Construction projects are built from many smaller deliverables and subprojects, all of which a company needs to track so it can meet promised deadlines, work within a budget, and stay within scope. Construction project management software provides a single, secure platform that enables users to manage project plans, phases, schedules, budgets, and risks. More importantly, it provides a collaborative environment that simplifies communication and coordination, aligning all teams’ goals to a common vision: a successfully completed project.
Table of contents
- Recommended Project Management Software
- Top Project Management Software for Construction
- What is Construction Project Management Software?
- Important Features of Construction Project Management Software
- Ready to Try a Construction Project Management Software?
Recommended Project Management Software
In a hurry? Then check out these top-rated project management software solutions.
1 Wrike
Wrike is an award-winning project management software that is trusted by 20,000+ companies worldwide. Create a streamlined digital workplace using custom request forms, Kanban boards, Gantt charts, budget management, time tracking, real-time updates, and performance reports all in one place that can be shared company-wide. Integrate Wrike with 400+ applications to automate your everyday processes. Customize workflows and reduce the need for emails, meetings, status updates, and more.
2 Smartsheet
Smartsheet delivers increased project efficiency and accountability for construction companies by streamlining communication and documentation, boosting safety and profits. Construction is the ultimate “get it done” business, and Smartsheet is the work management platform that many of the world’s largest construction companies rely on to stay productive, communicate effectively, and document every step of every project. Improve project documentation, capture issues in real time, increase collaboration among project teams, vendors, and clients, and save time with accurate resource management. Reduce testing and inspection errors with collaborative solutions, accelerate close-out time, and improve job satisfaction by maintaining transparency between client and site crews.
3 monday.com
monday.com is the effective way to manage construction projects, time, and people. Keep a clear view on all activities and communications and show real-time progress across your projects. Using a timeline that provides an overview of project progression synced in real-time, easily track the execution of the plan. Simplicity is key to keep your people focused, in sync with all activities, and provide accountability through easy to use tools that removes the complexity. Monday.com scales to fit any project or number of projects that you may have and can customize to your workflow. Provide a new way to mange and collaborate in your construction projects.
Top Project Management Software for Construction
Let’s go into deeper detail on several solutions that are particularly suited to the challenges of managing construction projects.
monday.com
monday.com is a cloud-based platform that provides project management tools for a variety of use cases, including construction management. It enables users to connect all the moving parts in construction projects to drive impact and allow teams to reach goals faster. The platform works across devices to simplify managing and collaboration between office teams and field teams.
monday.com is for architects, builders, general contractors, and engineers. Users can easily collaborate and share files, images, updates, RFIs, and feedback. Built-in progress tracking automatically monitors, calculates, and updates information on budgets, timelines, and resources at every stage with high-level dashboards and charts. Other features include ready-to-use construction templates, financial management, portfolio management, and document management.
Pros
- Task management
- Project scheduling
- Ease of setup and use
Cons
- Most useful features are available in the higher plans (Pro and Enterprise)
- Exporting charts and dashboards needs more options
Smartsheet
Smartsheet is a modern project and work management platform that enables companies to manage projects and automate processes. It is applicable to a wide selection of roles and industries, including the construction industry. It helps streamline the construction project lifecycle with pre-built solutions, templates, and custom solutions such as for preconstruction, safety management, field operations, resource management, quality control, and reporting.
Smartsheet allows users to collaborate, brainstorm project requirements, and track initial cost estimates in a sheet. Teams can centralize project requirements and keep track of documentation with attachments. It also has dashboards and portals to highlight specific key visual information. Other features include project cost calculations, forms, and reports.
Pros
- Project planning and scheduling
- Customizable dashboards
- Ready-to-use templates
Cons
- Activity log is not simple to understand
- Some users would like an easier way to set permissions and sharing
Fieldwire
Fieldwire is a jobsite management software solution for construction teams. It is an ideal software for architects, general contractors, specialty contractors, owners, and engineers. It enables the construction project team, from the contractor foreman to the project manager, to collaborate and share information in real time.
Fieldwire provides real-time messaging where team members can connect conversations with specific tasks for faster decision-making and issue resolution. Users can track all construction tasks, activities, and issues. They can record issues and update plans with notes, photos, and videos. The construction project management software also has schedules, reports, and mobile apps. Field teams can easily update plans and create digital forms.
Pros
- Visual project tracking
- Resource monitoring
- Ease of setup and use
Cons
- Needs better image file management
- Adding new drawings could be more intuitive
Procore
Procore is construction management software built for owners, main contractors, and subcontractors. It connects the site and office for real-time visibility and improved efficiency. Aside from project management, it also has products specific for preconstruction, resource management, and financial management. It provides an all-in-one solution that simplifies construction project work from tendering to close-out.
Procore construction project management software includes mobile collaboration tools that promote clarity of tasks, helping teams stay on schedule and avoid rework. It captures all project correspondence and makes it accessible. Real-time update of information increases visibility and mitigates risks. The software provides a project overview, tracks all steps, and speeds up the approval process with features like contact directory, documents, spec management, integrated scheduling, task management, RFIs, drawings, time cards, and emails.
