Construction Management Processes for Construction Managers 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, project managers often face significant challenges such as ensuring on-time, high-quality delivery with streamlined project management threatening to increase the bottom line. The use of a construction management software might potentially help provide unrivaled visibility across risk areas, empowering construction project management consultants to seamlessly manage projects.  

However, where do you as a project management consultant 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 which project management consultants like yourself would like to digitize to enhance efficiency, reduce time and the potential of error and help save on costs which 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.   

Compliance Checklist

A compliance checklist process that construction project management consultants can use to ensure that their projects are in compliance with all relevant regulations and standards. The checklist helps to ensure that all necessary permits, licenses, and certifications have been obtained and that all required inspections have been completed. 

Here are the steps involved in creating a compliance checklist for construction project management consultants: 

• Identify the regulations and standards that apply to the project: The first step is to identify all of the regulations and standards that apply to the project. This may include building codes, zoning regulations, environmental regulations, health and safety regulations, and more. 
• Determine the specific requirements: Once you have identified the regulations and standards that apply, you need to determine the specific requirements for compliance. For example, building codes may require certain materials or construction methods, while environmental regulations may require the use of specific waste disposal methods. 
• Create a checklist: Once you have identified the specific requirements for compliance, you can create a checklist to ensure that each requirement is met. The checklist should include all of the necessary permits, licenses, and certifications, as well as the specific requirements for each. 

• Assign responsibilities: Once the checklist is created, you need to assign responsibilities for each item on the list. This may include assigning tasks to contractors, subcontractors, or other members of the project team. 
• Monitor compliance: As the project progresses, you need to monitor compliance with the checklist. This may involve conducting regular inspections, reviewing documentation, and following up with team members to ensure that all requirements are being met. 
• Update the checklist: Finally, as regulations and standards change, you need to update the checklist to ensure that it remains current and relevant. 

Overall, a compliance checklist is an essential process for construction project management consultants to ensure that their projects are in compliance with all relevant regulations and standards.  

RFI/RFA Management (Construction Drawings & Documentation) 

RFI/RFA (Request for Information/Request for Approval) management is an essential process for construction project management consultants to ensure that all necessary information is collected and approvals are obtained in a timely and effective manner. This process involves managing the construction drawings and documentation to ensure that all parties involved have the information needed to complete the project successfully. 

Here are the steps involved in RFI/RFA management for construction managers:

• Collect & organize all necessary information: The first step is to collect all necessary information related to the project. This may include architectural drawings, engineering plans, specifications, permits, and other documents. 

• Review the information: Once the information is organized, you need to review it to ensure that everything is complete and accurate. This may involve checking for errors, inconsistencies, or omissions that could impact the project. 

• Identify areas of uncertainty: After reviewing the information, you may identify areas where additional information or clarification is needed. This may involve creating RFI/RFA requests to obtain more information or approvals from the relevant parties. 

• Communicate with stakeholders: As the RFI/RFA requests are submitted, you need to communicate with all stakeholders involved in the project. This may include contractors, subcontractors, architects, engineers, and other parties. 

• Track progress: As RFI/RFA requests are submitted, you need to track progress to ensure that all necessary information and approvals are obtained in a timely manner. This may involve creating a system for tracking RFI/RFA requests and following up with stakeholders as needed. 

• Update documentation: As RFI/RFA requests are fulfilled, you need to update the documentation to reflect the new information or approvals. This may involve updating drawings, specifications, or other documents as needed. 

Overall, RFI/RFA management is an essential process for construction project management consultants to ensure that all necessary information is obtained and approvals are obtained in a timely and effective manner.  

Construction Safety Management 

Construction safety management is an essential process for construction project management consultants to ensure that the construction site is safe for workers and visitors. This process involves identifying potential hazards, developing safety protocols, and monitoring compliance with safety standards throughout the construction process. 

