Updated on 8/20/2024.
Shopping for software online can be downright confusing. A simple search for project management software will result in a deluge of search results, display ads, and other promotions all claiming to be the best system on the market today. In a busy environment like your typical General Contractor, no one has the time to evaluate every single option. So how do you sort through the clutter?
Related: Top 3 Causes of Construction Project Rework and How to Avoid Them.
This is a question that General Contractors all over the country are asking themselves. Sites like Software Advice and Constructech are great places to begin your Project Management software search, but there can still be a lot of confusion to wade through. There are simpler, more effective ways to cut through the weeds.
Related: The 4 Elements of Highly Successful Contractors.
One of the most confusing aspects is the muddying water surrounding what constitutes a Project Management system. Because the keywords “Project Management” are so valuable, many providers are trying to conflate their product to be a “Project Management” solution; when in reality they are nowhere close. For the purposes of your search, it’s helpful to define what a Project Management system is, namely, software that helps to track and budget costs, manage important documents, collaborate, build project schedules and allocate resources. These core functionalities are essential to any true Project Management system. To narrow your scope even further, consider the following:
Functionality for Your Project Management System
A lot of so-called project management systems on the market today are actually “project document management” systems. These systems typically manage only the documents of a project like Submittals, RFI’s, and Change Orders and have limited functionality beyond that. When you are looking for a true Project Management system to increase your organization’s efficiency be sure to look for solutions with the necessary functionality. Look for features in addition to document management like resource allocation, budgeting, draws, scheduling, and time tracking.
Cost of the Project Management Software
Project Management systems vary greatly in cost, from a few thousand dollars all the way up to six figures. In fact, most construction management systems are priced from $223 to $1,963 per month. Systems can be priced based on number of projects, number of users, or relative size of the company. But one thing to never assume is that cost is a barometer with regards to quality. Many “Project Document Management” systems can cost as much, if not more than, a true Project Management system with 10 times the functionality. Heck, there are even apps that can cost $100 dollars a month per user! When searching for your Project Management system, be sure that the price tag matches your expectations for the system.
Related: The Ultimate Guide to Risk Mitigation.
Integrations with Your Existing Project Management Platforms
A final consideration should be “Does this solution fit in with our existing systems?” One of the greatest ways to increase efficiency in your organization is to find systems that complement one another or integrate completely. Project Management, in the grand scheme of things, is just a cog in the machine that is your company, so it makes sense to find one that fits. For example, if you’re completely satisfied with your accounting platform it makes sense to find a Project Management system that can work with, or ideally, integrate with so that you can eliminate double entry, save time and reduce risk.
Just remember that the first step of your search is to take an introspective look at your company. Ask yourself, “In an ideal world, what would this software help us achieve?” Then write out a list of desired features and use that list as a map to find the right Project Management System for your Organization.
Related: 3 Ways to Optimize Your Bidding Process.
Pantera: Your Construction Project Management Solution
Check out Pantera for our excellent project management software. Our platform helps general contractors communicate with their teams as well as subcontractors to keep projects on track. Some of our project management features include:
- Field-to-office communication
- Unlimited document storage and sharing
- Keeping tabs on your projects’ moving parts
- Budgeting modules to stay on budget and schedule
Get started with a free demo.
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