Construction Scheduling Software: What You Need to Know

According to ResearchGate, the construction industry experiences cost overruns and delays with low client fulfillment. Poor project planning usually appears as the primary cause. Yet, construction scheduling software effectively addresses productivity loss. It enables managers and project teams to assign specific times for each task.

Optimized schedules enhance the efficiency of construction teams. Meanwhile, managers deal with unexpected events instead of daily planning. You can improve field productivity by utilizing and understanding construction scheduling software programs. Which, in turn, helps increase net revenue.

Jump to the section you want to explore:

• What Is Construction Scheduling Software?

• Types of Construction Scheduling Software

• Features of Construction Project Management Software

• 3 Best Construction Scheduling Programs for General Contractors

• eLogii for Streamlined Scheduling, Routing, and Beyond

What Is Construction Scheduling Software? 

Construction scheduling means planning each project task for a smooth build. Before, project scheduling and organizing workflows relied on physical Gantt charts. Now, construction scheduling software automates the planning process using project management tools. It enhances efficiency and simplifies the entire workflow. Usually, the project manager and their assistant create the schedule using this software. The goal is to develop a precise list of all the tasks needed to finish the construction project.

Namely, Lorman emphasizes modern scheduling software's efficient management of many activities. Crafting these programs centers on managing diverse relationships. They offer a more precise depiction of the intricacies of design and construction processes. These programs outperform manual scheduling. They are particularly effective for projects such as tall buildings or delivery routes.

Types of Construction Scheduling Software

Different construction scheduling tools suit various project managers' or construction firms' needs.

• Comprehensive project management: Handling everything from start to finish. This includes estimation, request for information (RFI), bidding, scheduling, change orders, and closeout.
  
  
• Supply chain coordination: Helps with diverse product oversight and supply management.
  
  
• Transportation and routing scheduling: Helps teams move between sites uninterrupted for daily tasks.
  
  
• Estimation, bid, and budget tools: Help determine project costs, manage documents, and execute job costing.
  
  
• Managing vendors: This entails tracking and communicating with both vendors and subcontractors.

Your construction firm could need one or several of these management solutions. The specific needs vary with the projects you handle.

Features of Construction Project Management Software

Look for many different features in construction scheduling software. Identify the most suitable option for your project, job site, and company.

Task Creation

Every scheduling program depends on cataloged tasks to generate precise schedules. Some software options limit you to basic task templates. Yet, top construction scheduling programs feature customizable tasks and intricate dependency assignments.

Extra features related to task creation to consider include the capability to:

• Highlight sections of the critical path
• Import tasks with color-coding
• Create and save customized tasks
• Display task completion percentage

Schedule Viewing

The Gantt chart helps visualize complex construction projects. Hence, all software options offer this viewing method. Quality scheduling software offers diverse views like mind maps, charts, timelines, and calendars.

Look for features like tracking team tasks and member load. Also, explore a master project Gantt chart and identify days off due to holidays or events.

Information Distribution

Distributing information involves providing schedules and details to those performing the work. Scheduling software needs features like a field team portal. It also helps to have an export/print option for subcontractors.

Aim for software that has a mobile app. Field teams and mobile project managers depend on apps for quick access to punch lists. These essential applications make accessibility smooth and easy.

Special Information Storage

In intricate projects, the scheduling process often entails specific requirements. Storing and utilizing special information in the schedule is crucial on complex sites.

For instance, after installing erosion control, you must wait seven days. During this period, no on-site work can take place. This delay can only be concluded once the established erosion control methods prove successful. Effective scheduling software should automatically factor in this delay.

Look for software that lets you input the required skills and team members for tasks. It should also handle information such as lunch break times. It also needs to account for vehicle capacity. For instance, those for construction debris removal.

Incorporating Scheduling Software is crucial within 'Special Information Storage'. It contributes to a comprehensive approach that manages specific project requirements. It also optimizes the use of resources for increased project efficiency.

3 Best Construction Scheduling Programs for General Contractors

Construction scheduling software is beneficial for home builders, general contractors, and small businesses. Check out these four software solutions in the construction industry. Determine which one aligns best with your business needs.

#1 Procore

Procore is ideal for general contractors seeking integrated project management. It facilitates schedule tracking, cost monitoring, and contract management. This comprehensive software covers preconstruction, training, resources, finances, and analytics. Targeted at both general and subcontractor firms, as well as public sector organizations.

#2 Primavera

Primavera excels in handling complex projects. It provides detailed project schedule insights for construction management firms and subcontractors. The software facilitates cost tracking, performance monitoring, integrated accounting, and human management systems. It allows planning and scheduling while considering the company’s total resources. At the same time, it takes into account the specifics of individual projects.

#3 Microsoft Project

Microsoft Project facilitates schedule planning for construction management firms or subcontractors. The system integrates it into existing Microsoft accounts. This allows users to export it to various scheduling software. It is a starting point for big projects. It also suits smaller groups. They manage simpler projects with fewer complexities. Task planning is manual, but you can add details such as the person in charge, dates, and dependencies.

eLogii for Streamlined Scheduling, Routing, and Beyond

eLogii stands out as an excellent choice for construction scheduling software. The design is useful for specialty contractors, construction site or safety inspectors. It caters to the needs of other stakeholders as well. The routing and scheduling software proves invaluable for groups visiting many sites regularly. This is especially true for those sites that change each day.

Besides scheduling and route optimization, the software addresses common challenges. For instance, in mobile workforce management, it employs advanced and user-friendly features.

Here are some examples:

• Vehicle capacity planning: Manage mixed-product loads with ease. See how much material you can load on the vehicle and take supplies between sites without issues.
  
  
• Improved workload balance: Spend less time planning routes. Ensure that no team, site, or project manager is working too much by distributing the workload.
  
  
• Vehicle tracking: Check the whereabouts of your team members at any time during the day.
  
  
• Weekly planning: Gain access to an overview of multiple days worth of data. This includes tasks, drivers, and routes.

eLogii automates route planning and dispatching. It provides Real-time Tracking, Proof of Delivery, and Analytics. There are different price plans based on the number of vehicles intended to be optimized.