The construction of new buildings is a never-ending phenomenon in this human world. There is a new building being constructed in every nook and corner of the world. The success of a building depends on the contractors that build it and the construction management software that handles the operation.
Hence, construction management software is a very important tool in the construction industry. With a plethora of construction management software available, it might be challenging for you to choose the right one. That is why SaaSworthy has compiled a list of the top 9 construction management software out there in the market in 2021.
Table of Contents
What is Construction Management Software?
Construction, unlike other sectors where machines do a lot of the job, is really all about the workers and their ability to handle them. Hence, the construction sector requires construction management software to improve communication, responsibility, and transparency in a sector that desperately needs it.
Construction management software aims to help construction businesses be more efficient, reduce overhead costs, and increase transparency. It also helps in competing for the best workers, managers, and even customers. Read through this article to know the various features and limitations of the top 9 construction management software in 2021.
Procore
Procore is a construction management software that helps to improve coordination, monitor finances, and resources, and oversee a project from start to finish. Therefore, Procore is SaaSworthy’s one-stop recommendation for all your construction project-related activities. It enables construction companies, contractors, architects, and engineers to exchange data in the field, edit plans, and provide up-to-date project phase reports.
The various features of Procore include:
- Enhances many documentation processes and provides a communal platform for contract management
- Provides data visibility to project managers with a bird’s-eye view of potential issues before they occur
- 2D and 3D models and designs can be created and shared across the entire team.
- Utilizes AES-256-bit encryption, allowing users to focus on the project rather than the protection of their data
- Connect desired construction applications when interacting with customizable workflows
The limitations of Procore are:
- Its integrations and reporting capabilities are limited.
- It does not allow files to be saved directly to the system.
Buildertrend
Buildertrend is a construction management software that is used by house builders, remodelers, specialist contractors, and general contractors. This approach incorporates project scheduling, project management, financial management, client management, and operation management into a single platform. It has Users in over 100 countries, 2 million completed projects, and 1 million construction professionals.
The various features of Buildertrend include:
- It automatically manages messages, comments, emails, and task-specific data in a single location.
- Creates and assigns tasks to teams and subcontractors, as well as provides updates to customers
- Integrates with QuickBooks to generate line-item bills and invoices from estimates, change orders, or customer selection sheets
- It can monitor who clocks in and out over a given time frame, produce payroll reports, and display a crew worker’s exact position on a virtual map.
The limitations of Buildertrend are:
- It does not offer a lot of options for customizations.
- It has a steep learning curve owing to its heavy user interface.
PlanGrid
PlanGrid is a commonly used construction management software that is ideal for commercial, industrial, healthcare, educational, and heavy civil ventures. PlanGrid is a portable construction management software that allows users to store blueprints and documents when on the go. It is built for projects of all sizes.
The various features of PlanGrid include:
- Resolves and monitors punch lists with tools that enable users to track errors, inspection reports, and design changes in real-time
- 2D and 3D models can be viewed and edited from any location
- Data can be seamlessly transferred from Revit to PlanGrid without the need for double entry
- Provides users with a range of powerful interactive tools that help in coordination and document access
The limitations of PlanGrid are:
- Some users may find it very expensive.
- You have to pay for the entire month even if you want to view just one or two drawings.
ComputerEase
ComputerEase is an accounting and construction management software that is suitable for all sizes of contractors. It provides fully automated job costing, contractor management, equipment management, accounting, and other features. These features help support everyday site-to-office operations both on and off the job site.
The various features of ComputerEase include:
- Create employee files in which documentation and reports can be uploaded and accessed quickly
- Generates and publishes regular reports, labor assessments, expense forecasts, and other resources, thereby assisting in identifying and evaluating potential risks.
- Provides a comprehensive set of project management tools that can aid in the efficiency of any task
- Uses the cloud to reduce the cost of entry, access automatic updates without slowing down, and automated daily backups
The limitations of ComputerEase are:
- It may be difficult for some people to learn the various operations.
- Some reporting skills are lacking in this software.
