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Construction process management is a crucial step for executing a project. It is the very basis on which a sound foundation is laid by project managers as they learn the ropes to navigate complex construction landscapes. For this, a project manager has to acquire a number of skills and gain competencies to handle complex projects and work with numerous teams.
Construction has a lot of moving parts and there is a continuous need for monitoring and alterations. A project manager has to follow important steps to construction management as project management is the key that stabilizes the entire procedure.
To walk you through the essential construction process management steps let’s get you introduced to vital concepts and rules related to construction project management.
What Is Construction Project Management?
Construction project management could be defined as the planning, supervision, regulation, and direction that is given ever since the construction project is conceptualized.
The main goal of the construction project is the fulfillment of the clients’ wishes both in terms of meeting the timelines and also when it comes to adhering to the budget. From the first phase of project development to completion, construction process management demands attention.
Construction project types such as residential, heavy civil, industrial, and commercial require planning from start to finish. Thus, a project manager moves ahead by planning each phase in advance. Let’s explore the steps involved in construction project management.
What Are the Steps to Construction Process Management That Project Managers Should Follow?
For smooth execution of a construction project, here are a few things that Project managers should follow:
1. Effective Communication for Improved Collaboration
When it comes to construction projects there are technical parameters to be considered such as timely delivery and not overshooting the budget. For this, a project manager needs to keep all stakeholders involved such as contractors, subcontractors, and owners to have a dialogue and keep the communication flowing. This results in increased visibility and improves collaboration as there is transparency in the process.
Construction is more than a sum of its parts and important stakeholders are “cogs in a wheel.” Thus, it is crucial to keep the team informed of all developments for a smooth workflow and improved collaboration.
2. Decision-Making & Conflict Resolution
In order to make a project successful, a project manager has to make specifications related to projects clear, set team goals by explaining the scope of the project. It also involves selecting skilled workers, deliberating upon achievement requisites, scheduling, and budgeting as well.
The acquisition of necessary equipment and workforce can boost productivity and remove conflicts. Resource effectiveness is only possible through quick decision-making and by setting the stage for success. Thus, project managers have to ensure legitimate coordination and solid communication among team members and be ready to resolve conflicts as and when it arises.
3. Planning for Improved Workflow
Project managers will have to look into the management of planning, estimating, contracting, design, and evaluation of all stages of construction throughout a project lifecycle. Therefore, an essential step of a construction project management process is impeccable planning on the part of the Construction Manager.
An improved workflow is a by-product of effectively dealing with deadlines, ensuring safety, better decision making, managing quality, focusing on designs, and effectively handling budget when it comes to deliverables of the project manager.
4. Strengthening Operations Through Proper Documentation
The need for documentation arises when you have to trace costs, expenses, process payrolls, and take account of revenue and expenses. For a project manager, documentation is essential, and this is why the adoption of construction accounting software with easy-to-see charts becomes handy.
In simple words, for a project manager to have complete command over a project she/he needs to have specifications, ASI, RFQ, pending change orders, drawings, field orders, approvals, licenses, and blueprints within reach.
5. Technology Deployment for Robust Construction Accounting Experience
Construction is not a one-man job and there is an increasing need for project managers to be tech-savvy to embrace the next normal in construction. Job costing, revenue recognition, and budget management are important aspects of any construction project, and keeping all financial arrangements running according to plan is crucial.
Hence, project managers should say yes to technology uptake to deal with the challenges that arise in an increasingly complex construction ecosystem. It is very important to keep a track of project costs as soon as you begin a project. The mantle of responsibility lies on the project manager to ensure timely delivery and put all the accounting-related priorities in order since the commencement of the project.
Way Forward
It is evident that planning and putting a construction project together is not only challenging but also a mammoth task. There are plenty of important details that need to be covered and project managers have to consider various parameters and what yardstick to apply when it comes to measuring the success of their project.
There is a lot at stake as the whole project has to be built on strong foundations and the job of the construction manager entails covering legal aspects and mitigating risks that may emerge.
Moreover, construction process management needs to be exhaustively analyzed and construction technology can assist owners to deal with challenges. In addition to this, project managers have to cover each angle and deep dive to find solutions worth exploring for a project to become successful.
As construction managers continue to follow steps that align with business goals, they can maintain control over the projects. In today’s world, construction is a demanding job that requires legitimate coordination and conducting a number of operations to successfully complete a task.
Even to navigate the next normal, construction technology such as software systems can make life easier and meet the competition to take the project to the next level.
Overall, Project managers should proactively automate tasks and streamline construction operations so that they can enhance productivity and ensure responsibility is met. Thus, to manage their multifaceted work and increasingly complex operations, it is imperative for PMs (project managers) to go digital and become even more successful.
Ed Williams is the Senior Team Lead at ProjectPro, an integrated construction accounting software. He holds a massive industry experience and is a Microsoft Dynamics expert who is focused on successful implementations. He is a visionary leader and always aims to deliver the best to the construction and project-oriented industries.
