Contact Us: sales@cdci.com support@cdci.com forms@cdci.com 1.800.285.3929 PROJECT MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE: WEB-BASED SOLUTIONS SAVE TIME, CLUTTER, AND HASSLE WITH AN ON-LINE OFFICE 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 moving up to reap the benefits of project management with the web. Project Management software is nothing new to commercial contractors. Every project manager (PM) has a 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 databases and documents control Systems. Today, web technology coupled with project management software has elevated this set of tools to the status of cellular phones - it is hard to recall the time when PM's had to pull up to a pay phone at the corner gas station to return a call that appeared on their pagers. The cell phone is as much a necessity today as web-based project management software will be tomorrow What does Web based Project Management software do for you? Web-based software can serve as the central information house for a project. The ability to post change and create RFI's, change 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. 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. How to find the PM software that's right for your company. Finding the right web package means research. Many web-based project management software packages 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: How long has the software company been in business? This is increasingly important in the age of kitchen table software firms. Does the software company offer additional software solutions? Integrated software is ideal. The concept of integrated software is one that allows accounting, estimating and project management software to work together and eliminate the need for multiple entry of common information. Are all the costs spelled out? Most Web based project management software is available for an initial fee plus a monthly fee based on users and/or jobs. Is training required? Are upgrades and maintenance included in the monthly fees? Is a term commitment required? Asking these simple questions will provide you a good starting point as you begin your search for the next generation of project management tools. FOR MORE INFORMATION Contact CDCI - Construction Data Control, Inc. at 800-285-3929 or visit the company's web site at www.cdci.com. REPRINTED FROM CONSTRUCTOR MAGAZINE September 1999 © Copyright 1999 The Associated General Contractors (AGC) of America. All Rights Reserved. [Home]   [About CDCI]   [Products]   [Support]   [Training]   [Press]   [Jobs]   [Dealers]   [Links] Copyright © 2000, Construction Data Control, Inc.  All Rights Reserved.