Construction Management Processes for Builders that are Ripe for Digitization

The field of construction is highly complex and requires careful planning, effective management, and efficient execution to complete projects successfully. Unfortunately, builders often face significant challenges such as running over budget and facing supply chain disruptions that can derail their progress and impact their bottom line. The use of a construction management software might potentially help them manage their projects better and impact their profitability. 

 However, where do you as a builder start? What are some of the key processes which need to be automated or optimized with the help of a construction management software? How can you ensure that the construction management software that you are paying for is providing you with the appropriate Return-on-investment? 

This article attempts to identify key processes builders like yourself should digitize to enhance efficiency, reduce time and the potential of error and help save on costs that would boost profitability. Moreover, focusing on digitizing these processes would help free time to pick up additional projects or help focus your attention on other value-added activities which would help your business grow.  

Site Instruction & Submittals

For builders looking to grow in the construction industry, site instructions and submittals are critical processes that builders must manage effectively to ensure the successful delivery of construction projects. Site instructions are written directives that are issued to construction teams to provide specific instructions on how to proceed with certain tasks or to address issues that arise during construction. Submittals, on the other hand, are documents that must be submitted by contractors to the client or architect for approval before construction can proceed. 

The process of managing site instructions and submittals typically involves the following steps – most parts of which could be automated and optimized with the help of a software application.  

• Identification of issues or requirements: The first step in the site instruction and submittal process is to identify any issues or requirements that must be addressed. This may involve reviewing the construction plans and specifications, conducting site inspections, or consulting with other members of the construction team. 

• Preparation of site instructions or submittals: Once the issues or requirements have been identified, the builder must prepare site instructions or submittals to address them. Site instructions should be clear, concise, and specific, outlining the exact steps that the construction team must take to address the issue. Submittals should be prepared according to the client's or architect's requirements and include all necessary documentation, such as drawings, specifications, and product data sheets. 
• Submission of site instructions or submittals: The next step is to submit the site instructions or submittals to the appropriate parties for review and approval. This may involve submitting them to the client, architect, or other members of the construction team, depending on the specific requirements of the project. 
• Review and approval: The site instructions or submittals will be reviewed by the appropriate parties to ensure that they meet the project's requirements. If any issues or discrepancies are identified, the builder may need to revise and resubmit the site instructions or submittals. 
• Implementation: Once the site instructions or submittals have been approved, the construction team can proceed with the necessary work. The builder must ensure that the site instructions are followed carefully and that the work is completed to the required standard. 
• Documentation and record-keeping: Finally, the builder must keep detailed records of all site instructions and submittals, including any revisions and approvals. This documentation is important for future reference and may be required for legal or regulatory purposes. 
  

 Site instruction and submittal process is an important part of the construction industry, and builders must manage it effectively to ensure the successful delivery of construction projects. By digitizing these steps, builders can ensure that site instructions and submittals are prepared and submitted accurately, reviewed and approved in a timely manner, and implemented to the required standard, ultimately contributing to the successful delivery of the project – all this without spending wasteful hours keeping a manual record of papers and trying to have all key documentation at one place.  

Construction Materials Ordering & Receiving

Ordering and receiving construction materials is an essential process for construction builders. The process involves planning and coordinating the purchase, delivery, and receipt of materials required for the construction project. Effective management of this process is critical to ensure that materials are available when required, project timelines are met, and costs are controlled, which can be achieved through the digitization of this process.  

The construction materials ordering and receiving process typically involves the following steps: 

• Material requirements planning: The first step is to determine the required materials based on the project's plans and specifications. The builder should have a detailed list of materials required for each stage of the project and should work with the project team to identify any specific requirements or constraints. 

• Sourcing suppliers and obtaining quotes: The builder must identify suppliers who can provide the required materials and obtain quotes for the materials required. This may involve contacting multiple suppliers to compare prices, delivery times, and product quality. 
• Placing orders: Once suppliers have been identified and quotes obtained, the builder can place orders for the required materials. Orders should be placed in a timely manner to ensure that materials are available when required. 
• Coordinating delivery: The builder must coordinate the delivery of materials with the supplier and ensure that they are delivered to the construction site at the required time. This may involve coordinating with the supplier's logistics team and ensuring that any special delivery requirements are met. 
• Receiving materials: Once the materials have been delivered to the construction site, the builder must inspect and verify that the correct materials have been delivered, and that they are of the required quality and quantity. The builder should also ensure that the materials are stored in a safe and secure location to prevent theft, damage, or loss. 
• Material handling and inventory management: The builder must ensure that the materials are handled and stored correctly to prevent damage or loss. This may involve organizing materials in a way that allows easy access and retrieval, as well as maintaining an accurate inventory of materials. 

