Guide to Construction Scheduling Software: Features, Benefits, and Trends
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Guide to Construction Scheduling Software: Features, Benefits, and Trends
Olha Neborachek
Senior Marketing Copywriter
Nov 15, 2024
[Updated]
12min read
Content
Nowadays, professional construction scheduling software is the backbone of any business. It simplifies managing building processes, assists with construction scheduling, tracks project progress and more.
Builders and contractors worldwide rely on advanced construction management tools to efficiently manage timelines, resources, and deliverables. How can it be done? You are right – with construction project schedule software.
In this tech guide to construction scheduling software, we’ll cover everything you need to know: essential features, trends like AI, IoT, and more, how to choose the right solution, and, of course, highlight our expertise. We’ll show you how RewiSoft can help you deliver a solution that drives great results.
Construction scheduling software is a key tool within construction project management – it helps builders, contractors, and project managers plan and organize the various tasks involved in a construction project. It focuses on creating structured construction project schedule.
Construction scheduling software also allows teams to define tasks, allocate resources, and set deadlines to never miss project deadlines.
Advancements in construction scheduling software have transformed the industry. Construction project management tools assist with every phase of construction, from planning and scheduling to tracking materials and workforce allocation.
With advanced project management software, users can:
Quickly break down complex projects into manageable tasks
Assign resources like labor and materials
Agree on critical tasks and monitor progress in real-time
Today, the market offers several types of construction scheduling software, each of which addresses specific needs. Let’s look at each type in detail:
All-in-One Project Management Software
These platforms provide end-to-end project oversight. All-in-One software handles various tasks and project phases, from initial estimation through closeout. It covers RFIs, bidding, scheduling, change orders, final documentation, and more.
Supply Chain Coordination Software
This software focuses on managing materials, logistics, and supplier relationships.
Supply Chain Coordination Software helps with:
Supply chain visibility to track inventory levels and orders
Ensuring products are available when needed to prevent project delays
Streamlining the flow of materials to the construction site
Helping construction project managers avoid delays due to shortages.
Estimation, Bid, and Budget Management Software
This software type supports accurate cost estimation, job costing, budget management, and other related requests. Mainly, it includes features like cost analysis, documentation, advanced settings, etc.
Transportation and Routing Scheduling Software
This software helps with planning efficient routes for teams traveling between multiple sites.
Transportation and Routing Scheduling Software helps with the following:
Planning efficient routes
Ensuring timely arrival
Supporting route optimization
Providing fleet tracking to monitor vehicle locations and optimize resource allocation
Vendor and Subcontractor Management Software
Designed for tracking and communicating with vendors and subcontractors. This software primarily helps with contract management tasks, scheduling, payment tracking, project schedules, and more.
Construction firms may find they need a combination of these software types depending on their project requirements. At RewiSoft, we can develop custom construction scheduling software for your business and integrate all these solutions.
10 Recommended Features for Construction Scheduling Software
Any construction scheduling software includes functionalities and tools that help businesses operate more efficiently.
Our website development experience has led us to identify a core set of features that we believe are essential for any construction scheduling software.
Identify high-priority tasks and adjust resources accordingly
View project progress at a glance
Keep tasks on schedule
Manage timelines effectively
Real-Time Updates & Notifications
Real-time updates & notifications allow team members to receive immediate alerts about schedule changes, delays, or other critical updates.
Real-time updates are all about speed. They work exceptionally well in complex projects, enabling lightning-fast notifications for contractors and workers about project changes.
Property Performance Tracking Feature
The Property Performance Tracking feature provides insights into a project or building’s efficiency and progress.
It helps with:
Managing actual costs, budget variance, and schedule variance
Identifying whether project goals are on track
Supplying data for process improvements
Analytics and Reporting
Analytics and reporting tools compile data into actionable metrics. With this data, you can generate reports on project performance, resource utilization, and budget adherence. Construction managers can analyze these metrics to forecast outcomes, identifying potential delays or budget overruns.
