Construction management software

Construction management software is a specialised digital solution designed to streamline and optimise various aspects of construction project planning, execution, and administration.  

Construction management software, such as ERP, offer features like project scheduling, budgeting, resource allocation, document management, and communication tools, enabling construction firms to enhance efficiency, collaboration, and overall project success. 

Construction management software has become a cornerstone for business operations, allowing you to unify financials and workforce management, improve operational oversights and strengthen your decision-making processes. 

Utilising construction management software, such as Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), offers a multitude of advantages including: 

• Streamlined Operations: ERP-based solutions centralise project data, streamlining processes from procurement to project completion, leading to increased operational efficiency. 
• Real-time Insights: Access to real-time project data empowers decision-makers with actionable insights, facilitating informed decisions and proactive problem-solving. 
• Enhanced Collaboration: With features like document sharing, task assignments, and communication tools, ERP-driven software fosters seamless collaboration among project stakeholders, both internally and externally. 
• Cost Control: Advanced cost tracking and forecasting capabilities enable better budget management, helping to identify cost-saving opportunities and mitigate financial risks. 
• Improved Resource Management: From labour allocation to equipment and plant utilisation, ERP-integrated solutions optimise resource allocation, optimising usage and minimising waste. 
• Compliance and Risk Management: Built-in compliance features help ensure adherence to industry regulations and standards, while risk management tools mitigate potential project risks, enhancing overall project success and stakeholder satisfaction. 

Construction companies should look to use construction management software to streamline their operations as well as staying competitive in the industry.  

By unifying disparate systems into a consolidated software suite, such as ERP, construction businesses can unify financials and workforce management, improve operational oversights and strengthen their decision-making processes. 

Moving to a construction-specific software system ensures that it is designed around the project-focused nature of construction businesses and its bespoke requirements. 

Construction companies typically utilise a variety of software solutions to streamline operations and enhance project management. The main types of construction management software include: 

Project Management Software: Platforms like Access COINS facilitate project planning, scheduling, task management, and collaboration among project teams. 

Estimating Software: Tools such as Access ConQuest streamline the process of estimating project costs, materials, and labour requirements. 

Financial Management Software: Solutions like  Access COINS are commonly used for financial management, invoicing, payroll, and budget tracking. 

Building Information Modelling (BIM) Software: BIM tools like Autodesk Revit  enable the creation and management of digital representations of physical and functional characteristics of construction projects. 

ERP Software: Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems such as Access COINS, provide comprehensive business management capabilities, integrating functions like accounting, project management, procurement, HR, and more into a single unified platform. 

To choose the best construction management software, you and your stakeholders should conduct thorough research into the leading software and create a shortlist. 

You should then cross-reference your requirements from the software with the features of each of your shortlisted options. 

For a leading ERP, you should ensure each solution has modules for Project Management, Service Management, HR & Payroll, Supply Chain Management, Operations and Financial Management. 

You should also consider other factors such as cost, suitability for the size of your business and whether you want a cloud-hosted or on-premise solution. 

We have written a Buyer’s Guide to Construction Management Software to help construction companies navigate the process. 

Construction management software is essential for several reasons: 

• Efficiency: It streamlines project workflows, reduces manual tasks, and automates processes, saving time and resources. 
• Communication: It facilitates seamless communication and collaboration among project stakeholders, leading to fewer misunderstandings and delays. 
• Data Management: It centralises project data, making it easier to track progress, manage documents, and analyse performance. 
• Cost Control: It helps manage project budgets, track expenses, and identify cost-saving opportunities, ensuring projects stay within budget. 
• Risk Mitigation: It enables better risk management by identifying potential issues early, allowing for timely intervention to prevent costly delays or rework. 
• Compliance: It helps ensure regulatory compliance by providing tools for tracking permits, certifications, and other legal requirements. 

When choosing construction management software, you should always consider the following: 

• Cost: Evaluate total expenses, including implementation and ongoing fees. 
• Business Size: Ensure it fits your business's size and complexity. 
• Deployment Method: Choose between cloud-hosted or on-premise solutions. 
• Features: Prioritize tools for project management, collaboration, and reporting. 
• User Experience: Opt for intuitive interfaces and comprehensive training resources. 
• Scalability: Ensure it can grow with your business and adapt to future needs. 
• Support: Look for reliable customer support and service level agreements. 
• Security: Prioritise data security and compliance with industry regulations.

Determining the cost of ERP software isn't a one-size-fits-all equation. Instead, it involves an interplay of factors that vary across vendors and businesses.  

Most commonly, construction management software such as ERP is sold in a ‘modular costing system’, in which tailored bundles are crafted after discovery calls to learn your businesses requirements. Bundles are usually sold on a per-user basis in the form of licenses.  

Your company can then choose between several add-ons for extra features and capabilities. Other factors to consider when it comes to overall cost include:  

• Deployment: Cloud-hosted or on-premise hosting come with different associated costs. 
• Implementation: The initial implementation may require a substantial upfront cost. 
• Staff Training: Training your staff on the new ERP system upfront and after deployment.  
• Hidden Fees: Some providers can include a number of hidden fees to cover consultation, support and maintenance. Always ask software providers for clarity.  

Absolutely. Whilst initial upfront costs associated with implementing construction management software can be substantial, construction companies benefit in several ways. Your return on investment can look like:  

• Time Savings: By streamlining project workflows and automating manual tasks, construction management software saves valuable time for project managers, contractors, and subcontractors. This time can be redirected towards more productive activities, accelerating project timelines and reducing labour costs. 
• Reduced Rework: With better communication and collaboration tools, construction management software helps minimise errors and misunderstandings, leading to fewer costly rework instances. 
• Improved Efficiency: By centralising project data and providing real-time insights, construction management software enhances operational efficiency, resulting in overall cost savings. 
• Enhanced Communication: Clear and efficient communication among project stakeholders reduces delays, disputes, and misunderstandings, which can often lead to costly project overruns. 
• Compliance and Risk Management: By providing tools for tracking permits, certifications, and regulatory requirements; construction management software helps reduces the risk of costly fines, penalties, and legal disputes, protecting the project's bottom line. 

The Access Group is a leading provider of business management software, specialising in delivering technology to empower organisations across various industries and territories. 

With a commitment to helping our customers win and over 30 years of expertise, we deliver world-class technology which adapts with your organisation, giving businesses the freedom to do more. 

The construction arm of The Access Group, Access Construction provides an award-winning construction software suite providing construction businesses visibility, control and accuracy across every step of the construction lifecycle. Their two leading products are Access COINS ERP and Access ConQuest estimating software.

Our end-to-end construction management software is trusted by over 1,000 leading contractors, sub-contractors, home builders, civil engineers, estimators and MEP contractors across the UK, Ireland, US and Australia. 

Access Construction has been awarded the 2023 Construction Computing Awards ‘Company of the Year'. 

We are also proud members of The Business Application Software Developers Association (BASDA) and The Chartered Institution of Highways & Transportation (CIHT).