Good and efficient project management in the construction industry
This article explores how project management tools contribute to efficiency in construction projects.
From start-up to daily use, we will look at customization, training and continuous improvement as key components to ensure project management success.
What is project management?
Project management in the construction industry is about carefully planning, organizing, monitoring and controlling projects to ensure they are completed on time, within budget and according to quality standards. Project management will typically involve:
defining project goals
allocate tasks
control costs
quality assure the work
set and meet deadlines
allocate resources
manage risk and maintain good communication throughout a project
Implementing effective project management is crucial to the success of construction projects, and there are various tools and methods that can help project managers achieve this goal. The key is to maintain a holistic view of the project and ensure that all elements work seamlessly together.
What is a project management tool/project management system?
One tool used for project management is a project management tool, also known as a project management system. Such a tool gives you increased control over your projects and associated tasks.
Project management tools are often adapted to the industry so that they are as usable and user-friendly as possible and directly linked to the industry's tasks and projects.
For the building and construction industry, a project management system will be more geared towards the construction industry, due to the fact that companies in this industry work with construction-related tasks.
Typically, a project management tool will be used to follow a calculated construction project throughout the entire construction process by, for example, following checklists, recording deviations, keeping project accounts, registering project hours, connecting relevant emails, uploading documentation and sharing information with all project participants.
An effective project management tool, also known as a project management system, plays a crucial role in ensuring the success and efficiency of complex projects. This tool acts as a centralized platform to manage and control all aspects of a project and related tasks.
Cloud-based accessibility is essential, so that project information is available to everyone involved regardless of location and time, promoting collaboration and reducing the risk of information loss.
Why use a project management system?
A project management tool streamlines administrative tasks, provides better control and overview and improves communication, but is no guarantee of success. Successful implementations require clear goals, participation from key stakeholders, thorough training, alignment with business processes, and continuous communication.
Here are some of our top tips for effective and successful implementation and use of a project management tool:
Clarify goals and expectations:
Define clear goals about what you want to achieve with the project management tool. Set expectations for exactly how the tool will reduce costs, streamline tasks, etc.Involve key people:
Engage those who will actually use the tool, including project managers, subcontractors and other relevant team members. Gather their feedback and needs to select the right tool and utilize their expertise in future work.Training:
Ensure that everyone who will be using the tool receives adequate training. This includes training on how to use the tool and deeper understanding of the tool's features.Customization:
Customize the tool to your company's processes and employees. This may involve adding custom fields, templates or documents.Communication:
Maintain open communication with project participants to ensure they are comfortable with the tool and project management.
Effective Project Portfolio: Key points for success
Effective project management begins with an organized project folder. This platform provides structure, control and effective communication throughout the life of the project.
Why is an effective project portfolio important?
Provides organization and structure for relevant documentation.
Centralizes project documentation for easy access and collaboration.
Secure storage of confidential information and legal documents.
Enables easy addition of changes and improves document control.
Dedicated folders for risk management and FDV ensure thorough follow-up.
Ensure that everyone involved has access to the right documents at the right time.
Proposal for project folder structure:
Common project folder (Shared with everyone):
General Information
Communication and meetings
Health, Safety and Environment (HSE)
Quality assurance (QA)
Momentum
Images and Visual Documentation
Drawings
FDV (Management, Operation and Maintenance)
Internal project folder (For internal use only):
Contracting and Legal
Finance and Budget
Changes and approvals
Deviation registration
Technical drawings and changes
This structure makes it clear which folders are accessible to everyone and which are for internal use. A well-functioning project folder is the core of the information flow that gives strength and structure to the project. Through thorough planning, effective implementation of tools and a structured work process, building and construction projects can achieve successful completion.
Throughout this article, we have highlighted the importance of cloud-based project management tools that help organize and promote collaboration in projects. In conclusion, we want to highlight simple and good tips for effective project management, summarizing planning, organization and communication throughout the project lifecycle.
Tips for good project management: From start to finish
Start-up meeting:
Introduce project participants and goals.
Create a basis for collaboration and understanding between all participants.
Project planning:
Clarify roles, responsibilities and communication strategies.
Develop implementation plan with HSE/SHA and QA procedures.
Project hotel:
Communication plan and requirements documentation.
Define scope, duration, budget, and resources with costing.
Managing risk with industry-specific risk management tools.
Monitoring and reporting:
Monitor progress, costs and quality with industry-specific tools.
Deviation management for potential challenges.
Agility:
Flexibility and adaptation to change.
Use of agility tools for dynamic projects.
Closure:
Clear close-out process with a focus on FDV for building and construction projects.
Thorough documentation for a smooth transition to the operational phase.
The Build modules' contribution to good project management in the construction industry
In the face of strict requirements from customers and public authorities, the Build system has introduced a solid project management tool through the myproject modules. With mycalc, myoffer, myplanner, myproject and mymobile, Build provides a comprehensive solution to effectively manage projects throughout their entire lifecycle.
By integrating mycalc, myoffer, myplanner, the Build system provides project managers with the necessary tools for everything from calculations and quotation processes to project planning. myproject, myplanner and mymobile act as a central hub for activity and resource management, all communication and documentation. They also create a unified platform for HSE and QA management of the project during the implementation and completion phases.
Myeconomy (expected in 2024): Will follow up on contracts based on the project budget and ensure that changes and invoicing harmonize with project progress.
Build modules offer a holistic solution to address the challenges of construction projects. Build modules provide a seamless integration of tools, strengthen project communication and facilitate strategic follow-up, which is crucial to the success of any construction project.
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In our blog, you can read more posts about the build modules. Here you'll find articles on costing, purchasing, planning, checklists and deviations!