Budget Tracking
The Budget Tracking feature lets users monitor and manage project expenses in real-time.| Contractors and project managers can compare actual costs with initial budget estimates, track spending across different phases, and identify areas where expenses need adjustment. Overall, this Budget Tracking feature improves cost management throughout the project lifecycle.
Collaboration Tools
Collaboration tools make it easy for all members to comment on tasks, close tasks faster, and share project documents. Built-in communication features allow team members, contractors, and stakeholders to discuss issues and align on real-time project updates.
Progress Tracking
Progress tracking is a crucial feature. It allows project managers to monitor each step of the project: completed tasks, pending items, and overall project status. At RewiSoft, we often develop the progress tracking feature alongside reporting tools so that you can generate reports to analyze task progress and efficiency.
Mobile Compatibility
Nowadays, it’s no surprise that mobile compatibility is a must for any software. When your product is highly adaptive for mobile, your on-site teams can access schedules, update tasks, and communicate with off-site team members from any location using their smartphones.
Document Management
The Document Management feature lets users store documents centrally and access them directly from the site. Document storage and sharing make it easy to access permits and make any changes.
Integrated Safety and Compliance Checks
The Integrated Safety and Compliance Checks feature helps ensure all activities meet regulatory standards. We strongly recommend integrating automated compliance tracking that logs safety inspections and audits.
Looking to Build Your Custom Construction Management Software?
Advantages of Construction Project Scheduling Software
Construction scheduling software offers several significant advantages. Business owners benefit from improved cost control and increased productivity. Meanwhile, project managers, office and field teams, and other users gain from simplified construction planning, task management, automated processes, and additional tools.
We’ll highlight the advantages for each group below.
Advantage for Business Owners
Improved Cost Control and Profitability
Business owners can achieve precise budget tracking, monitor costs, and reduce extra expenses based on provided analytics features.
Project Oversight
With Gantt charts, analytics, and other integrated features, business owners gain a comprehensive view of multiple projects.
Competitive Advantage
Firms using advanced scheduling tools often complete projects more efficiently, improving client satisfaction and enhancing the firm’s reputation in the market.
Scalability and Growth Support
Custom scheduling software allows businesses to expand more quickly as they have advanced management tools. The right construction project scheduling software supports future growth and adaptation to larger, more complex projects.
Benefits for Project Teams
Simplified Task Management
Scheduling software simplifies construction project workflows by breaking complex projects into manageable tasks with clear timelines.
Real-Time Communication and Collaboration
Users can share updates and communicate instantly through integrated messaging features, solving issues faster. When your construction project management software includes an integrated messenger, it enhances collaboration as its keeping all tasks on one platform.
Up-to-Date Information
Users have immediate access to the latest construction project schedules, document versions, and project updates from any device. Real-time data access prevents outdated information from causing errors or rework.
Automated Notifications and Reminders
Automated alerts and reminders help users stay informed about task deadlines, schedule changes, and other key updates. Reminders assist with meeting deadlines more accurately.
Better Accountability and Transparency
By tracking task progress and recording changes, scheduling software creates transparency in project workflows. As a result, users can see their contributions to the project timeline with all the necessary information for accountability.
Why Construction Scheduling Software is Essential in Today’s Industry
Construction scheduling software has become a must-have in today’s construction industry. It addresses common challenges like project delays, cost overruns, and communication barriers.
Reducing Project Delays
Project delays are one of the most common issues in the construction industry. However, construction scheduling software helps minimize these delays.
Helpful Featureі in This Case
Real-time updates and automated notification features inform all team members of schedule changes.
The progress tracking feature shows how much progress has been made and how much is left.
Cost Control and Budget Management
Construction projects often face budget overruns due to inefficient resource allocation or unexpected changes.
Helpful Feature in This Case
The resource tracking or financial management feature assists in controlling costs.
The analytics feature provides better insights into budgeting
Easier Communication and Collaboration
When all team members have an integrated messenger, it’s easier to communicate on one platform. With everything in one place, teams can resolve issues faster and stay aligned on project progress.
