Even the most well-planned construction projects face unexpected challenges. The key to a successful project is having a team that can address those challenges. Moving forward involves proactive coordination, transparency and utilizing the latest industry innovations to keep projects on time and within budget. In this blog, we will discuss common challenges and how to mitigate risk. We will also take a look at some of the latest innovations that can support and improve the process for managing complex and specialized construction projects to help deliver on time and on budget.

Communication is vital

Effective communication is the number one way to both avoid and overcome challenges. Miscommunication is often what leads to cost overruns and delays, which can quickly become quality issues. Coordination among the various stakeholders is key to overcoming challenges. Ensuring that architects, contractors, subcontractors, suppliers and regulatory buyers are all on the same page and schedule is crucial.

“Bad news doesn’t get better with time.” This is why clarity, transparency and effective communication need to be the overarching objective of any project. Three tried and tested tricks of the trade for successful project management outcomes include:

1. Comprehensive planning:

   Every project needs a detailed project plan that outlines timelines, resources, and milestones, indicating that due diligence was carried out.

2. Contingency planning:

   All potential risks and issues need to be considered and communicated.

3. Progress monitoring:

   Using project management software to track progress in real-time, and more importantly, having eyes and feet on the ground conducting regular site visits. This ensures everything stays on track and is being properly documented and addressed.

Understanding the full picture

The strength of the LaunchPM team lies in the knack for putting the various pieces of the puzzle together to find solutions, and the ability to remain nimble. LaunchPM is highly involved in all aspects of its clients’ projects. For example, the firm has extensive experience with the construction of MOBs (medical office buildings) and surgery centers, which are highly specialized. The unique aspects of these types of projects can vary dramatically, making it imperative that project managers prepare for and manage the specific needs the industry or client requires. For example:

Heavy equipment installation:

A surgery center or MRI/imaging facility has very specific, specialized equipment that must be taken into account during the construction process. These specialized pieces of equipment need to be installed with precision and the building needs to meet the right specs to house them.

Workflow:

Understanding the workflow in a medical office or practice and how each facility operates is essential. It influences where different workstations are located, where offices or exam rooms need to be placed, and understanding the different access points for staff and patients during planning mitigates challenges later on.

Equipment:

Medical specialties require specific functionality and can often include special accommodations and planning for installing power, water or med gas.

These are a few of the many variables that must be incorporated into the design, procurement and coordination for delivery for everything to be constructed, installed and operational for the first patient day. Understanding the client’s goals and priorities before digging into a project is the first step.

The LaunchPM approach

To understand a client’s business and their priorities, it is vital to ask questions. We begin by asking clients, “What’s most important to you and how is it  going to make this project a success?” They may say time, cost, aesthetics, or something else entirely, but their answer is what helps the LaunchPM team drive the decision-making process.

It is also crucial to set clear expectations. That includes ensuring clients understand the total project cost from the beginning. Oftentimes clients get stuck on the design and construction costs, but that’s only one piece of the puzzle. It’s imperative to outline the total cost of a project and lay everything out to eliminate surprises at the end of the day. Other costs can include:

• Cabling
• Security
• Audio Visual Requirements
• T. requirements/Network Gear
• Artwork/Branding
• Equipment

While every project is different and comes with a unique set of challenges, there are a number of project management best practices that we apply to every project.

Top three best practices:

1. Clear and constant communication is always number one
2. Immediate response in urgent situations to avoid delays and mitigate risks
3. Budget management and regular status updates; consistent tracking ensures costs are under control and all stakeholders are informed and aligned

Technology innovations changing owner’s rep practices

LaunchPM is an early adopter of emerging technology and constantly has an eye on what’s coming down the road. While not fully there yet, augmented or virtual reality will soon be a staple in construction project management, enabling remote walk-throughs. One person will be onsite with a pair of VR glasses, take pictures, and send them to a client wherever they are located. Using their own set of VR glasses, the client can then take a virtual walkthrough of the property. The opportunity to carry out live simulations for more complicated equipment-type construction projects can mitigate a lot of issues. Building Information Modeling (BIM) was initially developed for conflict resolution. The latest advancements represent the “next generation” of BIM, incorporating real-time Virtual Reality (VR) technology.

AI is also advancing how owner’s reps conduct estimating and budget planning. Being able to capture cost data across the country enables project managers to create more comprehensive and accurate budgeting. The construction industry will see the expansion and utilization of this technology in the near future.

Next steps

If you would like to learn more about the LaunchPM approach to project management, tune into Episode #2 of The Owner’s Chair podcast and listen to the insightful conversation between LaunchPM Principal and CEO Beth Scarano and host Bill Fehr, the Chief Relationship Officer at Privv.

LaunchPM’s core objective is to deliver the best solutions for client projects from planning to completion. If your business is looking to make a move, build a new facility from the ground up, or update an existing space, we can help. To learn more about LaunchPM and our experienced team, contact us here.