8 Features to Look for in Pre-construction Software

Pre-construction software makes it possible for a contractor or developer to have a full understanding of the process at this stage of a project. This type of platform enables a construction professional to identify potential risks, schedule tasks, and estimate overall costs.

Benefits of using a pre-construction software

When you use pre-construction software, you will be able to identify the project’s viability and easily share this with the client. Some of the benefits of using a pre-construction software are:

It helps keep the project on track

One important reason to get pre-construction software is that many are designed to help grow your business. Some types of software for pre-construction use AI-powered technology that can advise a general contractor on how efficient their construction plan is. Such platforms help save time and money throughout a project while mitigating risks and potential delays.

It facilitates communication among teams

If you manage large construction projects involving hundreds of people, you require a platform that makes it easy to communicate and collaborate. Some of these platforms have built-in communication systems that enable teams to collaborate in real-time, increasing efficiency.

Another example is when contractors can communicate instructions effectively with subcontractors who can speak to their employees in real-time.

It helps with budget estimation and management

Some pre-construction software enables construction companies to make data-driven decisions based on a project’s feasibility. This is made possible with built-in accounting features. Depending on the platform, some may have integrated payroll and payment tracking features to reduce the risk of cash flow challenges.

It simplifies paperwork

How many documents do you have to handle in your construction project? The bigger the project, the more the documents you have to file and store. Sooner or later, this will create a challenge, especially when retrieving the documents for reference.

Pre-construction software can easily manage important documents such as drawings and contract agreements and share the documents with relevant parties.

Features to consider when buying a pre-construction software

There are several types of pre-construction software on the market, and it can be confusing to know which is best for your business. This guide will examine some of the features to consider.

1. Ability to simulate multiple project outcomes

Many factors affect productivity during a construction project. Some of these factors include labor, the amount of equipment you have at the site, and work hours. But how do you know the best strategy to increase productivity? You use an AI-powered construction optioneering platform. This type of software can simulate multiple project outcomes based on your data.

Once you input your data, you will be able to know which strategy will yield the best results for your project in your given timeline. This type of platform will advise on the number of laborers required, the number of cranes needed, and other factors that will make your target a reality.

2. Timesheets

One main cost factor for any construction project is the labor cost. Therefore, you may want to consider a pre-construction platform that makes it easy for you to bill your clients. In addition, the platform should have payroll capabilities. The platform should also accommodate different pay rates.

It is also essential to ensure that the software has security features that eliminate timesheet fraud using features such as timestamps and geo-location. Timesheet fraud can cost your business millions of dollars in losses.

3. Bid and financial management

As a general contractor, you are likely making multiple bids to win lucrative contracts. At the same time, you are also receiving requests from subcontractors who would like to work with you. Therefore, it makes sense to get a pre-construction platform that lets you keep track of all these bids using specific parameters.

The platform should be designed to increase productivity and have a detailed reporting mechanism. This should be based on project bids, payroll, and invoices.

4. Digital inspection forms

There are many types of inspection forms on construction sites. These forms range from my safety inspection forms,  equipment inspection forms, and building inspection forms to quality control inspection forms, just to name a few. All these forms play an essential role in the construction industry.

To keep up with these forms, get pre-construction software designed with a digital form building tool to make it easy to build personalized forms.

5. Project management and scheduling

The success of your construction project will depend on how well you can plan, mitigate risks and identify potential issues. The software should also make it easy to collaborate between team members for increased efficiency.

6. Document management feature

Another essential feature to look for is a document management feature. This feature makes it possible for your company to store and easily share large amounts of documents from one centralized place.

Another advantage is that the documents are password-protected, which increases confidentiality. Property developers can also access them from anywhere in the world. This, however, is only applicable if the software is cloud-based.

7. Equipment and inventory management

Most large construction projects spend millions of dollars in material costs and millions more on equipment. The materials and equipment must be managed in such a manner that increases efficiency and reduces wastage. Good software should have an inventory management system to track all the materials and equipment at the site.

The platform should further track how much equipment you need, such as trucks and tractors. It should also send reminders about the site they should be deployed and maintenance time.

8. Consider a CRM feature

Emails make it hard to hold people accountable. This is especially so if you are dealing with several contractors and subcontractors simultaneously.

A CRM feature makes it possible for the project manager to communicate with contractors directly and for contractors to share with subcontracts. This feature streamlines the communication process and holds people accountable.

This article clearly shows that having pre-construction software far outweighs the benefits of remaining analog. Always take your time to find a suitable pre-construction platform with features that will be important to your organization.

Read also: Common Materials Used in Construction