Nowadays, it is impossible to handle all specifics of a construction project without reliable construction management software. The CRM helps companies gain a greater understanding of their business, track the progress of projects, and get real-time access to critical information to make the right business decisions on time.
However, not all construction CRMs are built the same. To make things easy, here is a list of essential tools that should be part of your construction software.
Scheduling Tools
Planning and scheduling are important parts of construction project management. Proper scheduling allows engineers to complete the project on time. The word “Construction” involves a gamut of activities that involve physical activities of men, machinery, and materials. Scheduling tools allow proper management of resources, their allocation, and their activity.
Support for 3rd Party Tool Integrations
It is not possible to have every desired feature in your construction software. This is where 3rd party tools come into the picture. Several 3rd party tools can enhance visibility into construction projects, provide insights, improve workforce efficiency, and help in marketing. Some of the useful 3rd party tools that can be used by the construction industry are
- EagleView – a technical provider off aerial imagery, geographic information solution
- CompanyCam- Manage work at the construction site with smart photos
- Salesrabbit- optimizes every opportunity off canvassing
- Zapier- online automation tool
Automation Tools
Automation is the right way for construction companies to improve operational efficiency. The CRM should be able to create and assign tasks to different teams and stakeholders and send notifications to you. Since construction work involves thousands of individual work tasks, an automation tool can efficiently manage work at the site.
Budgeting Tools
Budgeting and cost estimation tools are essential in all phases of the construction project. Regardless of the project size, construction companies need to prepare a new total budget that includes potential and anticipated costs. The smart budgeting tools in construction management software can identify conflicts and possible overruns in advance and mitigate budget problems.
Notification Tools
Collaboration is essential in construction project work. Job sharing tools keep every team member updated about the assignments for the day. It prevents teams from going their separate ways, which reduces productivity. Job sharing tools avoid any miscommunication and enhance collaboration within the workplace (construction site).
Multi-Device Support
The construction industry has a distributed workforce, including accountants and sales teams working inside offices, subcontractors working at construction sites, and material suppliers working from their respective locations. These stakeholders need to access updated project information to work efficiently.
Hence, construction CRM should support multiple platforms and devices. For example, it should be accessible from desktops, smartphones, and tablets as well. This will allow stakeholders to get secure and updated access to project information on the go.
Email Management Tools
Email is a primary mode of communication to connect with customers, partners, material suppliers, vendors, and other stakeholders. The construction CRM should offer smart email management that will keep all emails in one place and provide tools for tags and search emails.
These are some of the essential tools that need to be part of your construction software. The tools mentioned in the post collectively enhance work efficiency. They also give insights into construction projects that are important for project success.