Improved Productivity and Resource Optimization
Companies using scheduling software experience productivity gains of up to 25%. By reducing manual coordination and tracking time, teams can focus less on routine tasks and do high-value work.
Data-Driven Decision Making
When construction scheduling software includes built-in predictive analytics and reporting tools, you gain valuable data on project performance, resource use, timelines, and other critical metrics. With this information, you can make strategic decisions and adjustments to optimize project outcomes.
The best construction scheduling software helps construction firms handle projects more effectively and deliver better results faster. Companies that have already implemented scheduling software have also noted cost savings after implementation.
Key Trends in Construction Scheduling Software
We have already discussed the most important features we recommend you integrate into your project schedule software to gain better outcomes. Now, let’s look at the key trends and construction project management tools that are actively used in the construction field.
Artificial Intelligence and Predictive Analytics
AI-powered tools and predictive analytics are transforming construction scheduling:
You can forecast project outcomes
You can identify potential delays
You can receive suggestions for optimal schedules
The AI trend leads to more accurate project planning and reduces costly overruns. For example, predictive analytics use historical data and machine learning models to help managers anticipate challenges.
Construction teams can gather real-time data from connected devices on job sites much more easily when they use the Internet of Things (IoT).
These IoT sensors can help with:
Tracking machinery status
Monitoring material usage
Checking worker location
Providing insights that help optimize schedules based on real-time site conditions
Cloud-Based Accessibility
Nowadays, cloud-based scheduling solutions have become standard in construction management. Cloud-based accessibility allows teams to access schedules, updates, and documents from anywhere—as long as they have internet access.
Large teams or teams working in different locations need cloud-based accessibility as a must. Why? It helps with Real-time collaboration among office staff, field workers, external partners, and other participants.
Mobile Compatibility
Mobile-friendly scheduling software is a must these days. Despite a significant portion of construction activities happening on-site, mobile-friendly scheduling software allows field teams to view schedules, update progress, and communicate in real-time using smartphones.
Mobile compatibility lets you make on-the-go updates in seconds and reduces the need for field teams to check in with office staff constantly.
Strong mobile support is a must. It makes it easy for workers to track tasks, access documents, submit updates, make decisions, and more.
Integration with BIM (Building Information Modeling)
BIM integration lets construction scheduling software align scheduling with 3D and 4D project models. With BIM, you get a visual representation of tasks in relation to the physical space.
BIM-scheduling integration is valuable for large-scale, complex projects requiring precise coordination. Such integration helps teams understand dependencies and timelines in the context of the actual structure.
As you can see, integrated AI-powered tools are helping companies manage complex projects more effectively as they work with large, structured data sets.
At RewiSoft, we have successfully delivered each of these trends in our projects. For example, we developed an AI Security-management App with an AI voice assistant feature. It helps enable quick responses and provides a unique interaction experience.
Data Security and Compliance Features
Every project, not just construction schedules, needs strong data security and regulatory compliance.
Storing sensitive data digitally means construction management software must prioritize security. Integrated security features ensure that critical documents, permits, and compliance forms are stored safely and are easily accessible.
At RewiSoft, we always include encryption and compliance tracking to help companies avoid legal issues and maintain transparency with stakeholders.
Looking to Build Construction Scheduling Software with Integrated AI Tools?
Potential Challenges in Implementing Construction Schedule Software
Implementing construction project management software provides significant benefits. However, it also presents several common challenges.
Recognizing these potential hurdles in advance is essential, as companies can prepare and adopt strategies to mitigate them. Let’s see in detail each potential challenge and the solution on how to prevent it:
Initial Cost and Budget Constraints
Quality construction scheduling software can be a significant upfront investment. Costs can vary based on features, tools, licensing fees, development, and ongoing maintenance.
To address this, companies can start with a phased rollout. Initially, they can focus only on essential features, adding new ones over time as needed.
