Looking for the best construction project management software in 2024? Get insider tips here!
It’s hard to believe that most businesses only started using any kind of software about thirty years ago, or that that software probably ran on DOS and it took highly-skilled IT gurus to manage it.
Fortunately things have changed a lot since then, and these days, we’ve got feature-packed, user-friendly software solutions to do just about everything. But with so many options out there, it's a little more complicated now to do things like choose the best construction project management software tools.
Here’s our guide to finding the best construction project management software in 2024.
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One Size Does Not Fit All
We used to have limited options when it came to things like construction project management software, so we all just had to make do with what was out there.
That meant we paid for features we didn’t need, and we often had software that was much more complex than it needed to be.
These days, the best construction project management software is often the tool that is made for your industry and specialization. So the best construction project management software for a large commercial general contractor might be very different from the best one for a project stakeholder or project owner.
Our first big piece of advice for evaluating new construction software of any kind is to look for one that’s made for businesses like yours. That way, you don’t need to work around anything, and everything you pay for will be worth your investment.
Integration and User-friendliness
Another big factor you need to consider when looking for the best construction project management software for your company in 2024, is that good software should be easy to integrate, and user-friendly.
Integration means that it’s easy to import and export data from your project management software into other systems like accounting or estimating, and user-friendliness means you that don’t need an IT guru online 24/7 just to help you complete relatively simple tasks.
Many modern construction software solutions use APIs to connect to popular software programs, and some software companies will even build custom integrations for you.
So ensure that integration and an intuitive user experience are high on your must-have list to avoid rework and manual data transfer.
Quick Deployment
The construction industry has never been as fast-moving as it is today.
We’re all pushing for improved productivity, increased revenues, decreased costs, and bigger profits, but that doesn’t really allow for downtime to implement and learn a new construction project management system.
That’s why, when you’re looking for the best construction project management software in 2024, you need to look for tools that are quick and easy to deploy--which usually means cloud-based--and tools and software providers that offer both technical support and onboarding assistance.
The faster you can get your team transitioned to your new system and the less you must run parallel systems while you do, the better for everyone.
AI in Construction
Suddenly, it seems like everyone is talking about AI and how it’s going to change the world. The integration of AI in the construction industry indicates a transformative era, offering a multitude of possibilities that can revolutionize how projects are managed and executed.
AI can enhance precision in planning, optimize resource allocation, and improve safety measures by predicting potential hazards. It can also streamline decision-making processes through data-driven insights, automate repetitive tasks to boost efficiency, and facilitate predictive maintenance of machinery.
Moreover, AI's ability to analyze vast amounts of data can lead to more sustainable construction practices by minimizing waste and maximizing energy efficiency. The potential of AI in construction is vast, paving the way for smarter, safer, and more efficient building methodologies.
Remote-friendly
If we learned one thing from Covid, it’s that every company needs to be ready to become remote at very short notice. That works well for construction, too, since we’re often working in different cities, regions, states, or even countries.
Cloud-based construction project management software lends itself to geographically spread-out teams, and it's perfect no matter what is causing you to work remotely.
Here's an interesting fact: we at VPO have been a remote team since 2009! We were among the first to adopt the virtual-company model, realizing that doing so could enhance employees' well-being and eliminate unnecessary overhead costs.
Top 3 Best Construction Project Management Software Options
Looking to kickstart your search for the best project management software options for your company this year? We’ve got three tried-and-true options that you should investigate.
Oracle Primavera
Primavera is an enterprise-level project management tool that's used by some of the biggest construction companies in the world. It’s been around since 1983, so it has a long history and there’s been lots of time for testing and perfecting. Primavera is very much an off-the-shelf solution, though, so it’s not easily tailored to suit the specific needs of a project or organization.
We got our start in the construction industry by delivering Primavera software and services. Primavera is a very powerful tool to use internally. It doesn’t facilitate collaboration across multiple project stakeholders, though. That’s one of the reasons we created our own construction project management software.
Microsoft Project
Microsoft Project is another proven project management tool that got its start in the 1980s. It’s available via the Microsoft Office 365 software subscription platform, and while it’s a little simpler than Primavera, it does not offer as many features and add-ons.
On the other hand, as a Microsoft product, Microsoft Project integrates incredibly well with Excel and other Microsoft programs.
VPO
VPO is a small, innovative WBE, and that makes us flexible and efficient in customizing project management systems to suit unique requirements. You also want a product from a reliable company that will last for a decade or more. We're proud that 1984 marks our fortieth year in business!
If you're looking for a project management software solution that can adapt to your construction needs, contact the VPO team and we'll discuss your requirements.