Pros
- Photo and video uploads
- Communication and collaboration
- Responsive support
Cons
- Need for additional third-party integrations
- Users wish for enhancements in the timecard/timesheet feature
eSUB
eSUB is a cloud-based construction project management software built specifically for trade contractors. It has a user-friendly mobile app that allows foremen and supervisors to submit logs, reports, and schedules easily on the field. It provides users access to all their project documents and data in single, secure cloud-based workspace.
eSUB has project management tools that increase project visibility, labor productivity, and business profitability. It includes tools for scheduling, resource management, daily reporting, and RFIs for detailed project management and reporting. Other features include unlimited data storage, Gantt chart, meeting minutes, contacts & vendors, and equipment rental.
Pros
- Ease of setup and use
- Document tracking
- Communication and collaboration
Cons
- Some problems with QuickBooks integration
- Timecard UI needs improvement
Autodesk Build
Autodesk Build is part of the Autodesk Construction Cloud solution that connects field and project management workflows. It has tools for project management, quality management, safety management, and cost control that unifies teams, workflows, and data. Field and office teams can manage, share, and collaborate on project schedules to help eliminate delays and reduce miscommunication.
Autodesk Build lets users create RFIs, manage the review processes, and connect RFIs to issues, change orders, or meeting minutes. It can simplify submittals and improve meetings by tracking items and commitments. Other features include centralized issue management, cross-device compatibility and sync, markup tools for drawings, and 2D drawing and 3d model viewing tools.
Pros
- Field collaboration and reporting
- Issue and markup features
- Easy viewing and management of plans and documents
Cons
- Occasional file sync issues
- Users wish for smoother product integration with other Autodesk products
Houzz Pro
Houzz Pro is an all-in-one business software for contractors and design professionals. It enables users to attract more clients, run profitable projects, and deliver an exceptional customer experience with one software solution. It is designed to meet the needs of builders and remodelers, interior designers, architects, and specialty contractors. It comes with marketing tools to help build the business’s brand, as well as visual modeling tools to share ideas and give clients 3D tours.
Houzz Pro includes project management features that allow users to save time while maximizing profit. Users can manage follow-ups, schedule meetings, and convert leads to turn prospects into projects. They can also create accurate estimates and bids within minutes with the help of local material and cost libraries. Other features are templates, client dashboards, and smart PM tools like visual timelines, task management, file management, and mobile apps.
Pros
- Integrated CRM
- Accurate estimating tool
- Centralized dashboard
Cons
- Delays in customer support response
- Users wish for more texture options in the 3D tour/walkthrough
RedTeam
RedTeam is a construction management and collaboration software preferred by many commercial general construction companies. It provides the tools to help companies develop their construction business. The software covers the whole project lifecycle, from preconstruction, to managing projects on and off the field, to financials. Users can collaborate easily with a free mobile app, real-time updates, and paperless documents and contracts.
RedTeam construction project management software lets teams create requests and submittal packages. Users can easily receive, review, share, and track RFIs with an accurate and up-to-date log. Change order features enables users to request notes from vendors, select vendors, and issue change orders. It also has a Gantt scheduling tool that can import and export Microsoft Project files.
Pros
- Timesheet and time tracking feature
- Document sharing and project file organization
- Responsive customer support
Cons
- Scheduling on the mobile app is challenging
- Occasional slowdown and timing out of pages
Buildertrend
Buildertrend is a construction project management software and app that connects teams and improves efficiency to increase profits. It is ideal for home builders, specialty contractors, remodelers, and commercial contractors. The software helps with every stage of the build lifecycle, from sales and project planning to financial tracking and client communication.
Buildertrend project management tools include daily logs, change orders, schedules, selections, time clocks, to-dos, and warranty. Users can document and share information with team members, contractors, and clients. They can make notes with voice-to-text, automatically record weather updates, manage change orders on the go, get approvals with e-signatures, and collect payments online. Moreover, the software has tools and features for managing leads, bids, and invoices. It also has a built-in client portal and email marketing.
Pros
- Bids management
- Integrated CRM and lead tracking
- Responsive customer support
Cons
- Project accounting features have a high learning curve
- User wish for a simpler way to create proposals
CoConstruct
CoConstruct is a construction management software for builders and remodelers. Although a Buildertrend company, it is a complementary provider of project, financial, and client management software geared towards independent builders in the residential construction industry. It helps companies stay in control of their projects and business.
CoConstruct’s simplified construction project management includes a Schedule feature with Gantt chart and other views to keep all jobs on track. Users can create, assign, and track to-do’s to team members and subs, or set reminders to clients. They can add a to-do using voice-to-text, attach docs and photos, and send automatic notifications. The PM software also has built-in communication tools for clients and trade partners, financials for estimating and forecasting, bidding and proposals, timesheet, and integration.
