In the construction business, the task of designing and completing a large construction project both on schedule and on budget depends on a solid and effective building project management strategy.

One of the most important elements of an effective project management strategy is the creation of a high degree of synchronization throughout the team. The team’s ability to collaborate effectively is, in fact, the only way to make sure that the construction will be successful and to the client’s specifications. A construction team that is not working together and communicating effectively could lead to the project hitting snags along the way, some quite serious. Unfiled paperwork, incorrect documentation and miscommunication between different work teams can result in costly delays and even the cancellation of the project altogether.

Today, many construction companies and architectural firms are actively and enthusiastically pursuing the latest in project management technologies, including ERP and cloud technology. These comprehensive technologies bring the entire team together on a single project and allow all involved to access the same information and pursue the same goals. By creating a neutral collaborative platform for everyone to work from, trust is increased and the construction project is able to move forward, quickly, efficiently, and smoothly.

Stages of a building project

Construction projects begin with the preparation and design stages, when the architect or building project manager determines just how feasible the client’s expectations are. The organizational structure of the project will also be defined and various elements of the project, including architectural and structural components, financial planning, cost estimation, legal compliance, and planning approval, will all be completed and integrated into the project.

During pre-construction, roles within the project will be defined, work schedules drawn up and deadlines identified. Once construction commences, all of these elements of preparation, design and pre-construction will come together as the teams begin construction on site and documentation and monitoring of the operation begin both on site and off.

Constructing in the cloud

Cloud computing allows construction companies and architectural firms to increase their ability to compete by reducing project costs and optimizing their use of resources. This valuable technological tool assists in testing and developing a project; the project manager can set up the project’s budget, physical assets, manpower, and schedule, analyzing whether it will be worth moving forward and providing a basis on which to evaluate the project as it progresses.

Cloud computing is also useful when it comes to maintaining important records, from design and blueprint materials to financial, legal, and technical information. The cloud’s usefulness lies in the fact that it gives everyone involved in the project access to the same information, ensuring that all are on the same page and collaborating effectively. Cloud computing also creates a secure and easily accessible platform that ensures that data is protected and retrievable in the event of technical or physical disaster, backing up all information quickly and accurately and updating frequently.

Managing building projects effectively

Managing a building project from beginning to end takes a great deal of skill, but technology and tools such as cloud computing have enabled building project managers to efficiently manage large projects, creating a positive collaborative platform that cuts costs and gets projects successfully to deadline.