Top 5 ways contractors can leverage modern processes and tools to save construction costs

Complex and fast-paced construction projects are challenging for contractors if they are still latched onto traditional processes and tools. With schedule overruns, budget overshoots, and paper-thin profit margins, contractors need advanced construction processes and tools. Reinforcing contracting services with new technologies can help contractors cut building costs, stay productive and achieve a sound net profit.

Contractors taking on various responsibilities including overseeing fabrication and installation face unavoidable challenges. Negligence in identifying ambiguities in the preconstruction stage leads to devastating construction failures. Inability to identify clashes, inefficient schedule workflows, inaccurate cost estimates, etc. can lead to rework, project delays, cost overshoots, material waste, and more.

The following blog focuses on new and advanced processes and tools for contractors or contracting companies to leverage costs-savings.

1.   Enhance project planning through BIM reinforced with advanced construction management tools.

BIM has been the spearhead of modern construction for thousands of contractors on a global level. The existence of various dimensions reinforced by tangible software-driven technology helps contractors visualize project execution in three-dimensional geometry. Adopting BIM in the early design stages has helped contractors ease down on construction challenges through proactive clash detection, accurate scheduling, and sequencing, precise cost estimates, diminished material waste, etc.

The use of end-to-end construction management tools from iFieldSmart Technologies has assisted contractors with digital, yet holistic visualization of the entire project. Capabilities like construction coordination, storage for MEP drawings, proactive task management, RFI and submittal management, design automation, analytics, and other features drive project collaboration for smart BIM. Referencing BIM models create fewer errors, diminishes delays, and lower construction confusion. 

2.   Better logistics tracking and material usage.

BIM models reinforced with accurate 4D scheduling, walkthroughs, quantity takeoffs, and cost estimates lead to effective and efficient construction logistics and material usage. Construction management tools from iFieldSmart Technologies assist contractors with centralized data storage and access with updates on logistics and effective material management.

With realistic and graphical 4D sequencing, contractors can truly visualize actual construction through equipment placement, material usage, resource allocation, etc.

3.   Deploy advanced automation and field documentation to achieve onsite efficiency and safety.

Revit reinforced with automation tools like Dynamo, APIs, and Plugins to automate and speed up the BIM modeling process enables greater accuracy in the design stage. Coordinated and clash-free digital deliverables like BIM models, model-based drawings, etc. can help contractors speed up the construction process with 100% MEP installation and fewer change orders.

Field documentation and tracking through 360-degree photo-proof, laser scans, 3D models, and drawings can assist contractors with accurate construction prediction. Performing side-by-side comparisons of photos with models, laser scans, or drawings over a while helps monitor planned vs actual onsite progress. Precise field documentation assists subcontractors with greater onsite safety as they can visualize the location of every component or equipment whilst installation or maintenance. Documenting As-Built conditions with rough-in pictures before the close-out drives better risk management for O and M contractors for maintenance and renovation.

4.   Enhance onsite communication and collaboration with remote construction management solutions.

Remote management of field conditions can help save time for contractors and other crews. With information stored, accessed, and shared on a single platform back-office and onsite teams can communicate quickly to identify and resolve ambiguities. This helps reduce the number of costly RFIs and change orders leading to lower construction costs.

Mobile technology devices and apps make it easier for onsite personnel to access data on the fly for faster task execution and adherence to project timelines.

5.   Improving efficiency and meeting planned timelines with projects on the cloud.

Housing project information on a cloud-based platform enables effective and efficient construction project management. Better project visibility throughout the entire lifecycle enriched with proactive notification capabilities helps manage changes in project scope with the right set of modifications. Reports updated in real-time help contractors and other contracting parties stay on the same page and up to speed for seamless project management and greater ROI.

One of the biggest advantages of cloud-based construction management software is connecting ERP solutions and onsite accounting. With detailed business intelligence and reporting, mobile-based tools can drive material and equipment tracking, task management, timelines, manage distribution lists, etc.

Conclusion

The key to adopting construction management software from iFieldSmart Technologies is saving countless hours through software flexibility and scalability. To learn more on how software-based construction management can help you, the contractor, cut costs, schedule a quick demo.

For more information: +17034688575

Visit us: –www.ifieldsmart.com/