Pros
- Ease of setup and use
- Estimates and proposals features
- Responsive customer support
Cons
- Limited way to export data
- Purchase order and invoicing need improvements
What is Construction Project Management Software?
Construction project management software is a centralized and collaborative platform that enables users to oversee all involved stakeholders and moving components in a construction project. It simplifies the coordination of teams, subs, partners, and clients, as well as materials, equipment, and other resources needed in a construction project, through automatic tracking and reporting tools.
Construction project management software enables companies and teams to complete projects within scope, budget, and schedule by providing tools that streamline processes, repetitive tasks, and communications. Furthermore, it has special features to accommodate unique construction management requirements such as contracts and permits, submittals, RFIs, blueprints and drawings, punch lists, quality and safety, and warranty.
Read also: How to Identify & Prevent Cost Overruns in Construction
Important Features of Construction Project Management Software
Companies use construction project management software to give teams the tools to find, share, and update project information both onsite and offsite. Which means that access, ease of use, and document control are essential features of any construction project management software. In addition, the following features are important in improving efficiency, boosting team productivity, and increasing profitability.
Document Management
Construction teams, owners, and other partners work with many documents in the course of a given construction project. The software provides a central and secure storage space that allows for simultaneous viewing of documents like project plans, contracts, and receipts. It also allows users to organize blueprints, permits, specs, and other documentation needed for the project.
Project Management
Construction projects need software to manage schedules, tasks, assignments, work duration, deadlines, dependencies, milestones, and issues. Built-in project management tools make it easy for users to prioritize, track, and report all construction activities and coordinate with the responsible teams.
Submittals
Contractors send submittal documents to architects or designers, which contain information on materials or equipment before purchasing. Submittal features in these kinds of software automate the approval workflow process.
Request for Information (RFI)
A Request for Information is a formal, written document used in the construction industry to indicate the need for clarification or additional information. RFIs are usually sent to designers, architects, or engineers about a question on the project plan. RFI features in construction management software help document communication and can be useful in case of conflicts.
Change Orders
A change order is another important document, signifying an agreement to add or subtract work, or otherwise alter, revise, or deviate in some way from the original plan. As with RFIs, construction management software provides special handling of these types of documents.
Plan Markup
Construction projects work with drawings and blueprints. The best solutions include tools to view and annotate drawings clearly. Markup tools provide additional notes without having to redraft the original plans. Some solutions offer advanced tools for 3D models, which can identify inconsistencies, called clash detection.
Daily Logs
Daily logs are essential in construction project management to help track and monitor the progress of an ongoing project. Software that provides easier completion of daily logs streamlines the status reporting process.
Punch Lists
The ability to collect, organize, and itemize punch lists is essential in construction management software. Punch lists are work issues that did not conform to specifications, so the contractor must resolve them to receive final payment. Software solutions should be able to list, track, and label these items correctly.
Reporting
Project owners and managers constantly look at summary reports and statistics to evaluate progress, cost, budget, schedule, quality, and safety. Construction management software needs to generate different reports, both summarized and detailed, on demand.
Device Synchronization
Construction teams work at different locations, so the best solution should be able to instantly sync information between computers and mobile devices to provide the latest documents and reports. Cloud-based solutions can implement this as long as there is internet connectivity.
Integration
Construction management software that can integrate to other systems is more scalable. Some of the systems these tools integrate with are accounting, CRM, ERP, HR, and other, more specialized tools like legal or estimating tools.
Read next: 5 Tips for Construction Project Managers to Stay on Budget and on Time
Ready to Try Construction Project Management Software?
Investing in construction project management software will require valuable funds and resources. So it is important to know clearly what business and project needs it will address.
The following is a simple checklist to help evaluate a potential solution that will enable your company find the right software to match their specific construction project management requirements.
- Vendor: What’s the vendor’s reputation in the market?
- Deployment: Is the solution installed on-premises, in the cloud, or is it capable of both?
- Platform: Is it web-based or a desktop app?
- Mobile: Does it have free mobile access?
- User Interface: Is it easy to use, or does it require specialized training?
- Cost: How does its price compare with similar solutions?
- Scalable: Does it offer tiered pricing plans?
- Fees: Are access fees or licenses payable annually or monthly?
- Migration: Is it easy to migrate existing data, or will it require additional services?
- Project Management: Is it capable of real-time project tracking and management?
- Multi-Tenancy: Does it support multiple users, projects, and clients?
- Automation: Can it streamline many construction management processes?
- Scope: Does it cover the whole construction cycle or only some phases?
- Risk: Does it have risk management features?
- Collaboration: Is it capable of real-time communication and team collaboration?
- Accounting: Does it have accounting tools for bids, estimates, budgets, and forecasting?
- Integration: Does it offer direct integration to other popular applications?
- Security: Is the software compliant with transparency, privacy, and security standards and regulations?
- Support: What is the availability of customer support?
- Reliability: What is the average uptime of the system?
