There are so many types of scheduling software out there, you may not know which one is best for your business. Do you need appointment scheduling software? Calendaring software? Automotive? A restaurant pos software with reservations?
Below we clear explain the different types of this common software, as well as provide answers to commonly asked questions.
Construction management software is software that handles all aspects of construction from bidding, scheduling, cost estimations, employee management, safety and quality assurance, inspections, modelling, budgeting, accounting and more.
The purpose of construction management software is to allow the construction manager to have everything they need to make sure a construction project can be completed safely, on time, on budget, and per client specifications.
This is done through assisting in providing accurate time and cost estimates so that the contractor can be confident they will be able to deliver on the bid they are giving prospective clients.
Many of the construction software types below can be individual components of a construction management system or software, or can be separate standalone software.
1. Construction Estimating Software
Allows construction managers to create a detailed estimate of the costs associated with a construction project. Using the bid package (key information such as blueprints, timeline, etc., provided by the project owner) this software allows them to accurately estimate how much the construction project will cost.
2. Construction Takeoff Software
Is software used to help generate cost estimates for labor and material resources that a project will need. For example, if a project requires 500 square feet (46.5 square metres) of hardwood flooring - at $5.00 per square foot. That $2500 cost is taken off the blueprint (provided by the project owner) and the process continues until all walls, flooring, windows, light fixtures, cables, and even nuts and bolts, have been extracted from the blueprint and accounted for.
3. Construction Bidding Software
Once all cost estimates and takeoffs are complete, the construction manager can use bid management software to automate and submit their bid for a project, which is typical costs X desired markup on the project. Bidding software is not just used for submitting bids, but also for tracking which are still open, which are lost, which have been accepted, and which have counter-proposals.
4. Construction Job Costing
While bidding, takeoff, and estimating software deal with estimating costs before construction begins, job costing software looks at actual costs of a project (in terms of labor, materials, overhead, and miscellaneous expenses) tracking all expenses from project beginning all the way through to project completion.
5. Construction Scheduling Software
Construction scheduling software is a type of project management software that allows companies to manage the human resources and other resources needed to complete a construction project in a timely and efficient manner.
6. Construction Accounting Software
Construction accounting software is accounting software specifically tailored for the construction and contractor industry. Typically they have features like job costing built in or integrated within the accounting system.
7. Construction Design Software
Construction design software allows firms to create virtual plans for their construction projects before starting construction or even building models. Also known as construction drawing software, these software typically produce computer-aided design (CAD) files and produce with software like AutoCAD.
8. Construction Modelling Software
Construction modelling software is used by designers to virtually design a construction project which can then be passed to the architect or other contractors to build a virtual construction model (VCM) which is needed for the manufacture, installation, or construction of each part of the project.
9. Construction Process Standardization Software
Construction process standardization software, also known as standard operating procedure software, stores policies and procedures that should be standard across an organization in order to ensure the same level of compliance, safety, security, and efficiency for any project a company works on.
Construction management software varies greatly in price, with most SAAS software ranging from a low of $10 per month for the most basic version, to upwards of $300 per month for advanced features needed by larger construction companies.
Most of the software available is cloud-based with monthly subscription fees that tends to get discounted with longer contract terms. In other words, monthly fees are lower if a yearly or multi-year commitment is signed.
1. All In One System:
As you can see above, there are at least 10 types of standalone construction management software. Having individual software for each task or role, not only gets expensive, but it can also lead to problems if the systems are not well integrated. In fact, when your electrician is using a different software than your project manager and your architect, it is common for things to fall through the cracks. Having one software that does everything for your team may cost more up front but can save a lot of headaches in the long term.
2. Automate Your Processes:
Sure your senior contractor can probably give an estimate that might rival any modern day estimation software, but what happens if he or she leaves or retires? By having your processes automated, it eliminates the risk of manual errors, and your contractor can provide estimates and bids for more projects if he is just checking numbers rather than crunching them himself.
3. Know What You Are Spending and Where:
You should not have to wait for a project to be completed before you know how much money you made from it. Construction management software allows you to track all costs and expenditures easily so you know where you stand financially at every step of the project.
4. Improved Efficiency:
Not only will construction management software make sure that people, materials, and resources are being used more efficiently, but it will also allow you to reuse parts of projects on future bids and jobs to save you substantial time in the long term.
