CONSTRUCTION PROJECT MANAGEMENT & SCHEDULING BUYERS GUIDE


CONTENTS

I. Intro to Project Management Software 
II. Software Advantages
III. Upgrading your Toolbox
IV. Evaluating Software
  a. Getting started
  b. Document Control
  c. Change Order Management
  d. Project Calendar Management
  e. Budget Management
  f. Subcontractor/Vendor Management
  g. Resource Management
  h. Reporting and Analysis
  i. Vendor Selection
VII. Implementing Software

Evaluating Software: Purchasing Construction Project Management Software


Subcontractor/Vendor management

Subcontractor/vendor management is an extremely important aspect of project management software. Most general contractors will do the bulk of their project managing within subcontractor management tools, so this can be a critical factor in the success of the software. Similarly, subcontractors will rely heavily on the software's ability to manage suppliers or vendors. You'll want to investigate -- and test -- these functions extensively before making a decision, particularly in the following task areas:

Can the software allow you to customize standard subcontract forms with project-specific conditions completely within the program? Most contracts will require some degree of customization.

Can it set up a schedule of values? Some programs permit you to establish only a single unified cost/value for a type of work, for example, $20,000 for electrical. More powerful programs let you break down the total into specific line items comprising the total amount.

Can it tie into your existing accounting system? Integration with accounting packages varies widely from product to product, but it's generally a crucial aspect of the software. Expect to spend a fair amount of time understanding acceptable levels of integration, and whether your vendors can meet them, before you make a decision.

Workflow — does the system automatically trigger subcontractor change orders to meet yours? Does it offer workflow features that automatically adjust supplier orders or send notifications to architects, project managers, business owners and others? Can you establish thresholds for alerting subcontractors, owners and senior management of change order impacts?

Does it offer good document management for change order tracking? Some programs won't allow certain payments to be made if the subcontractor is not in full compliance with regulations. The ability to link to relevant documents and history can also be extremely important.

Next: Resource Management