Choosing the right construction project management tools can mean the difference between completing your project with minimal headaches and stumbling to the finish line with major cost overruns.
With so many tools to choose from, however, it can be difficult. That’s why we’ve put together this guide identifying 10 construction project management tools every company should have.
What are construction project management tools, anyway?
Construction project management tools, as the name would suggest, help you coordinate work at every stage of your endeavor.
Most commonly, these tools are software programs such as those offering Gantt chart functionality. That’s the definition we’ll be working with in this article. For techniques and general tips, check out this article.
Construction projects are very multi-faceted, which is why most companies combine several management tools. As such, you may find several recommendations on this list useful for managing your construction projects with greater efficiency.
10 best construction project management tools
#1. Bridgit Bench
When it comes to construction resource management, few tools have generated as much acclaim as Bridgit Bench. Our flagship software is specifically designed to streamline the construction resource allocation process.
It achieves this by helping you utilize workforce data for effective planning and reporting. Learn how top general contractors have been using Bridgit Bench as a key part of their construction project management processes.
Looking to be more strategic with your people?
We partnered with Construction Dive to outline the steps any contractor can take to be more strategic with their workforce management.
#2. Procore
Procore is also among the most acclaimed project management tools for construction. The company’s various software programs and extensions (including Bridgit Bench) assist with everything from quality and safety to project financials.
The incredible amount of integrations means Procore can easily be your central construction project management tool.
#3. ProntoForms
ProntoForms is a popular field data collection application. The program’s real magic lies in its tremendous level of customization. Companies can very easily create their own custom data collection applications using minimal code with ProntoForms.
The minimal-code, drag-and-drop nature of the ProntoForms app builder allows you to launch new workflows in mere hours rather than weeks. This makes it one of the most flexible project management tools for construction companies.
#4. e-Builder Enterprise
e-Builder Enterprise is one of the best construction project management tools for capital improvement programs.
It assists at every stage of these projects, eliminating data silos by linking industry-standard programs for accounting, property management, design, and collaboration.
According to e-Builder, more than $300 billion worth of commercial, educational, healthcare, and governmental projects are handled using the software.
#5. Oracle Aconex
Oracle Aconex streamlines communication and document management between various stakeholders on a construction project. Perhaps its most notable feature is the ability to create a single source of truth by helping you track revisions and approvals of key documents. This makes it very easy to identify and send the correct file every time.
#6. Spectrum by Viewpoint
Spectrum by Viewpoint is one of the most popular project management tools for the construction industry thanks to its extensive functionality.
Companies can manage accounting, human resources, field reporting, IT, and more within Spectrum, which comes in both desktop and mobile applications.
Spectrum is very popular with general contractors and specialty contractors (i.e. HVAC and plumbing).
#7. Knowify
If you’re a residential subcontractor, Knowify is certainly a construction project management tool worth considering. The company positions itself as the ideal time tracking and bid management system for contractors handling things like remodeling, plumbing, solar installations, and more.
Knowify also integrates with QuickBooks to make project accounting simpler.
#8. ExakTime
If you need a robust construction time tracking system, ExakTime is a great solution. The software is remarkably simple to use and scales quite nicely for companies of all sizes.
It also comes with a very useful photo ID verification feature that eliminates buddy-punching (a type of time theft that involves workers punching in for someone who isn’t actually present).
ExakTime’s scheduling is not as robust as that of a tool like Bridgit Bench but for time tracking, it’s unbeatable.
#9. BuildBook
BuildBook is another project management tool for construction companies specializing in residential construction projects. The user interface is remarkably simple, more closely resembling that of social networking sites than enterprise-level software.
Many small family-based companies will undoubtedly find this simplicity refreshing as it makes the software easier to implement immediately.
#10. Revizto
Revizto is designed to facilitate collaboration between architects and other construction design professionals. It centralizes this work by recording revisions, markups, and issues in one place.
Revizto facilitates this simple design collaboration throughout the entire project lifecycle. It also plays very well with other pieces of software thanks to the use of open formats.
What to look for in construction project management tools and techniques
Now that you know about the best project management tools for the construction industry, let’s discuss what to consider and look for when choosing.
Integration with your existing stack
It’s unlikely that a single piece of software will fulfill all of your project management needs. In most cases, companies combine a few applications to create a custom solution.
This is why we recommend choosing project management tools that integrate nicely with the parts of your setup that don’t need changing.
Workforce planning is easier when your tools are speaking the same language
Bridgit Bench integrates with the leading construction software including Procore and Autodesk Construction Cloud.
Real-time reporting capabilities
Effective construction project management requires up-to-date information. Without this, you won’t be able to make important decisions unless you rely on guesswork, which isn’t a good way to do things.
The best project management tools for the construction industry offer instant reporting.
Accessibility
Your data needs to be as accessible as possible, especially in a post-COVID world where people aren’t always working from the office. The best construction project management tools are cloud/web-based, which makes them accessible from virtually anywhere in the world.
Good support
You’ll inevitably run into hiccups when incorporating even the best construction project management tools. That’s why you should look for programs from companies with reliable customer support.
Security
Your data is very valuable and sensitive. Construction project management tools and techniques should reflect this. Before you incorporate any software into your workflow, be sure to research the company behind it, their terms of use, and what security measures they implement to keep your company’s data private.
Makes your company run more efficiently
There’s little point in incorporating a new construction project management tool if it doesn’t actually make your company run more efficiently. Choose tools very carefully to this end and you’ll save yourself lots of time and money.
Construction project management tool checklist
Here are questions to ask yourself once you’ve narrowed down your options using the above criteria.
Does the software come with enough licenses for my company?
Can I use the tool on multiple devices?
Does the software have several positive reviews?
Will the company demo its software for my company?
Can my current data be easily transferred to this new software?
Do partner companies use the same software or a program that integrates well with this one?
The right construction project management tools can elevate your company and its productivity substantially. We hope this article has been helpful in identifying the best picks as well as what you need to consider when evaluating them.
Found this useful? Also check out how to build an MVP.
Michel Richer
Michel Richer is the Content Marketing Manager at Bridgit. He got his start in the construction industry at an early age with a local restoration company. Michel is driven to propel the construction industry forward by helping to eliminate outdated, ineffective processes.
