When everyone is on the same page, projects move faster, are more thorough, and are more successful. There are so many ways tech can help construction teams work better together that don’t involve picking up a phone or sending an email. Look for software that allows for real-time sharing of critical information, centralized documentation of progress, and enhanced task coordination.

Get everyone on the same digital page

The best projects require thorough planning. But you'll be wasting precious time if you sift through hundreds of pieces of paper, constantly print out revisions, and drive plan sets back and forth from jobsites. You will need a planning tool that can keep everyone on the same digital page.

Look for construction planning software that is integrated with or partially functions as a project management tool.

Markups and revisions are bound to happen in construction plans. Make sure your software updates revisions in real-time so no one starts working off the wrong set. HCSS Plans makes it clear which version you’re looking at by stamping “VOID” across older versions so there’s no confusion. Users can toggle between versions to better understand what changes were made. Take it one step further and go beyond annotations; software like HCSS Plans can automatically create calculations and quantities for the work performed.

Reliable, accessible data at all times

More often than not, your jobsites don’t have the best network service. You can waste valuable time trying to load your data in a remote area, and even then, it may not be synced with the most updated version. Make sure your team has remote access to your apps and data by looking for cloud-based software. Most larger-name cloud hosting services like Amazon or Microsoft don’t come with additional features like anti-virus protection, app and data maintenance, security updates, etc.

It’s worth researching construction software providers that offer these built into their hosting platforms. Your IT team will save a lot of time and money if they don’t have to maintain and manage it. The right solution can ensure that crucial project information is available anytime, anywhere, enabling quick decision-making and uninterrupted workflow, whether you’re on-site or in the office.

Go from hazard to follow-up to meeting in a few clicks

The right software can help teams feel like everyone has each other’s backs. Look for a collaborative safety tool that strengthens team cohesion and project continuity. The right tool will allow you to track and focus on leading indicators that identify where your team has potential hazards. Safety managers can share this information with different stakeholders or even schedule safety meetings to close the loop on potential issues.

Safety meetings may have a bad rep, but with the right software, they can be effective and engaging. Many tools come with a host of toolbox talk topics that can allow crews to learn what’s important to their day’s tasks. Are you not working around forklifts today but your buddy is? Great! We’ll give him the forklift safety meeting, and we’ll give you one related to what you’ll be working on.

This keeps crews engaged and fosters better communication on-site.