Tag Archives: project management software

Construction Project Management Scheduling Software

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Construction Management Scheduling Software

Construction Management Scheduling Software such as SAM (The Superintendent’s Automated Manager) is a project management tool that allows easy collaboration and maximized efficiency. It streamlines the communication process between the construction manager, his team, and all contractors involved in order to sync their schedules and keep everyone updated.

Ideally, a project management scheduling software should also have quick reporting features that will allow easy tracking of project schedules, accomplishments, budget, estimates, etc.

It should also be easy to use , so that all involved key personnel will be able to easily understand and utilize it. In addition to this, the best construction management scheduling software should also allow for mobile use while also being compatible with your existing programs and software (such as accounting programs).

The Need

Anyone and everyone who has ever worked in construction knows that a single project alone involves a strict timeline, tight schedules, and tasks that need to be as detailed as possible. In addition to this, people have to be managed, contractors scheduled, deliveries and installations carefully executed, and paperwork settled– all within the contsraints of a limited budget. Multiply these by the number of projects you have going on at a single time and you get one very high-strung construction manager.

Who should use project management scheduling software?

Best construction project management scheduling software such as SAM is ideal for custom home builders, developers, construction management firms, engineering firms, and specialty contractors.

Enter SAM

SAM is a construction management scheduling software program designed specifically to make multiple project handling much simpler. It enables home construction managers to automatically work through a customized set of steps, while documenting the specifics of each project at each stage of construction. The end result is a home built on time, under budget, and up to your standards of excellence.

The History of SAM

SAM was designed and refined over a ten and a half year period on Excel by Danny LeBlanc, the current owner and CEO of Automated Trackers, whose building history covers a wide range of experience including residential track and custom homes, condos/apartments, and commercial construction. Danny wanted a reliable scheduling program that allowed him to build and manage the construction of projects, the way builders build. Prior to launch, Danny used the SAM prototype program to manage over 40 construction projects at one time.

Know more about SAM

To know more about what SAM does, check out this page OR you can also schedule your own free 30-day trial in order to see for yourself exactly how SAM can improve your business and increase your profits.

7 Surprising Facts About Working in Teams

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No man is an island! At one point or another, we’ve all been part of a working team. But today, we’re sharing some team-related facts that may surprise you. Jot these down because we all know that excellent and highly-efficient teams are essential to any builder’s business.

1. The ideal team size is somewhere between 5 and 9

According to studies, the most ideal team size is between 5 to 9 people. Some people assume that any problem can be fixed by adding more people to a team, but the truth is, larger team sizes actually adds more challenges to the project.

2. Too much “good chemistry” actually makes teams less effective

When the members of a team are too comfortable or familiar with each other, the entire team tends to fall into predictable ruts. Having a good working relationship is not bad. But having a team with members that are too similar to each other, or have similar ways of thinking is not good either. For best results, promote diversity in culture and ways of thinking.

3. The most effective teams don’t have “leaders”

A team works best when its members listen and talk in equal measure. If one of the members takes control and starts to dominate the discussion, resentment arises in the other members. Nobody likes a dictator.

4. Managers are still important though!

However, since diverse teams tend to get more creative, they do need a manager whose full-time job is to facilitate discussions and help the entire team to work together in harmony.

5. Small teams will outperform solo geniuses

It’s the same concept with basketball. A team with 5 members who are all in top-notch shape and performance will likely outperform another team who relies on just one superstar player. Brilliant people work best when working with others, especially when they are all equally brilliant.

6. Creative abrasion is a good thing

Teams thrive best when there is a bit of creative abrasion. By this we mean, healthy conflict. It’s a good sign when there are a lot of great ideas flying around. You just have to ensure that these conflicts don’t get personal and that each side gets to point out their reasons and rationale.

7. Mixed-age teams are better than that with a homogenized age range

Despite the stereotype that youthful energy trumps all practical business experience, having a mixed-age team is actually more ideal. This way, you will get people with various work experiences, skill sets, and ways of thinking. It’s a great way to start that delightful creative abrasion.

Remember, on top of all these, there should always be good communication among your team members. Regardless of team size, age, or skill set, without good communication and proper work delegation, the team will crumble in the blink of any eye.

Want to ensure that your team communicates well regardless of location and inspire of a hundred deadlines? Check out SAM and VIC today.

Builder Tips: The Truth About Project Management

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Effective project management doesn’t have one basic template. Each project involves a hundred little adjustments from your usual approach. Today, we’re debunking some of the most common project management myths and shedding light on the best ways on how to go about your business.

Fact: It’s not all about processes

A lot of newbie project managers mistakenly compare project management to a computer that’s all about processes and algorithms. Based on experience, we know that this isn’t true.

In fact, project management is mostly about people. It’s about people management, client servicing, and conflict resolution. So yes, while methodology is very important to any initiative, it’s just part of the responsibilities.

Team work and soft skills are a must too.

Fact: Remote collaboration can be productive
Work mobility is absolutely essential to good project management. The advancements in technology today make remote collaboration completely possible. Did you know that in a recent survey, 37% of businesses report that their remote workers are more engaged than the ones in the office?

Also, 75% of bosses report that remote employees are much happier than those who don’t have that option. And here’s a whopper, remotely working actually increases performance by 13%!

Fact: Project management is NEVER just about paperwork.

Executing and organizing a project is more than just securing permits, creating timetables and making checklists. The fact of the matter is, project managers spend 90% of their work time communicating. 

Did you know that you can cut down as much as 10% of working hours by reducing paperwork, moving your projects to the cloud, and using project management software?

FACT: Frequent meetings are not that essential

Make the most of your time. Did you know that 47% of workers consider meetings one of the biggest time-wasters in the workplace? People arriving late, waiting for everyone to settle down, unnecessary chitchat here and there, all of these add up to hours of time that could have been spent being productive. If an actual face-to -face meeting is a must, keep it short and sweet.

Project management is one of the trickiest jobs out there, but it can also be the most fulfilling. Nothing beats the feeling of finishing a project that’s been executed to perfection. When you see your clients’ smiles, everything will be worth it!

Click here to know more about how Project Management has gone paperless.