In the highly competitive construction industry, efficient scheduling and resource allocation are critical to the success of any project. Broken spreadsheets, scraps of paper, post-it notes, hurried conversations and so on are not the way forward for any building firm wanting decent projects and a long-term future.
Any building firm wanting to future-proof their business is looking at technology that will change how they plan, execute, manage and monitor their projects. Why? Because they know it will lead to significant improvements in efficiency and productivity – and help them win quality new work as well.
So what technology are we talking about here? Cloud-based job management software, like BuildProjex. But the difference with BuildProjex and other project management tools, is that ours is the only one that focusses on UK residential building firms.
So what does your construction business actually stand to gain from effective scheduling and how does it work? Read on!
Everything in one place
Lots of work is a good thing. It shouldn’t be such a stressful thing. One of the primary benefits of BuildProjex, our cloud-based job management, is the ability to streamline scheduling processes. Construction projects involve numerous tasks that need to be coordinated among various people and subcontractors. BuildProjex provides a centralised platform where you as the business owner or manager, you can create, update, and share schedules in real-time. This ensures that everyone involved in the project has access to the most current information, reducing the risk of miscommunication and delays.
How does it work?
If you want a really, really easy life, you would use EstimatorXpress, our estimating tool, to produce the estimate. Then when you win the work – or even while you’re pitching for the work – you can upload the estimate file to BuildProjex, answer a few questions, then watch it populate the tool with all your valuable information – automatically.
BuildProjex will understand what order everything has to be done in, who will be doing it and when, turning the estimate data into tasks, filling the calendar with the relevant deadlines and so on. Doesn’t get easier than that.
Customer involvement – for the win
I mention uploading the info while you’re trying to win the work because it means you can say to the homeowner, “and look, here’s your project’s ‘mini website’ where you can see where we are, look at progress photos, ask questions, answer questions.” If there’s little to choose between you and another building firm, that’s going to win you the work! Of course, you’re in control of what permissions they have on the app ie what they can and cannot see!
If you don’t have EstimatorXpress, and I strongly recommend you try it free for 14 days, then you simply do a quick bit of keying in. You set up your project on the app, type in your list of tasks. Assign them to the relevant individual. Add the dates into the calendar and import files for safe-keeping.
Share the log-in with the relevant people and then everyone will get on with their work, ticking off their tasks as they do them. You don’t have to chase them, and they don’t have to rely on telepathy to be sure of what they’re being tasked with and on what day.
Flexibility
Once the details are in there it’s easy to adjust schedules if a delay occurs, reallocating resources and updating timelines to minimise the impact on the overall project. This dynamic scheduling capability is particularly valuable currently, when materials can suddenly be in short supply, or labour unavailable.
An overview of resource allocation
If you’ve got multiple jobs on the go, then you need to be across who’s where and working on what job, using what materials, plant and equipment. BuildProjex is a powerful tool for scheduling and managing resources, including labour, equipment, and materials. By providing real-time visibility of your projects – together – you can make informed decisions about where to allocate resources most effectively. There’s less chance of over-allocation or under-utilisation of resources, which can lead to increased costs and project delays.
Remote access
This is the game-changer. You and team members can access the software from any location with an internet connection. It provides greater flexibility, ensuring that project management does not come to a halt because you’re on a different site, or in the van, or at the Builders Merchant.
Improved collaboration and communication
You need everyone on the same page, your team, your subbies – anyone you want involved – logged into the app. You can share calendars, gantt charts, tasks, messages, progress photos, drawings, schedules, specifications… Everyone will be working off the latest document, no more miscommunication and mis-understandings.
Features such as real-time messaging, document sharing, and task notifications keep team members informed and engaged. This is particularly beneficial for large projects with multiple teams working in different locations. Think of the benefits. It will reduce the likelihood of errors and misunderstandings, resulting in smoother project execution. And no more sleepless nights for you!
Scalability
BuildProjex software is suitable for residential construction companies of all sizes. As a company’s needs grow, the software can easily be scaled up to accommodate additional projects and users. This flexibility ensures that the software remains a valuable tool regardless of the complexity of your projects.
What next?
BuildProjex in the cloud offers numerous benefits for construction scheduling and resource allocation. By streamlining scheduling, enhancing resource allocation, improving collaboration, enabling data-driven decision-making, and providing scalability and flexibility, this unique technology will give you the profitable future you’re looking for.
So try BuildProjex for yourself. It’s free for 14 days or call 0117 916 7898 and we can arrange a quick demonstration – I say quick because it’s really straightforward to use. Construction scheduling is just about to become a whole lot easier!