaS configuration according to security and compliance best practices.
- Data Analytics
Data analysis is among the key aspects of a digital construction software. A construction project involves massive amounts of data that must be processed for proper planning and budgeting. Any software you choose for digital construction management must offer the necessary features for seamless and thorough data analytics.
- Dashboard
No matter how effective a software is at analysing large volumes of construction data, it won’t be any good if the users don’t get much actionable information. This is where the software’s dashboard becomes a relevant factor to consider. When managing construction projects digitally, contractors rely largely on dashboards to track progress and performance. Hence, the comprehensiveness and utility of the dashboard are factors you can’t afford to overlook.
- Document management
Document management in a construction project can prove to be a tedious task. A well-rounded BIM solution provides stakeholders with a platform to seamlessly interact, exchange files, approve documents, and manage issues. It’s best to choose a software integrated with BIM 360 Docs, the world’s most widely used cloud-based CDE system in the construction industry.
- Automated job site documentation
Lastly, the construction management software you choose should be capable of automating job site documentation. As the construction industry continues to undergo a digital transformation, generating electronic documentation using advanced construction management software has made things much easier. In addition to the 2D plans, BIM can even help create detailed 3D models.
Endnote
Your best bet would be to work together with a leading digital construction management service provider that can provide you with a comprehensive range of SaaS solutions. Armed with an arsenal of advanced construction management technologies, you can tackle even the most complex projects with ease.
