Why Should Developer-Owners & Construction Managers Go Digital?

Technology has become an essential component in every industry, including the resistant construction industry. Digital technology has transformed how construction managers design, plan, and construct buildings, making them easier, faster, and more efficient. By incorporating digital tools and optimized/automated processes, construction managers can streamline their operations, improve communication, and save costs.

In this article, we're highlighting the importance of going digital for developer-owners and construction managers in the construction industry. But before we do that, let's understand who the developer-owners and construction managers are and their role in the larger construction ecosystem.

What are Developer-Owners and Construction Managers? What is Important to Them?

Developer-Owners in the construction industry can refer to individuals or organizations who own the land or property where a construction project will take place. They may be private developers, public agencies, institutions, or corporations. Owners are responsible for financing the project, setting project goals, hiring contractors, and ensuring the project is completed on time and within budget.

Construction Managers, on the other hand, are professionals who provide expert advice and guidance to owners and contractors during the planning and execution phases of a construction project. They can be independent consultants or work for consulting firms. Their role is to help clients with project planning, risk management, scheduling, cost estimation, and other project-related activities. Project management consultants are typically involved in managing the project from inception to completion, and they work closely with owners, contractors, and other stakeholders to ensure project success.

The Importance of Going Digital for Developer-Owners and Construction Managers

The benefits of digital transformation are visible in every industry and the construction industry is no different. There is sufficient research to demonstrate various benefits to other stakeholders in the construction industry, including developer-owners and construction managers. The benefits of digitization are numerous including improved efficiency, accuracy, safety, and communication.

Let’s try and understand some of the potential benefits for construction managers to go digital:

• Improved collaboration: Digital tools and platforms can facilitate collaboration between owners, project management consultants, contractors, and other stakeholders. They can share project information, update project status, and communicate in real time.
• Increased efficiency: Digital tools can help streamline workflows and reduce manual tasks. This can lead to increased efficiency and productivity, as well as cost savings.
• Better project management: Digital tools can help project management consultants to manage schedules, budgets, and resources more effectively. They can track progress, identify potential issues, and make adjustments in real time.
• Enhanced communication: Digital tools can improve communication between owners, project management consultants, and other stakeholders. They can share information, update project status, and respond to issues quickly and efficiently.

• Improved accuracy: Digital tools can reduce the risk of errors and improve accuracy in project planning, estimating, and scheduling. They can also provide data-driven insights to support decision-making.
• Increased transparency: Digital tools can improve transparency and accountability in project management. Owners and project management consultants can track progress, monitor costs, and ensure that the project is meeting goals and objectives.
• Access to data: Digital tools can provide owners and project management consultants with access to data and analytics that can help them make informed decisions. They can analyze project data, identify trends, and make adjustments as needed.
• Seamless project management: Digital technology has made project management more efficient. Construction managers can use software tools to manage schedules, track progress, and allocate resources. This allows construction managers to monitor every aspect of the project, identify delays and issues in real time, and adjust plans accordingly. Construction management software facilitates communication between team members, contractors, and clients, reducing the likelihood of misunderstandings and errors. As a result, projects can be completed on time and within budget.
• Real-time reporting for better decision-making: Effective reporting and real-time project status updates helps executives make informed decisions in a timely manner. This helps construction managers better manage the project risks and understand the areas they would need to focus their time and attention on. Whether it’s a dashboard that gives the executives a bird's eye view of the status of the projects or an Excel spreadsheet that the tool can export, effective reporting could help construction managers better manage the projects they might be on to.

Steer: Navigating Developer-Owners & Construction Managers to Go Digital to Stay Competitive

In conclusion, digital technology has become an essential tool for owners and project management consultants, offering numerous benefits such as improved design, more efficient project management, enhanced safety, and reduced waste and costs. By going digital, construction managers can improve productivity, increase profitability, and ultimately deliver better-quality projects. As technology continues to advance, it is important for owners and project management consultants to keep up with the latest digital tools and processes to remain competitive and meet the changing needs of the construction industry. To create a competitive edge and value, construction managers that familiarize themselves with the next normal will successfully ride the wave.

Steer is a construction management software that provides unmatched value and bang for your buck for all your evolving requirements. The underlying No-code engine allows Steer to be flexible to your unique organizational requirements and the stack ensures it can plug into any third-party software application allowing for a more comprehensive IT infrastructure.

Book a meeting with our Account Managers HERE to ensure how you can stay competitive in a digital and uncertain world.