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 Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc Computers In Construction Using the Web For Project Management Late already? Is it too soon to begin to look at Web based project management? Were you a late adopter of PC technology in your office? Typically, your answer will be the same to all three questions. Many forward thinking contractors are now involved with planning and implementing their Web strategy. This does not necessarily mean they are hiring a webmaster and spending six figures. There are several low risk, no long term commitment avenues for ramping up to reap the benefits of project management with the Web. Project Management software is new nothing to commercial contractors. Every project manager (PM) has his/her set of software management tools: scheduling program, spreadsheet, word processor with template documents, and output from the corporate accounting cost control software. Some also have data bases and document control systems. Today, Web technology coupled with this project management software has elevated this set of tools to the likes of pay phones vs. cellular phones. It is hard to recall the day when PM's had to pull into the corner gas station to return a call that appeared on their pager. Today the cell phone is as much a necessity as Web based project management software will be tomorrow. What does Web based Project Management software do for you? Information collection and distribution is more complex today because of the variety of methods we use: voice mail, fax, e-mail, postal mail, courier, overnight letter. Web based software can serve as the central information house for a project. The ability to post, change and create RFI's, change order requests, safety bulletins, job progress logs, site pictures and blueprints is just the beginning. PM's can communicate and conduct meetings via the Web 24 hours a day. Also, cost control reports can be generated on demand from the accounting system to see budget variance, purchasing, payment, subcontract and change order status. Time sheets can be sent to accounting that can fast track payroll by eliminating operator timecard entry. All information is secure and readily available to all users that are issued access. Meetings are easy. Have you ever tried to organize a meeting with an out of town architect, engineering firm, your fellow project mangers and one very busy subcontractor? Needless to say the meeting could take days to plan and that is no guarantee that all the players will be available the day of the meeting. Teleconferencing is OK but visual connection is essential when reviewing plans and sketches. 'Whiteboard" teleconferencing is a must when considering Web based project management software. Whiteboard capability allows you to communicate with all members in your meeting via the Web. Blueprints, RFI's, site photos and any other image can be reviewed on screen by all members of the team. Then notes and modifications can be applied directly to the document on screen for all to see. In addition to the project management software, the only requirement is an Internet connection. Because of voice delays, telephone conference calling is still preferred for the voice segment of the meeting instead of the Internet. Just think of the money that you can save each month on airline tickets, long distance phone bills, FedEx charges and courier bills. Finding the right Web package means research. There are many Web based project management software packages that will be making their way to market in the coming months. Start by contacting your current cost control and estimating software provider. Look for a software package that gives you control of your information without requiring programming of entry screens. Standard word processing templates for RFI's, change order requests, etc. will give you the ability to easily modify, copy and even create your own documents. The standard templates can be designed for even the most novice users and do not require programming knowledge to modify them. Unfortunately many Web based project management packages have preprogrammed entry screens that limit the information that can be specified and entered. Be sure to find a software package that is compatible with the most common formats: spreadsheet (XLS), document (DOC) and AutoCAD web format (DWF). Viewers for these formats are free so everyone on the team can work with you regardless of their own software preferences. What makes the difference when it comes to Web based Project Management software? Just like any other industry, there are an increasing number of newly formed companies that are jumping on the bandwagon to produce and market Web based project management software. The best way to sort through the sea of "pop-up software companies" is to ask these questions:
FOR MORE INFORMATION Contact CDCl - Construction Data Control, Inc. at (800) 285-3929 or visit CDCl's web site at www.cdci.com. Reprinted from Computers In Construction © 1999. Computers In Construction, Summer 1999 |
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