4 Construction Workflow Strategies to Adopt
Construction project management (CPM) requires the incorporation of extensive knowledge of the construction sector as well as its unique challenges. The project manager has to ensure that every contractor, architect, and supplier remains within budget and on schedule.
In fact, effective construction project management is only possible via the utilization of the relevant tools and strategies to streamline all the work.
There are plenty of construction contract management software solutions that can help to simplify the multiple processes that form a major part of any large scale construction project.
However, here it is pertinent to note that merely purchasing a work management tool or platform won’t be enough. The project managers will also have to figure out the best way to both implement and sustain those tools. Let us check out 4 construction workflow strategies to adopt to help ensure the success of construction projects:
1. Create a Communication Flow Chart
The importance of communication cannot be denied in any construction project. It is critically important to establish a uniform flow of communication before starting any groundwork. The communication flowchart should encompass all the relevant stakeholders such as the suppliers and the civil engineers working on the ground. A clear and transparent system will make the process considerably smoother. Apart from that, it will substantially reduce the total number of emails as well as phone calls.
2. Don’t Forget the Importance of Continuous Planning
Construction project managers must start planning even before commencing actual construction activities. Furthermore, they should continue to develop and revise their plans until the successful execution of the project. Here, the design, the pre-construction, and the procurement stages of a construction project will all require very extensive planning. Sometimes, the different stages of the plan might need to be revised in line with new realities. Even very slight adjustments can easily affect the overall timeline. However, incorporating a certain measure of flexibility will ensure that this does not happen.
3. Always Observe and Ask Questions
Diverse field elements can all too easily impact the overall workflow of the construction project. In fact, there might be many times when the project managers will need to actually see the problem in person before they make any attempts to resolve it.
Modern construction companies often survey their sites, track construction progress, and identify issues using drones. These aerial devices can collect data from areas that are difficult or dangerous for construction workers to access. They can take panoramic or close-up photos of sites, and are capable of transmitting high-quality live videos back to surveyors.
In addition to using drones, construction companies also use laser scanners and LiDAR technology to keep track of construction progress.
Even with the best technology, administering and managing a successful project will still require continuous learning and improvement. The pace of technological development in the construction industry is extremely rapid and processes can change from time to time.
4. Learn to Use Automated Reporting Systems
Automated reporting systems can easily decrease the workload by cutting down on prolonged telephone calls and answering multiple emails.
Many construction project management software solutions help in the timely distribution of various spreadsheets and status reports. This kind of automation will help the managers to make sure that the right reports will always go to the right people on time, every time
Apart from that, various other reporting systems, including health management and safety systems can also prevent track incidents and streamline the worksite.
The above strategies can go a long way, in ensuring that the construction project is completed within the stipulated timeline.
You can also learn 7 ways to upgrade your workflow processes with this e-book from the Trimble Constructible site.