Introduction
Construction project management is a huge job that is centered around planning, optimization, and execution. As construction project managers go through the phases associated with every project, they’re constantly looking to find ways to optimize time, money, and resources. With every project having its own variables, it can be overwhelming and inefficient to try to solve all challenges manually. Read on as we explore the phases of construction project management and software to help optimize every project, every step of the way.
What does construction project management (CPM) mean?
In simplest terms, CPM is the role of managing a construction project for a client from start to finish. Prioritizing the clients needs and budget is at the forefront of every decision. Construction project managers wear a lot of hats and hold an abundance of responsibility thus validating the need for effective project management software.
What are the challenges of construction management?
Construction management is a huge job. From crafting structures with intricate details to constantly finding ways to optimize efforts, there are many details to evaluate and constantly monitor. Most projects will encounter challenges of some sort along the way. Here are some common challenges of construction management.
- Budgets: Construction projects require significant capital. The budget to complete the project can continue to grow the farther one gets into a project. Trying to adhere to client budgets while getting things done the right way can prove challenging. Creative thinking is often required. In the event the client is unable to come up with the budget, you may face time delays, another common challenge we will cover.
- Cash flow delays: Funding is often required to complete construction projects. Often times a client will not have all the funds up front, or funds will be reliant on the sales of other assets. Cash flow delays are a common hold up in construction management. No matter how well you plan upfront, cash flow delays can still interrupt the forward progress of a project.
- Permits: Obtaining permits can be time consuming and challenging. Things don’t always go as planned so be ready to adjust or change plans if needed. Before actually starting construction, permits should be obtained.
- Labor and material shortages: Finding skilled laborers with availability and the right price can prove challenging. As can finding materials in stock or soon to be available.
- Communication: There are a lot of hands on deck when dealing with construction projects. Ensuring all parties have clear communication that’s received is critical. No matter how hard project managers try to communicate clearly and ensure all parties are working together effectively, miscommunications are a common occurrence that can derail projects.
- Unrealistic expectations: Managing client expectations is a big part of a project manager's job. Clients often have unrealistic expectations, and you may feed into them to obtain the job. In most cases though it’s better to under promise and over deliver. Providing clients with detailed information can help them adjust expectations and become a more invested partner.
- Safety: Safety is of utmost importance in the world of construction. On the jobsite it can mean preparation and added costs. Time and money are two limited resources in construction projects, making safety a challenge. No matter the cost though, no shortcuts can be taken.
- Time management: From unexpected delays to cash flow delays, it feels as if time is always working against construction project managers. To prepare for the challenge of time, leave room for things to not go as planned.
- Poor planning: The beginning phases of a project are critical to set the team up for success. Invest time doing the necessary research and critically thinking through project details before starting. Poor planning can lead to costly delays, mistakes, and worse of all an unfinished product.
What are the 5 phases of construction project management?
The 5 phases of construction project management are initiation, design, procurement, construction and monitoring, and closeout. Most project managers compartmentalize construction projects into 5 phases, but some expand the project into 6 phases. Let’s dig deeper on what each phase entails.
Phase 1 (Initiation): The initiation phase involves researching requirements and defining project scope. budget, and feasibility. This phase can also be referred to as the pre-design or planning phase. Before creating schematics or building, everything that takes place can fall under the initiation phase. In some cases, this phase can result in a no-go. Regardless of the outcome, this phase is crucial in laying the proper foundation for what lies ahead. Activities that can take place during this phase include a feasibility study, project initiation document (PID), and construction documents.
Phase 2 (design): The design or pre-construction phase involves creating comprehensive plans and necessary preparation work to begin construction. During this phase cost estimates can also be more closely examined. This phase will set up the procurement phase in which equipment and materials are sourced. Activities that can take place during this phase include selecting contractors, establishing chain of command, finalizing construction costs, assessing risks, and filing paperwork required for construction (i.e. conducting environmental tests, submitting documents to obtain permits, etc.)
Phase 3 (procurement): The procurement phase starts to execute what you’ve just planned for. In this phase you will start to source and purchase or rent materials and or equipment needed for construction. Before moving onto the next phase you’ll want to ensure that all necessary team members, contractors, and subcontractors are hired.
Phase 4 (construction and monitoring): The construction and monitoring phase is when the physical construction of a structure starts. Now, most of the hard work is on your contractors and subcontractors, however, surprises can still occur and you’ll want to ensure the team stays on track. Quality of the work will also come into play.
Phase 5 (closeout): The closeout phase involves quality checking the finished product and ensuring all is complete before signing off the job. Activities in this phase can include reviewing the project with the client, finalizing documents, and transferring ownership and deliverables.
What is construction project management software?
Construction project management software helps keep construction project managers organized, store documentation, log communications, budget, provide reporting, schedule timelines and events, and so much more. Construction project management software that’s user friendly and can help optimize efforts is an extremely valuable tool. It can make all the difference in the efficiency of the construction project manager and experience of the client and those involved.
How can ALICE help project managers through every phase of construction project management?
ALICE can optimize every phase of every construction project. It allows you to invest more time bringing your clients' vision to life and trimming down costs without cutting corners. Our software can automate optimization, identify risks, provide mitigation solutions, integrate project controls, and increase margins and revenues. With ALICE Core, you can get started by uploading your project’s schedule (various compatible file formats). The software enables you to make your schedule flexible, an essential step in unlocking optimization.Furthermore, you can use our software to run what-if analyses to plan for challenges and evaluate time versus cost comparisons to aid you and your client in choosing the most efficient path for your project.
What are the features of ALICE construction project management software?
ALICE stands apart from other construction management project softwares with advanced features working to reduce the cost of construction and optimize efforts.
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- Automate optimization
- Identify and mitigate risks
- Integrate project controls
- Increase margins and revenue
- Upload and optimize schedules (create as many schedules as needed to plan for any obstacle)
- Run what-if analyses
- Identify opportunity to mitigate risks
- Simplify time vs cost comparisons
- Modify plans in real time
- Leverage intelligent sequencing
- Access analytics and reporting
- Manage resources effectively
- De-risk projects before breaking ground