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Updated on 11/1/2024.
Moving into the digital age has created efficiencies for most construction organizations. While it is definitely a boon to the overall industry, it can make it more difficult for individual organizations to find their own source of competitive advantage through efficiency. Scores of construction specific tools, software, and apps have flooded the market and it can be difficult to find what will truly give you the opportunity to differentiate yourself from the competition.
Instead of canvassing the entire construction technology landscape to search for the right product for your organization and talking to salespeople – (who coincidently all seem to say that while their product isn’t a perfect fit for every organization, guess what, it is perfect for yours!) – it can be of great benefit to take a quick internal evaluation of what will help make your company more efficient. One of the areas where almost any organization can do a little self-audit and find improvement is within their preconstruction and bid management processes.
Related: How to Master the Schedule of Values.
Importance of Preconstruction
Preconstruction is a critical phase in the construction project management process. It sets the stage for a successful project by ensuring that all stakeholders are aligned and the project is properly planned and executed. During preconstruction, the project team defines the project scope, timeline, and budget, and identifies potential risks and opportunities. This phase also involves selecting the project delivery method, procurement strategy, and construction team. A well-planned preconstruction phase can help prevent costly delays, reduce risks, and ensure that the project is completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards.
Related: How to Get Construction Leads.
3 Ways to Build Efficiency in Your Construction Bidding Process
1. Be Quick About It While Preserving Quality
Not too long ago, the bid management process was a painstaking and lengthy process that could take up countless hours. Now, even with the most basic tools and freeware, that same process can be done in a fraction of the time and at just as high of quality as before. Being able to put out quality bids quickly provides you the ability to bid more jobs and focus on the important bids your already have out. Efficiency comes from maximizing opportunities.
Related: The Ultimate Guide to Risk Mitigation.
2. Get More Bid Responses for Construction Projects
One of the most frustrating aspects of the bidding process, as any estimator can attest, is getting responses from subcontractors. It’s like pulling teeth! Oftentimes the issue is that subcontractors are trying to maximize their opportunities just like you. Construction management software is a critical tool for construction project managers, helping to streamline the construction process and manage various project delivery methods.
Related: Why Branded Bids Win More Work.
In the process, they end up signing up for every lead notification system available and are abjectly flooded with projects to bid on, and in most cases these lead services have a normalizing effect so that every General Contractors bid invite looks the same. The best way to combat this is to make your bid invite stand out from the crowd. Look for a bidding tool that gives you the opportunity to truly customize your ITB’s.
Related: 5 Essential for Marketing Your Construction Company Online.
3. Make it Easy for Construction Subcontractors
In our survey of subcontractors, we found that a majority of subcontractors noted that ease of use was a primary concern when adopting new technology. It’s not the case that subcontractors don’t know how to use computers or technology, oftentimes it’s that they are extremely busy and don’t have the time to deal with cumbersome systems. Make it easy for them. Use collaboration software that has an intuitive interface and makes it extremely easy for a new user to know exactly what they need to do.
Related: The Four Major Elements of Highly Successful Contractors.
So before you decide to take a look at every software system on the market or jump in feet first with one of the “one size fits all solutions”, perform an internal audit of your bidding process than look for a system that can help provide exactly what your organization needs.
- Construction materials tracking software: This helps to manage and allocate construction materials effectively, ensuring that resources are available when needed.
Related: Top 3 Causes of Construction Project Rework and How to Avoid Them.
Construction Management Software
Construction management software is a critical tool for construction project managers. It helps to streamline the construction process, improve communication and collaboration among stakeholders, and increase productivity. Construction management software typically includes features such as project scheduling, budgeting, resource allocation, and risk management. It also provides real-time visibility into project progress, enabling project managers to make informed decisions and take corrective action when necessary. Hubexo’s project management software tools will help you maximize your preconstruction process.
Related: The Most Powerful Construction Project Management Tool.
Essential Tools for Preconstruction
Preconstruction requires a range of essential tools to ensure that the project is properly planned and executed. Some of the key tools include:
- Project management software: This helps to manage the project timeline, budget, and resources.
- Building information modeling (BIM) software: This enables the creation of detailed digital models of the project, which can be used to identify potential clashes and optimize the construction process.
- Cost estimation software: This helps to estimate the project costs and create a detailed budget.
- Scheduling software: This enables the creation of a detailed project schedule, which can be used to manage the construction process and ensure that the project is completed on time.
- Risk management software: This helps to identify and mitigate potential risks, which can impact the project timeline, budget, or quality.
By using these essential tools, construction professionals can ensure that the preconstruction phase is properly planned and executed, setting the stage for a successful project. Try Hubexo’s software tools for bid management, prequalification, project management, job costing, and integrations. Plus, we have a mobile app to manage all of your project communications from anywhere.
Related: Is Your Company Highly Invested in a Project Management System?
Summary
The preconstruction phase is extremely important for your success in acquiring work and completing projects. By using these tips and software tools, you can streamline your preconstruction and bid management phase to get a strong start on construction projects. Start strong, finish strong. Hubexo is here to help you during the preconstruction phase, all the way through project completion.
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