Software Advice UserView: Construction Project Management Report 2013
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The document summarizes findings from a survey of construction professionals about their use of project management software. It finds that most (94%) use some type of software, with specialized construction software being the most satisfied. Top benefits of software included standardized processes, access to project documents, and collaboration. Challenges included inaccurate estimates, incomplete plans, and scope changes. Specialized software users reported better outcomes, with 67% completing projects on budget most of the time.
Software Advice UserView: Construction Project Management Report 2013
- 1. Construction Project Management Software UserView Lessons from real software users
- 2. Abstract We surveyed construction professionals for three months to better understand the use and effectiveness of software in construction project management. We compiled our responses in our UserView report to answer the following: • What types of software do construction professionals use to manage projects? • How satisfied are construction professionals with their software? • What are the common obstacles to effective project management? • How well does construction project management deliver promised benefits?
- 3. Construction Project Management Software Adoption 8% 6% 25% 61% Specialized Generic Homegrown Manual The vast majority (94 percent) of our sample used some type of software to manage their construction projects and only six percent used manual methods.
- 4. Software Deployment Methods of Respondents 43% 57% Cloud-based On-premise Construction project management software users are open to Cloud-based systems with 57 percent reporting that they access their software over the Web.
- 5. How Well Systems Fit Construction Professionals’ Needs Specialized Homegrown Manual Generic 0% 20% 40% Yes 60% 80% 100% No Construction project management (i.e. specialized) software users were most satisfied with their software with 72 percent reporting the system met their needs.
- 6. How Often Projects Are Completed Under Budget Specialized Generic Manual Homegrown 0% 20% Almost all the time 40% 60% Most of the time 80% 100% Some of the time Specialized software users reported superior project outcomes with 67 percent reporting that they complete projects under budget most of the time.
- 7. How Often Projects Are Completed Ahead of Schedule Homegrown Specialized Generic Manual 0% 20% Almost all the time 40% 60% Most of the time 80% 100% Some of the time No survey respondents who relied on manual methods to manage their projects reported that they complete projects ahead of schedule almost all the time.
- 8. Obstacles to Delivering Projects On Budget Inaccurate initial project estimates Working from incomplete design plans Scope of work definition disputes Uncaptured change orders Missed/delayed communications Materials delays/price increases Insurance claims Penalties for damages 0% Often Occassionally 20% 40% 60% Rarely 80% 100% Never The top challenges to delivering projects on budget were receiving inaccurate cost estimates for the project and working from incomplete design plans.
- 9. Obstacles to Delivering Projects On Schedule Change orders altering plans Scope creep Unforeseen site conditions Working from incomplete design plans Delayed document execution Materials delays Issues obtaining proper licenses Missed/delayed communications 0% Often Occassionally 20% 40% Rarely 60% 80% 100% Never The top challenges to delivering projects on schedule were changes to project plans, changes to the scope of projects, and issues with the construction site.
- 10. Professionals’ General Project Management Challenges Software adoption Standardizing project documentation Updating everyone on recent information Working from incomplete design plans Resolving disputes in a timely manner Accurately defining the scope of work Obtaining appropriate project approvals Unforeseen site conditions Managing document permissions Fluctuating material prices 0% Often Occasionally 20% 40% Rarely 60% 80% 100% Never 65 percent of our sample reported that software adoption was often or occasionally a challenge to managing their projects effectively.
- 11. Construction Project Management Software Benefits Process standardization Access to detailed project documentation Better project collaboration Faster document approvals Able to manage larger projects Able to manage more projects Improved data accuracy Easier to keep detailed daily job logs Improved scheduling & time management 0% Very well Well 20% 40% Somewhat 60% 80% 100% Not at all The top benefits of construction project management software were standardizing processes, access to detailed project documents and project collaboration.
- 12. Satisfaction with Project Management Features RFI tracking Document management Submittal / transmittal management Daily job log Project scheduling Punch list tool Purchase order management Change order management Subcontractor billing Bid management 0% Very satisfied Satisfied 20% 40% Somewhat 60% 80% 100% Not at all 58 percent of software users were very satisfied or satisfied with their RFI tracking while 59 percent reported similar satisfaction with submittal management.
- 13. Satisfaction with Software Vendor Services Email and phone support Training Issue resolution Implementation User knowledgebase Product enhancement updates Version upgrades User conferences 0% Very satisfied Satisfied 20% 40% 60% Somewhat 80% 100% Not at all 62 percent of users were very satisfied or satisfied with their vendor’s user support. Meanwhile, 60 percent of users reported similar satisfaction with vendor training.
- 14. Learn More About Construction Software Read Report Read the full report Get Free Quotes Get free price quotes on top construction software Get Free Demos Get free demos on top construction software
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