• Documentation and record-keeping: The builder must keep accurate records of all materials ordered, received, and used in the project. This documentation is important for tracking costs, managing inventory, and ensuring compliance with regulations and requirements. 

Digitization of the construction materials ordering and receiving process is critical to the success of construction projects. By automating these steps, builders can ensure that materials are ordered, delivered, and received on time, and that the materials are of the required quality and quantity. This helps to ensure that construction projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the required standard. 

Labour & Equipment Setup

Labor and equipment setup is a crucial process for a builder as it involves the coordination of personnel and equipment for the successful execution of a construction project. The process of labor and equipment setup typically includes the following steps: 
 

• Project planning and scheduling: The first step is to plan and schedule the project, including the timeline, required labor force, and equipment needs. This involves identifying the required workforce for each stage of the project, the types of equipment needed, and the number of hours required for each. 
• Equipment procurement: The builder must procure the required equipment for the project. This may involve purchasing or leasing equipment from a supplier or renting equipment from a rental company.  
• Equipment deployment: The builder must deploy the equipment to the construction site and ensure that it is set up correctly. This involves positioning the equipment in the correct location, connecting it to power sources, and testing it to ensure that it is working correctly. 

• Labor deployment: The builder must deploy the labor force to the construction site and ensure that they are working effectively. This involves assigning tasks to workers, providing them with the necessary equipment and tools, and monitoring their work to ensure that it is being completed to the required standard. 
• Safety procedures: The builder must ensure that all safety procedures are followed to prevent accidents or injuries.  

The labor and equipment setup process is critical to the success of construction projects. By following these steps, builders can ensure that the required labor force and equipment are available when needed and that they are deployed safely and efficiently. This helps to ensure that construction projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the required standard. 

Progress Reporting and Inspection

Progress reporting and inspection is an essential process for construction builders to ensure that construction projects are progressing as planned and that the quality of work meets the required standards. The process of progress reporting and inspection typically includes the following steps: 

• Project planning and scheduling: The first step is to plan and schedule the project, including the timeline, milestones, and deliverables. This involves creating a detailed project plan and schedule that outlines the tasks required to complete the project and their respective deadlines. 

• Progress reporting: The builder must regularly report on the progress of the project. This involves monitoring the completion of tasks and comparing the actual progress against the planned progress. Progress reporting helps to identify any delays or issues that may impact the project timeline. 

• Inspection and quality control: The builder must inspect the work regularly to ensure it meets the required quality standards. This involves checking that the work is being completed to the required specifications and that it is free from defects and errors. The builder should also ensure that any necessary corrective action is taken to address any issues identified. 

• Documentation and record-keeping: The builder must keep accurate records of all work completed, including progress reports, inspection reports, and any corrective action taken. This documentation is important for tracking the project's progress, managing costs, and ensuring compliance with regulations and requirements. 

• Client communication: The builder must communicate regularly with the key stakeholders to keep them informed about the project's progress. This involves providing regular progress reports, addressing any concerns or issues raised by the client, and ensuring that the client is satisfied with the work being completed. 

Digitizing progress reporting and inspection is critical to the success of construction projects. By automating a majority of these steps, builders can ensure that construction projects are progressing as planned and that the quality of work meets the required standards. This helps to ensure that construction projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the required standard, resulting in satisfied clients and a successful construction business. 

Steer: The Right Way to Digitize Processes for Builders 

As a builder looking to grow in the competitive construction industry, it is very important that you are supported by the right set of tools that would complement the effort you are putting into growing your business. Digitizing most of the processes would help you significantly boost your capacity, ensure that there is a single source of truth and help you be more in control of your project operations.  

An exhaustive list of how digitizing these processes would benefit you can be found HERE.

Steer ensures that all the key processes that are key for seamless operations for builders are digitized. To know how Steer can impact your business or to get a demo of the Steer Platform, feel free to reach out to one of our Account Managers today.

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