In the UK, the construction industry is known to pave the way for economic growth by providing the key infrastructure required to keep the economy ticking over. It also builds homes and offices for a growing population, and from which businesses can operate. Construction is a big deal in the UK (according to many estimates), employing nearly 3 million people in close to 300k companies and contributing around 7% to the GDP.
But construction is hard work, and contractors are now compelled to go beyond the limits of their productivity and visibility in the UK market. Construction management software in the UK has now gained prominence as it is now known to increase margins and even lower risks. It has practically simplified a lot of roles in every construction job.
In the global scene, things are not quite as they should be. A 2017 McKinsey report indicated that while other sectors have transformed themselves and their productivity performance with digitized systems and extensive automation systems, the construction industry has evolved at a glacial pace. In fact, the report indicated that, among the least digitized sectors, the construction industry in the US is second from bottom and in Europe it is the least digitized sector. Consequently, there is a long string of smaller players with poor productivity levels and many projects that suffer from overruns in cost and time. Infusing new digital technologies, new materials, advanced automation and re-skilling the workforce are some of the strategies that could move the productivity of the industry forward.
In truth, many contractors are currently focused on maintaining the margins rather than measuring and improving productivity. Winning bids is critical in the industry, and many companies have to try and outdo their competitors by giving favourable estimates and at the same time, looking out for their bottom lines.
Construction management software in the UK can help create a balance between these two factors. Many of the construction costs can only go so low and sooner or later, they will flatten out for many clients as far as the bids are concerned. But employing digital technologies to important construction activities such as takeoffs and estimating creates increased levels of efficiency that ultimately reflects positively on the company’s books.
Efficiency in estimating and takeoffs, for instance, does have a direct impact on the company’s overall success. One of the most significant causes of project overruns is inaccurate estimates. Typically, a client requests for bids based on a particular blueprint. Construction companies then perform their estimates and then bid for the construction job. The client then selects one of the bids and enters into a deal to begin the construction work. Assuming the client does not change the blueprints at any stage of the project, the contractor is bound by the terms proposed in his bid. The actual takeoff when the contractor begins the construction work has be to close to the quantities he proposed in his bid.
In the construction industry, errors and inaccuracies are not uncommon. They are chiefly responsible for project overruns for which the industry is famous. Inefficiencies and inaccuracies eat into the margins of most construction companies. Construction management software in the UK have done a lot to try and improve the management of projects, from small projects to the more complex ones.
Estimating requires a lot of intricate, complex calculations that take time and other resources to perform. These calculations are often prone to human errors and inaccuracies, never mind the amount of time and labour they take. Construction management software in the UK has significantly simplified this process.
Compared to, say, Excel spreadsheets which require endless verifications and modifications, construction management software are custom built for contractors and their requirements. With the labour costs rising all over the world, the need for productivity-enhancing technology has become more pressing. Industry watchdogs are asking whether construction companies might be better off trying to find new ways of working that are less labour-intensive as a way to help ease off some of the fundamental issues in the industry.
As earlier noted, the construction industry is one of the last sectors to embrace modern technologies. Other commentaries, even say that it is still pretty much the same as it was in the Roman empire times. However, that is slowly changing, and the industry is now embracing disrupting, new technologies, particularly software. Construction management software not only helps reduce inaccuracies, but also the total amount of hours used for crucial activities such as takeoffs and estimates. The entire estimating process now takes minutes rather than days and uses less manpower as compared to using traditional systems.
With more hours added back to their working days, construction companies can now enjoy more flexibility in their operational costs, which will make them more competitive in the long run. In the construction industry, project time-frames determine profits for a construction company. The slightest of delays, lags, or time-overruns can mean the difference between a profit and a loss on a particular project.
Software providers such as Buildsoft provide a suite of some of the most cutting edge construction management software in the UK. Most of the software offerings contain leading features and functionalities suited for the demands of the modern day construction industry. BIM models, which are now becoming industry standard, have improved productivity and efficiency levels across the industry.
Estimators can now throw away their scale rulers and tape measures and perform accurate takeoff right from the same computer screen. And speaking of computer screens, construction companies can now even redesign their offices since they no longer need large tables and rooms to lay out printed blueprints. They don’t even have to go across town or wait for the mailman to collect printed blueprints.
Excel spreadsheets have done a lot to improve the construction management, especially with respect to estimating and takeoff. But they don’t offer anything close to the powerful capabilities of construction management software in the UK. Construction companies that have made the switch to software now enjoy improved efficiency levels and a more competitive edge over their rivals.
