There’s really no path to escaping the competitive nature of modern construction, with contractors and construction firms feeling constant pressure to adapt and innovate in an increasingly fast-paced world. Teams face challenges in every aspect of a project, from bidding and estimating to progress tracking. Fortunately, new software is helping construction crews do their jobs better, safer, and faster. From innovative drone survey software to building information modeling (BIM) systems, read on to learn about the technology that’s transforming the construction industry and will help teams stay competitive in 2022 and beyond.
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3D Modeling and Design
Today’s construction projects (and of the future) benefit from 3D modeling as they seek to achieve better project management, safety, and sustainability. Companies like Propeller Aero and AutoCAD are providing 3D visualization solutions that guide project planning, progress tracking, and more.
- Propeller Aero: As the global leader in 3D mapping and data analytics, Propeller’s drone survey hardware and software solutions give construction teams incredibly accurate visuals that allow them to track, map and measure worksites. Featuring 24-hour drone data processing, photogrammetric renderings, measurable 3D site surveys, and cloud-based access, Propeller’s solutions give civil construction and earthworks professionals constant access to more data. The result is better, faster decision making and improved safety and sustainability on the worksite.
- AutoCAD: AutoCAD is one of the most familiar names in the construction industry, offering best-in-class drafting software that can be used in every aspect of construction from project planning to solving design issues. It’s also innovative and intuitive, with integrations that support everything from GIS data to building life cycle management software post-construction.
Construction Management
Combining aspects of business, construction, and engineering, construction management software helps decision-makers oversee contractors, deadlines and the large budgets often associated with the industry. When it comes to staying competitive in today’s industry, the margin for error is small. Companies like Raken and Autodesk offer easy-to-use software that connects what’s happening in the field to what’s happening in the office.
- Raken: The Raken platform ensures contractors have all the tools they need for day-to-day operations in the field. Using daily reporting modules, both teams in the field and teams in the office have an up-to-date look at progress tracking and project summaries that keep work on time and on budget.
- Autodesk: Autodesk BIM 360 provides real-time collaboration tools to all teams involved in a project. Featuring document management, project performance tracking, safety management, and more, companies using BIM 360 enjoy efficiencies in remote collaboration and increased productivity, resulting in significant cost savings.
Bidding and Estimating
Bidding has always been a complicated balancing act in the construction field, but software is helping contractors and builders create detailed cost estimates, construction plans, and schedules. Esticom and STACK are particularly helpful for facilitating quick and accurate cost estimates that help teams win bids and remain profitable.
- Esticom: Contractors need accurate pre-construction insights to forecast labor costs, material expenditure and other major expenses involved in a potential project. With Esticom’s cloud-based planning and estimating tool, contractors can quickly determine whether they’re charging the right amount at the outset, helping them craft competitive, winning bids that maximize profits.
- STACK: STACK is a cloud-based tool that serves businesses of all sizes from the individual to enterprise level. Important metrics like equipment, material and labor costs are pre-loaded into the platform, allowing companies to quickly create customized estimates and branded proposals to secure winning bids. It’s a user-friendly platform that’s made even better with exceptional customer support provided at no additional cost.
Software Generates a Competitive Edge
What platforms make the most sense for your workflow? In many cases, it’s not about choosing one platform over another – combining several solutions can be an effective way to address the constant challenges of construction projects, from initial site inspection to project delivery.
Take an objective look at your company’s pain points and determine which solutions fit best with your current and future goals, whether you’re ready to scale up to meet demand or you’re simply looking to improve your organization’s bottom line.