CoConstruct
CoConstruct provides the remodeling and custom home construction industries with a broad range of construction management features. It simplifies dynamic management systems such as financial and project management. It prioritizes coordination to keep customers satisfied and construction teams on track. CoConstruct was acquired by Buildertrend in February 2021.
The various features of CoConstruct include:
- To keep accurate project budgets, it monitors expenses against actual project bills.
- Sends confirmed work to Quickbooks right away to generate bills, relieving accounting staff of additional work
- Project expenses are updated in real-time, and budgets can be shared with clients without the need for cost spreadsheets.
- Identifies work site patterns while actively communicating project updates to customers and other stakeholders
The limitations of CoConstruct are:
- It is difficult to integrate with existing modules.
- A steep learning curve is needed to grasp the backend processes.
Corecon
Corecon is a fully automated cloud-based construction management software that coordinates and optimizes activities such as estimating, project management, job costing, and more. CoreconLink offers integration assistance to get everything up and running with current accounting workflows. Corecon8 module connects internal and external users with mobile flexibility and browser-based access.
The various features of Corecon include:
- Provides various tools to automate and refine contact management, bidding, lead monitoring, drawings, specifications, and estimates
- Oversees all facets of a project with features that optimize everyday activities such as scheduling, safety, and quality control
- Transfers the financials of an existing accounting system using a simple sync tool that significantly reduces manual data re-entry
- Mobile applications for iOS and Android allow users to manage daily logs, job updates, timecards, and expenditures while on the move.
The limitations of Corecon are:
- Some users may find the interface challenging to navigate through.
- It is not easy to induct new employees.
Oracle Aconex
Oracle Aconex is a construction management software that merges all operations in a construction project. Both participants of a project can engage and participate in the phases of a project thanks to unique functionalities for owners and contractors. Oracle Aconex is used by more than 80,000 organizations in more than 70 countries.
The various features of Oracle Aconex include:
- Can develop your own health and safety checklists, punch lists, and other documents to keep project sites secure
- Uses CPI and SPI to enhance budget estimation and automates billing procedures to save time and reduce errors
- Enables for more input on concept revisions, quicker turnaround on changes, and a more productive project by allowing for collaboration between design teams
- You can access vital project data from smart devices via smartphone applications.
The limitations of Oracle Aconex are:
- The system goes offline at peak usage hours due to service maintenance.
- There are some glitches and errors.
AccuLynx
Acculynx is a one-stop construction management software meant specifically for exterior and roofing contractors. It enables companies of all types, from start-ups to those with multiple locations, to offer outstanding customer support while still boosting productivity. Acculynx has assisted consumers in managing over $20 billion in contracts.
The various features of AccuLynx include:
- Easily hold production on budget and on time, schedule labor orders, and monitor job costs
- To eliminate redundant data entries, it imports lead information from the internet to landing pages, external websites, and lead forms.
- Estimates can be generated in seconds by using pre-built models, adding dimensions and components, and then applying taxes, profit margins, and discounts.
- Measurements can be auto-populated in an estimate instead of having to enter them manually.
The limitations of AccuLynx are:
- It does not allow the forwarding of uploaded documents.
- Contract worksheets cannot support any reports or images.
e-Builder
e-Builder is a cloud-based integrated construction management software with an emphasis on capital planning and bidding. Capital management, cost accounting and controls, workflow automation, reporting and dashboards, scheduling, document management, and bid management functions are included in e-Builder. It is used by over 400 professionals and has aided in the managing of over $300 billion in capital projects.
The various features of e-Builder include:
- Provides a tabular reporting approach similar to and compatible with Excel
- Collects data at different stages of a project’s timeline and stores it in a central database for later retrieval and analysis
- With financial and audit oversight capabilities, it creates excellent construction project budgets.
- Provides cost management tools for monitoring all expenses throughout a whole project
The limitations of e-Builder are:
- It does not provide support for iCloud, DropBox, and Google interfaces.
- Users may need to consult with an instructor to obtain the desired reports as the reports are not intuitive.
Conclusion
We hope that we were able to throw some insight into the various types of construction management software available. We also hope that you were able to find a construction management software best tailored to your needs from SaaSworthy’s top picks.
