What Is a Construction Management System?
A construction management system is a system that allows construction sites and construction managers to manage various data and processes related to construction projects centrally, such as orders and contracts for work and construction, the progress status of construction, and the collection of sales proceeds.
Because it plays an extremely important role in cases where projects are executed on a long-term schedule, most companies have implemented this system. Conventional paper-based or multiple-system management methods are prone to information oversights and double management of data, and the exchange and management of information is complex.
As a result, rework due to omitted updates, errors in the construction process, and other losses occur in ways that are different from the original construction work. By implementing a construction management system, information can be centralized and managed in one place, making it easier to check information and make quick decisions.
The same system can manage multiple processes, such as budgets, orders, and cost control, allowing for real-time confirmation of work status and progress management. This is an effective tool for improving the efficiency of process management and productivity of the entire construction project.
Uses of Construction Management Systems
Process management systems are used to streamline the work that occurs in factories. By easily and in real-time grasping a variety of information, construction management operations can be made more efficient.
In the past, data related to a construction management system and construction was generally managed on paper or using multiple systems. When information is shared among multiple departments or when multiple construction projects are managed simultaneously, communication and data management tend to become complicated. In addition, when data is used for accounting purposes, it is necessary to fill in and enter the data again.
By introducing a construction management system, it is possible to manage all construction-related data in one place and share it easily. In addition, some construction management systems also support accounting tasks, such as ordering and receiving, and can help reduce the burden of accounting tasks, such as ordering and estimating.
In addition, since drawings, photos, and other data can be managed and shared on the system, not only does it make it easier to grasp the status of the project, but it also eliminates the need for paper output for data management and sharing, which is a major advantage in promoting a paperless environment.
Principle of Construction Management Systems
Construction management system basically consists of the following functions, which vary from product to product.
1. Construction Order Management
The system can manage information on construction projects for which orders have been received. Especially when handling multiple construction projects, it is possible to manage data by construction and item. Sharing this information among various departments will lead to data sharing and enhanced collaboration.
2. Execution Budget Management
Create and manage execution budgets for each construction project. Since the system also has functions for estimation and payment processing, it can be easily linked to the sales department. The construction management system facilitates the creation of an executable budget, which previously had to be set for each construction project, and allows visualization and sharing of information, including profit and loss.
3. Order Management and Payment Management
Items such as construction work, construction type, and vendor can be categorized and managed. Documentation support, such as invoicing, is also available. Receipts can be managed by item, such as invoice amount, deposit amount, and balance.
4. Construction Cost Management
Cost management can be performed for each construction project. Future payment schedules and the cost to total sales ratio can also be managed.
5. Process Management
Process and progress management can be performed for each construction project. Daily reports can be input and managed, which were previously done manually by workers, so that the contents of daily reports can be immediately reflected and work progress and problems can be easily checked in real time. The system also has functions for hazard prediction and safe process management by identifying risks related to construction work.
These functions vary from t system to system. By selecting a system after confirming in advance whether it has the full range of functions needed by your company and whether it covers the scope of work that needs to be streamlined, you will be able to introduce the system more smoothly.
In addition, construction management systems are designed with Gantt charts and graphics to make the managed data easier to read. The system is designed in such a way that there are no recognition differences in where to look or what is represented, no matter who looks at it or when.
How to Choose a Construction Management System
When choosing a construction management system, it is important to consider the following:
1. Functionality
It is important to confirm that the system has the functionality your company needs. In addition to the functions your company needs, such as construction progress management, budget management, and materials management, check whether the system has functions that enable effective construction management or new functions you want to work on.
2. Usability
It is important that the construction management system is easy for users to use. We check if the system has an intuitive operability and highly visible UI (user interface) so that users can use the system smoothly. It is important to actually try using the system before introducing it.
3. Customizability
There are a variety of possible construction projects, ranging from short- to long-term projects, to projects that require management of numerous workers over a large area. It is necessary to select a construction management system that can be customized flexibly so that the company can properly manage the project according to the range of construction projects it is involved in.
4. Security
Since a construction management system handles confidential information, it is necessary to pay attention to the security aspect. It is important that the system has a backup function to prevent information leaks and unauthorized access, as well as to be prepared for any contingencies that may arise.
5. Cost
Cost is the most important aspect. In addition to the initial cost at the time of introduction, some systems have running costs, such as server usage fees and maintenance costs. Since systems are updated daily with new functions, the budget must be set aside to accommodate version upgrades.