Hard Team Adoption
When your of team has been working without specialized software, transitioning to new software can be complicated, as team members may be accustomed to existing workflows.
To address this issue, your company can emphasize the software’s advantages and how it will make daily tasks easier: provide case examples, such as automating routine tasks, generating reports in seconds, and using AI tools for support.
Initially, team members may feel intimidated by unfamiliar technology or be skeptical of its benefits. However, experience shows that 25% of companies report improved productivity after adopting scheduling software.
Training and Learning Curve
Construction project scheduling software often includes advanced tools and dashboards, which can initially seem overwhelming. However, after training on how it works, team members become more confident and proficient with the software.
To support this process:
Implement user-friendly features
Organize step-by-step training sessions
Offer ongoing support
At RewiSoft, we have a strong design team that puts significant effort into creating as easy and intuitive features as possible.
Integration with Existing Systems
Integrating construction software with existing systems can present technical challenges. A lack of compatibility may lead to data silos or duplicate entries, which can hinder workflow efficiency.
We recommend consulting with the vendor to configure integrations during the setup phase. You can always contact RewiSoft; our team is ready to help you with smooth delivery.
Data Security and Compliance
Construction companies handle sensitive project and client information, so data security protection within the scheduling software is necessary.
Companies should have security features for the software, such as encryption and access control. We also recommend you conduct regular security audits and compliance checks as they further help protect company data.
Choosing the Best Project Management Software
When choosing construction scheduling software, there are two main options:
Custom Software
This type of software is built specifically for your company’s needs. It consists of features, tools, and design wireframes based on your preferences. Custom software is ideal for companies looking to scale and need specific functionality and greater control over their software.
Ready-Made Solution
This is a subscription-based option where you pay for access to pre-designed software. While it may not offer customization, it’s a practical choice for smaller companies needing essential tools without the cost of a custom build.
Prices for Construction Project Management Software
Custom Software requires a higher initial investment, but you receive a fully customized product that provides flexibility, any features you want, your design, and an opportunity to grow.
Ready-made software is much cheaper initially; however, based on subscription and the number of users, the price will also grow.
Let’s discuss numbers:
Custom Construction Software
At RewiSoft, our price starts at $50,000 with basic and must-have features and tools. Depending on the complexity, the cost can increase. We also offer free post-launch support during the 1st month after launch.
Functionality Based on Your Needs
Custom software is based on your specific needs. You can choose unique tools, integrations, and control over data.
Ideal for Larger or Scaling Companies
Custom solutions are best for companies that require specialized functionality and flexibility to adapt the software as they grow.
Ready-Made Construction Software
The pricing for subscription-based costs often ranges from $20 to $300+ per user per month. The price depends on the software’s features and scalability.
Lower Initial Investment
Ready-made solutions have a much lower upfront cost and often include basic features needed by smaller firms.
Additional Costs
There may be extra fees for premium support, additional storage, or integrations with other software that can significantly increase the price.
Ideal for Smaller Companies
Ready-made software is typically more affordable and suitable for companies with limited customization needs. Once you buy a subscription, you can access essential tools without the expense of building software from scratch.
Our Proven Expertise in Developing Construction Scheduling Solutions
When you choose us to build your construction software solution, you’ll benefit from our industry experience.
Best Practices for Robust, Scalable Platforms
We apply best practices to make your construction platform accurate, robust, and scalable. Even if you’re unfamiliar with the tech stack, our development team will recommend a stack that ensures your platform can evolve with changing customer needs, emerging technologies, and industry trends.
Successful Project History and Industry Results
We have helped clients build construction platforms from scratch, redesign existing solutions, and choose the right integrations. Based on our expertise, we’ll help your business thrive.
Explore Our Success Stories and Development Process
Let our portfolio of successful real estate projects inspire you to build your own.
More about successful cases we’ve developed: Our Works
Our approach in developing Real Estate software: Real Estate
Great Solutions Start with Your Vision
Your vision and our advanced solutions are the foundation for great results. Book a meeting with us and receive a response within eight business hours (CET).