Here are the steps involved in construction safety management for construction project management consultants: 

• Identify potential hazards: The first step in construction safety management is to identify potential hazards on the construction site. This may include hazards related to the site itself, such as unstable ground or hazardous materials, as well as hazards related to the construction process, such as working at heights or using heavy machinery. 
• Develop safety protocols: Once potential hazards have been identified, you need to develop safety protocols to address them. This may involve creating policies and procedures for workers to follow, as well as developing training programs to ensure that workers understand and follow the safety protocols. 
• Communicate with stakeholders: As the safety protocols are developed, you need to communicate with all stakeholders involved in the project. This may include contractors, subcontractors, architects, engineers, and other parties. 

• Monitor compliance: As construction progresses, you need to monitor compliance with the safety protocols to ensure that workers are following them correctly. This may involve conducting regular inspections, reviewing documentation, and following up with team members to ensure that all safety protocols are being followed. 
• Address noncompliance: If noncompliance is identified, you need to take action to address it. This may involve retraining workers, modifying the safety protocols, or taking disciplinary action if necessary. 
• Review and update safety protocols: As the project progresses, you may identify new hazards or changes to existing hazards that require modifications to the safety protocols. It is essential to review and update the safety protocols regularly to ensure that they remain effective and up-to-date. 

Overall, construction safety management is an essential process for construction project management consultants to ensure that the construction site is safe for workers, visitors, and the general public.  

Change Order Simulation 

Change order simulation is a process used by construction project management consultants to simulate the impact of proposed changes to a construction project before they are implemented. This process involves analyzing the potential impacts of changes on the project schedule, budget, and scope, as well as identifying any potential risks associated with the changes. 

Here are the steps involved in change order simulation for construction project management consultants: 

• Identify proposed changes: The first step in change order simulation is to identify proposed changes to the construction project. This may include changes to the project scope, schedule, or budget. 

• Collect data: Once proposed changes have been identified, you need to collect data related to the project, including the original project schedule, budget, and scope, as well as any additional information related to the proposed changes. 
• Create a simulation model: Using the data collected, you can create a simulation model to analyze the potential impacts of the proposed changes on the project schedule, budget, and scope. This may involve using specialized software or creating a custom simulation model. 

• Analyze the impacts: Once the simulation model has been created, you can analyze the impacts of the proposed changes on the project. This may involve identifying any potential risks associated with the changes, as well as identifying any areas where the changes may impact the project schedule or budget. 
• Determine feasibility: Based on the analysis of the impacts, you can determine the feasibility of the proposed changes. This may involve determining whether the proposed changes can be implemented within the project timeline and budget, as well as whether they align with the project goals. 
• Communicate with stakeholders: As the analysis is conducted and feasibility is determined, you need to communicate with all stakeholders involved in the project. This may include contractors, subcontractors, architects, engineers, and other parties. 
• Make decisions: Based on the analysis and communication with stakeholders, you can make decisions about whether to implement the proposed changes, modify them, or reject them.

Overall, change order simulation is an essential process for construction project management consultants to ensure that proposed changes to the construction project are thoroughly analyzed and their impacts are understood before they are implemented.  

Progress Reporting and Inspection 

Progress reporting and inspection is a critical process for construction project management consultants to monitor the progress of the construction project and ensure that it is on track to meet the project goals, schedule, and budget. This process involves regularly inspecting the construction site and providing progress reports to stakeholders to ensure that they are informed about the project's status. 

Here are the steps involved in progress reporting and inspection for construction project management consultants: 

• Set up a reporting schedule: The first step in progress reporting and inspection is to set up a reporting schedule that outlines when progress reports will be provided to stakeholders. This may involve weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly reports. 
• Collect data: As progress reports are prepared, data must be collected from various sources, including site inspections, construction timelines, and financial information. This information is then used to generate progress reports for stakeholders. 
• Conduct site inspections: Regular site inspections are conducted to ensure that the construction project is on track and identify any potential issues that may arise. This may involve reviewing construction plans, observing construction activities, and reviewing documentation related to the construction project. 

