CONSTRUCTION PROJECT MANAGEMENT & SCHEDULING BUYERS GUIDE
FEATURED VENDORS
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
Reporting and analysis
Reporting and analysis is one of the most critical aspects of any management software. Whether the reporting is built into standalone project management software or part of a job-costing module in the accounting system there are some issues and capabilities to look for:
Compatibility with Crystal Reports. Crystal is probably the most common reporting tool in the industry, and chances are that you (or one of your partners) use it now or will later.
Customizable reporting. Does the tool supply simple pre-formatted reports, or can you customize and create new reports as needed?
How does the software handle automatic reporting and exception triggers? In other words, can it send warnings when items are over budget, or not in the budget?
How is the data stored in the database? Can you retrieve it in the format you need?
Can you link back to source documents? Can you view original documents such as signed time cards or proposals?
Does the software support open database connectivity (ODBC) standards? Does it allow you to pull cost data from Excel or other databases?
Can you set triggers and notifications that support automatic or blanket approvals for some items? If so, what kind of security is in place to prevent abuse?
Can you bill directly from the system?
Next: Vendor Selection
