Want Better Construction Project Management? Focus on Better Communication

Construction companies aren’t as productive as companies in other industries. Why? Poor organization and lack of access to real-time information around their projects.

In addition, inadequate communication among stakeholders (e.g. subcontractors, contractors, owners, project team members, and executives who may be in different locations) is also partly responsible for the lack of productivity in this sector, according to McKinsey & Co.

Oftentimes, this lack of communications means that those with a vested interest in a construction project don’t know how that project is faring at any given time. Unfortunately, that’s because most construction firms are still using paper-based processes to manage communication flows, procurement orders and status reports instead of AEC Software.

It should come as no surprise that paper-based processes don’t support the elements that construction projects need to be successful:

• • Communication
• • Collaboration across teams
• • Reliable document management
• • Real-time decision making

GOOD COMMUNICATION IS CRITICAL

Effective and efficient communication enables better collaboration and teamwork. It makes construction management practices more effective, while the lack of communication can cause delays and misunderstandings.

For a project to be successful, construction company leaders must ensure the right information is getting to the right people at the right time. It’s vital that everyone involved with a project is made aware of any changes. Not knowing will result in costly and time-consuming mistakes.

The success of a construction project is directly impacted by the flow of information. If people stop communicating, you can be sure there will be problems and delays. However, when there is effective communication among all parties, projects will be completed on time and on budget.

Understanding the need for good communication is just the beginning. In our next blog, we’ll discuss:

• How to establish the right communication strategies
• Why you need to go digital
• The importance of systematizing the right processes into the right construction project management solution

Check back next week.