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


Resource management

Resource management helps you ensure that critical project tasks are adequately resourced and scheduled. Most project management packages offer some degree of functionality in this area, but their claims may not always match reality. Some may claim to provide resource management, but only allow for the most basic information, while others have highly developed management capabilities. Use these questions as a starting point with your vendor:

Is there a dispatch board function for shorter-term resourcing? This tool allows you to manage short-term planning for several hours or days ahead. It's most typically required by organizations that do a lot of service, maintenance or small project work, but is a necessary component for most firms.

How does the system manage manpower and equipment over the entire project? Resource management tools should cover long-term planning for physical resources and labor, supporting any project at any time. Typically, these tools are used more for contractors with large numbers of resources to manage, but are necessary to manage any project with a sizable number of tasks and contributors.

How does the software handle critical path management (CPM)? A critical path highlights the tasks within a project plan that have absolute dependencies, i.e., the task cannot be completed until the completion of another task, or the delivery of needed supplies. Failure to deliver on vital tasks will cause significant delays or even project failure. Resource management and construction scheduling tools must provide some kind of CPM display capabilities; generally this is what senior management asks for when determining whether a project is on track.

Can the software track resources over multiple projects? Less expensive packages are often project-centric, but resources rarely are. If your company manages multiple projects simultaneously, you'll want the ability to obtain a total resourcing picture. Otherwise, you may encounter problems such as finding employees are scheduled for more hours than there are in a day.

Next: Reporting and Analysis