At LaunchPM, our goals are rooted in our mission of delivering solutions and services that make the construction process seamless for our clients. Looking at how we can best integrate technology to move construction projects forward is at the core of what we do. There are a variety of innovative tools, we use to enhance our capabilities and improve our processes.
As project managers, we deal with an endless flow of information and the need to constantly keep track of moving parts, stakeholders and budgets, which can be a challenge. Fortunately, technology tools can make managing the complexities of a commercial construction project more efficient. As technology continues to evolve and new tools allow us to communicate and work more efficiently and effectively, we continue to look at how we can improve the management process so our clients will benefit. In this blog, we discuss some of the team’s favorite software applications and how they are helping LaunchPM better serve our clients.
Communication and Task Management
Two platforms that are central to LaunchPM’s communication and task management processes are Monday.com and Bloom Growth. These platforms enable project managers and coordinators to comprehensively track tasks and monitor a project’s progress while keeping others informed.
Monday.com serves as a centralized hub for tracking all of LaunchPM’s projects, allowing team members to communicate seamlessly while working through tasks to meet deadlines. It is the finance team’s favorite tool for high-level finance tracking and managing crucial information for each job such as construction dates, progress reports, invoicing and closeout processes. Project managers and coordinators also like the fact that Monday.com has a comprehensive mobile app that they use to input information while still on job sites instead of having to take notes and input information once back at the office. This also means that other team members at the office have instant access to the information from the team members on the job site.
Bloom Growth is an essential tool for tracking internal progress. It is the platform the team uses to prepare for weekly internal meetings, set goals, mark milestones, and track overall project progress. It also allows individuals to share current information with the rest of the team. The platform is a favorite among team members because it provides insight on what others are working on and the status of projects at each stage.
Project Management and Workflow Automation
Smartsheet is a standout tool for project management. It helps the team automate processes, manage workflows, and scale operations efficiently. Smartsheet is particularly favored by project coordinators for developing project schedules, tracking meeting minutes and creating budgets. Its versatility makes it an invaluable asset for day-to-day operations and as the team continues to embrace and understand its expansive capabilities. Smartsheet is also the top pick among project managers because it is a centralized place where they can see all project dates at a glance and access embedded links to more detailed information regarding each project. Similar to Monday.com, it also has mobile app that is easily accessible when team members are out on job sites, and it allows them to instantly input project details and update in real time.
Specialized Construction Tools
Two other project management platforms, Bluebeam and Autodesk, cater specifically to the construction industry. These platforms offer specialized functionalities that streamline construction project management.
Bluebeam is an advanced tool akin to Adobe Acrobat but with specific construction functionalities. It allows for dynamic fill measurements and markups and makes it easy to add construction elements to PDFs such as doors and windows, making it possible to create comprehensive project mockups. Project coordinators utilize this software for space planning for construction and tenant improvements, as well as move plans for clients moving locations or reorganizing spaces.
Autodesk is the newest addition to LaunchPM’s toolkit. It is a cloud-based software used to store all the files related to a construction project. It comes in handy when completing tasks like punch lists and walks or when updating clients and sending important documents. It is also being integrated into internal processes to track meeting minutes and create agendas.
Innovative 3D Technology
Matterport revolutionizes how construction sites are managed and visualized. This 3D data software creates accurate virtual models and replicas of construction sites from project photography. It also tracks project details including measurements, dimensions and materials. Now, it is not always necessary to spend time driving to a site to check something. Matterport allows us to pull up a 3D rendering of a project in seconds for a virtual walkthrough. This function is also beneficial when reviewing project details with clients.
Striking a Balance
While the volume of information can seem overwhelming and inputting every project into each platform can seem tedious, LaunchPM recognizes the value of utilizing the best tools for specific tasks. Using a mix of tools with specific capabilities also ensures that details can be meticulously tracked and everyone involved can be quickly looped into the process. In our effort to integrate technology, we discovered that a variety of project management software tools exist, but no one tool truly encapsulates all the information that the project managers and coordinators at LaunchPM document and track for each project. As a result, we find it is more efficient to utilize multiple platforms, to ensure that all information we need to track is available and up to date.
The future of construction project management lies in the continuous adoption and adaptation of innovative technologies, making processes more efficient. That is why LaunchPM continues to explore and invest in the best tools to enhance its operations. But technology alone does not do the job – it requires the knowledge and expertise of people. LaunchPM employs a team of experienced project managers who are well-versed in the planning and execution of commercial construction management. To learn more about LaunchPM and its services get in touch to schedule a complimentary meeting.
