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Like many industries, the construction sector reported the year 2020 as one of the worst years in terms of revenue. One element that caused problems was the disruption and delay of construction materials from suppliers. Another was the restriction on work continuity in jobsites due to health precautions. As businesses slowly reopen, construction companies should consider using
construction management software such as Fieldwire and Buildertrend to make a swift recovery.
Why use construction project management software
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Construction project management (CPM) software is a vital tool that helps businesses manage the construction project lifecycle, from bids and requirements, task and jobsite management, to inspection and reporting. CPM software enables document management, work collaboration, client communication, and financial reporting. This Fieldwire vs. Buildertrend comparison looks at both similar and differentiating features to help you choose the right construction management software for your needs.
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Project Management is Changing the Face of Construction
Benefits of construction project management software
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Construction projects require specialized project management because of unique elements such as physical dimensions, cost, and complexity. CPM software helps users manage processes, materials, manpower, quality, safety, budgets, change requests, and invoices. Here are some of the specific benefits that construction project management software provide users with:
- Accessible platform for storing and sharing plans, documents, and photos
- Online scheduling tool for workers and contractors
- Work logs and task management for project progress tracking
- Digital application in mobile devices for work visibility
- Streamlined processes that simplifies workflow from estimates and proposals to contracts and invoices
The Fieldwire approach
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Fieldwire is a jobsite management software for construction teams. Used by general and specialty contractors, property owners, architects, and engineers, it enables all project team members to coordinate work with assigned tasks, updated drawings, and work messages using any device. The software makes it easy for project managers and foremen to create schedules, track performance, and document work performed. Teams are able to collaborate on tasks with real-time messaging. They can view drawings with any device, verify with photos and videos, and use digitized forms for accurate and fast document management.
Project plans and documents
Fieldwire lets you view blueprints using a web browser, iPhone, iPad, or Android device. You can view, edit, and share blueprints in realtime. The software allows editing, so you can record markups and as-built plans. The Version control feature ensures you are working on the latest plans. It syncs with Box, Dropbox, and OneDrive storage and supports sheet hyperlinking. Export as-built drawings in PDF with each markup maintained as a layer and with complete information about who created the markup and when.
Task management and scheduling
Fieldwire connects the office and the field with a single application. It lets you create tasks, assign to workers, and share files and photos to get work started. Include priority, category, and due date for clear communication. Easily switch between a due date and a priority system when assigning work to subcontractors. The scheduling feature includes Kanban board, Gantt chart, and calendar views. The construction management software lets you complete a punch list with all pertinent details attached such as blueprint, photo, checklist, categories, hashtags, and due dates.
Forms and reports
Go paperless using ready-to use forms or customize your own to match your workflows and processes. Fieldwire has a form builder that lets you customize from six available forms that include daily reports, safety audits, inspection checklists, and RFIs. It can streamline contractor daily logs to include all that happened on the job site including the weather, accidents, or other notes. The software lets you create reports from any device, save as PDF, and share to anyone. Reports can show progress in a specified time range, filtered by priority, or group according to another category. It also has inspection reports for issue resolution and handover reports for construction closeout.
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Fieldwire Full
The Buildertrend approach
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Buildertrend is an online construction project management software and application that works on any device. It is a solution that connects teams, tracks project progress, and improves efficiency for increased profits. It is a modern tool for home builders, specialty contractors, remodelers, and commercial contractors. A unified system lets you plan projects, track expenses, and manage customer relationships. The construction management software integrates with more than a dozen apps including Cadsoft, Chief Architect, QuickBooks, Xero, Dropbox, Excel, Google Calendar, and Twitter. It also has native integrations to iOS and Android devices for managing projects in the office and on the field. The company recently announced the acquisition of CoConstruct construction management software that promises all customers more features.
Pre-sales and CRM
Buildertrend starts the construction project management process by enabling you to get more projects. It helps you manage bid requests, build estimates, and customize proposals in one location. It automatically notifies subcontractors, sends reminders of deadlines, and converts accepted bids into contracts. The software’s built-in CRM helps you gather leads from a website contact page, import from Excel, or accept manual entry from any device. An email marketing tool lets you send email blasts, build automated campaigns, and customize templates and messages for more personalized communication. Other features include client access, selections, surveys/reviews, and centralized communication.
Project management
Buildertrend keeps projects on track with tools that include daily log documentation and to-dos. Add tasks and make notes using voice-to-text technology. Attach documents and photos with tasks, and the software will automatically send notification for every update including weather conditions. Create a schedule, use multiple views, sync with a calendar program, and adjust easily from any device. Other features include document, photo, and video storage and management, email and phone call integration, work-in-progress report, electronic warranty, plan/blueprint markup, and subcontractor account management.
Financial tools
Completely manage the project with financial tools that include invoicing, integration with QuickBooks and Xero, and online payment acceptance with payment deadlines and reminders. Budget features let you track finances and compare estimates to actual costs. Other features include PO management, lien waiver management, change order management, and time clock app.
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Buildertrend Full
Ready to decide on Fieldwire vs. Buildertrend construction project management software?
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Fieldwire and Buildertrend are both modern CPM solutions that works on multiple platforms and mobile devices. Construction companies of all sizes can use any of the two software to gain the advantages brought by a construction management software.
Fieldwire is ideal for jobsite task management. Its blueprint viewer has powerful features for efficient document management and collaboration.
Buildertrend is a comprehensive
construction management software that includes pre-sales, CRM, and financial tools to support project management features. It provides an integrated approach that not only keeps projects on track but also helps businesses manage customer relationships and streamline workflow for greater profitability.