• Generate progress reports: Based on the data collected and site inspections, progress reports are generated to provide stakeholders with an overview of the construction project's progress. These reports typically include information on the project schedule, budget, and scope. 
• Communicate with stakeholders: As progress reports are generated, it is essential to communicate with all stakeholders involved in the project. This may include contractors, subcontractors, architects, engineers, and other parties. 
• Identify issues and risks: As the project progresses, it is essential to identify any issues or risks that may impact the project's progress. This may involve conducting additional site inspections or reviewing documentation related to the project. 
• Address issues and risks: Once issues and risks have been identified, it is important to address them to ensure that the project stays on track. This may involve modifying the construction plans, implementing additional safety protocols, or providing additional training to workers. 

Overall, progress reporting and inspection are critical processes for construction project management consultants to monitor the construction project's progress and ensure that it is on track to meet the project goals, schedule, and budget.  

Progressive Punch Listing

Progressive punch-listing is a process used by construction project management consultants to identify and address construction defects or issues as they arise throughout the construction process. This approach helps to avoid major issues that may delay the project's completion, cause budget overruns, or impact quality standards. 

Here are the steps involved in progressive punch listing for construction project management consultants: 

• Define punch-list items: The first step in the process is to define the items that will be included in the punch list. This may include construction defects or issues such as incomplete work, incorrect installations, or discrepancies with specifications or design documents. 

• Conduct regular inspections: As the construction project progresses, regular inspections are conducted to identify any punch list items that need to be addressed. The frequency of inspections may vary depending on the scope and complexity of the project. 

• Assign responsibility: Once punch list items are identified, responsibility is assigned to the relevant parties, such as contractors or subcontractors. Clear communication is essential to ensure that everyone understands their roles and responsibilities. 

• Prioritize and categorize items: After punch list items have been identified and responsibility assigned, they are prioritized and categorized according to their level of severity. This helps to ensure that critical issues are addressed first, minimizing the impact on the project's timeline and budget. 

• Follow up and track progress: It is important to follow up regularly with responsible parties to ensure that punch list items are addressed in a timely manner. Progress is tracked to identify any items that may require additional attention or resources. 

• Final walkthrough and sign-off: Once all punch list items have been addressed, a final walkthrough is conducted to ensure that all items have been resolved to the satisfaction of all parties. After this walkthrough, sign-off is obtained from stakeholders to close the punch list. 

Overall, progressive punch-listing is a valuable process for construction project management consultants to identify and address construction defects or issues as they arise. By following these steps, you can ensure that the construction project meets quality standards, stays on schedule, and stays within budget. 

Closeout and Commissioning  

Closeout and commissioning are critical processes for construction project management consultants to ensure that the construction project is completed successfully, and that the final product meets the requirements and expectations of stakeholders. This process includes a series of steps that must be followed to ensure that the project is ready for occupancy or use. 

Here are the steps involved in the closeout and commissioning process for construction project management consultants: 

• Develop closeout plan: A closeout plan is developed, outlining the requirements for the completion of the project, such as obtaining permits, approvals, and certifications. 
• Final inspections: A final inspection is conducted to ensure that all work has been completed according to the contract and applicable codes and standards. This may involve a final walkthrough with stakeholders to ensure that all work has been completed to their satisfaction. 
• Commissioning: Commissioning is a process that ensures that the building's systems are operating correctly and efficiently. This process involves a series of tests and checks to verify that each system is working correctly. 
• Documentation: All relevant documentation related to the construction project is collected, such as warranties, manuals, and as-built drawings. This information is compiled and provided to the owner for future reference. 
• Punch list resolution: Any remaining punch list items are resolved, and final sign-off is obtained from all stakeholders. 

• Project closeout: The final step in the process is project closeout. This includes obtaining all necessary approvals and permits, finalizing financials, and closing out the project. 

Overall, closeout and commissioning are critical processes for construction project management consultants to ensure that the final product meets the requirements and expectations of stakeholders.  

Steer: The Right Way to Digitize Processes for Construction Managers

As a Construction Manager 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 to grow 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 a Project management consultant 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 customer success team HERE.  

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