Are you finding that your construction project is having issues, whether it’s going over budget or over time? As frustrating as it can be, at the very least, you’re not alone. According to Bent Flyvbjerg of Saïd Business School at Oxford University, 90% of the world’s infrastructure projects are either late or over-budget, and this isn’t just fly-by-night operations that are feeling the squeeze. In fact, one survey showed that construction actually had the lowest productivity of any industry, which is not the kind of thing you want to hear. However, the one silver lining in having an industry-wide issue is that almost every mind in construction is always thinking of ways to improve their efficiency. Here are some winning initiatives companies are taking to streamline operations and improve profits.
Here are 4 steps to streamline construction project management process for your company
#1. Plan to Succeed
For a start, one of the best ways to have success, in the end, is to prepare to win in the beginning, and that means an in-depth planning stage. Make sure you know the people on the job, the materials you will use, and the necessary equipment before anyone starts working on the ground. Surprises in this area will only aggravate both you and your clients.
This includes clear communication of the “Scope of Work” and clear communication of exceptions in the contract. While it is common to spell out in the contract how unexpected work will be handled, change orders happen more often than we’d like. Work with your Field Supervisors and Crew Leads on how to manage change orders, and go in with a plan that expects the worst, but hopes for the best.
#2. Listen to & Train Your Team
When you do get started, it’s important to listen to your staff. While not every idea they come up with is going to be feasible, it pays to have an open line of dialogue. If you’re in management, your crew leaders are your eyes and ears on the ground. They should feel comfortable enough to communicate truthfully about potential issues. Paying attention now could save you a major headache later on.
By that same token, it also pays to invest in your staff in terms of getting them the appropriate training to do more tasks and wear more hats. Some people are afraid of doing so out of losing them to another firm, but that’s only hurting yourself. Investing in your employees lets them know they are a valuable part of the team, and that you’d like them to stick around. Not to mention, well-trained employees work wonders on your bottom line.
#3. Get The Right Technology
Another thing to understand is that there is more construction technology than ever to help your operations. Here are a few examples:
- communication-based tech
- bid management
- billing and invoicing
- contract management
- document management
- incident reporting
- time tracking with cost codes
- job scheduling
- collecting job site data to improve your overall planning
Do your research and due diligence. Some platforms may be better than others. It is important to assess your custom needs. What works for others in your trade may not always be what is best for your business.
#4. Jobsite Data is King
Continuing that idea, when it comes to finding ways to be more efficient, the heart of your plan is always going to be jobsite data. Without accurate data, you may be able to estimate where you can improve, but you may miss the mark wildly, leading to more issues. The question is, how do you gather accurate jobsite data? As a start, consider the busybusy app. This app can remotely compile a variety of different information around the job site, including when equipment is used as well as when workers punch in and out. With this data, you have the perfect platform to start putting your efficiency initiatives to work. Download the free app and schedule a demo today!
