Many architectural firms are still using generic project management programs to run things. Instead of adapting the firm's processes and procedures to the program, it is well worth trying a specific architecture project management software. These type of programs not only help successful manage the work, but provide document management and powerful analysis tools to help run things profitably.
It goes without saying that projects need to be completed on time using available resources. The key is to manage the projects as smoothly as possible and with the best application of resources possible. While most firms have incorporated some technology into their practice, many do not use purpose built software for the task and rely on spreadsheets, word processing and other less than suitable programs. Architecture project management software is the solution to bootstrapping systems together.
The benefits of using a program dedicated to architectural projects are many. First and foremost is the software does not need to be adapted to the practice. Templates, reports, terminology and such are all architectural related. These programs have been developed by those with an intimate knowledge of the process, which makes using the system relatively simple and intuitive.
The basis of all good software is to organize, coordinate and manage the team's tasks, deliverables and workload. These programs offer a variety of features to make this easy. Project managers can plan all aspects of the project with a simple interface, entering tasks, dependencies, resources, time and other important components. Once entered these programs generally use Gantt chart-type reporting to get a visual look at a project.
Resource tracking and utilization is important aspect of managing projects and this type of software makes this task relatively easy. Reports can be generated at the employee level or the task level so you can see how people are spending their time, or conversely how much effort a task is taking. This allows the PM to stay on top of important deadlines and reassign resources as needed.
Another important feature of many of these programs is proposal and contract management. This simplifies the work flow for developing RFPs, submittals and any other key documents. Most allow for collaboration and provide version control so edits and inputs are not lost. This document management extends throughout the work, keeping track of things like addendums, change directives, contract changes, change orders all the way to the punch list.
Ideally all projects go according to plan, but of course this is not always the case. This is where reporting and analysis is important for improving profitability. Architecture project management software allows the PM and senior staff to perform detailed analysis on staffing, budgets and resource allocation. Most have numerous report templates, but customization is generally available too.
Competition today is fierce and unfortunately the most creative firms are not always the most successful. This is often due to less than ideal business processes and the inability to most effectively allocate resources and maintain billability. Architecture project management software takes much of the guesswork out of this process by providing the tools to do things more effectively. If you are not using a comprehensive PM system, you owe it to yourself and your firm to find out more.
It goes without saying that projects need to be completed on time using available resources. The key is to manage the projects as smoothly as possible and with the best application of resources possible. While most firms have incorporated some technology into their practice, many do not use purpose built software for the task and rely on spreadsheets, word processing and other less than suitable programs. Architecture project management software is the solution to bootstrapping systems together.
The benefits of using a program dedicated to architectural projects are many. First and foremost is the software does not need to be adapted to the practice. Templates, reports, terminology and such are all architectural related. These programs have been developed by those with an intimate knowledge of the process, which makes using the system relatively simple and intuitive.
The basis of all good software is to organize, coordinate and manage the team's tasks, deliverables and workload. These programs offer a variety of features to make this easy. Project managers can plan all aspects of the project with a simple interface, entering tasks, dependencies, resources, time and other important components. Once entered these programs generally use Gantt chart-type reporting to get a visual look at a project.
Resource tracking and utilization is important aspect of managing projects and this type of software makes this task relatively easy. Reports can be generated at the employee level or the task level so you can see how people are spending their time, or conversely how much effort a task is taking. This allows the PM to stay on top of important deadlines and reassign resources as needed.
Another important feature of many of these programs is proposal and contract management. This simplifies the work flow for developing RFPs, submittals and any other key documents. Most allow for collaboration and provide version control so edits and inputs are not lost. This document management extends throughout the work, keeping track of things like addendums, change directives, contract changes, change orders all the way to the punch list.
Ideally all projects go according to plan, but of course this is not always the case. This is where reporting and analysis is important for improving profitability. Architecture project management software allows the PM and senior staff to perform detailed analysis on staffing, budgets and resource allocation. Most have numerous report templates, but customization is generally available too.
Competition today is fierce and unfortunately the most creative firms are not always the most successful. This is often due to less than ideal business processes and the inability to most effectively allocate resources and maintain billability. Architecture project management software takes much of the guesswork out of this process by providing the tools to do things more effectively. If you are not using a comprehensive PM system, you owe it to yourself and your firm to find out more.
About the Author:
Read more about How To Choose Architecture Project Management Software visiting our website.
No comments:
Post a Comment