5 Software Programs for the Construction Industry

The computing age has transformed the construction industry. Architects and engineers use Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) software to design all aspects of a construction project. Blue prints are printed on large format printers and the software can estimate the amount of materials needed to complete the project. This has led to Project Management software which helps to schedule the construction of the project as well as tracking software to ensure the necessary materials are on site at the correct time.

Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) Software for the Construction Industry

Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) has changed how a building is designed. Both architectures and engineers depend upon the scale drawings to calculate everything from how much concrete will be needed to how many man-hours a project will take to complete. CAD software can be used to update drawings immediately when a customer has a change. The automation of the program updates everything at once which saves time and money. It provides an accurate bid for the completion of each construction project.

Payroll Software for the Construction Industry

The construction industry depends on payroll and accounting software due to the influx of different craftsmen working during different phases of the construction project. Multimillion dollar projects may require that different craftsmen are involved in different areas. While a wall is being erected in one area of a building, the electricians are wiring a different area, and the insulators are in yet a third area. The payroll software adjust to the different wage scales and allows the time keeper to enter the location within the project that a person is working on. This provides tracking of exactly how much time was spent on which part of the project. This information can be used when calculating bids for the next project the construction company takes on.

Project Management Software for the Construction Industry

A construction project is normally overseen by a general contractor. The general contractor ensures that all subcontractors are scheduled and have a time allotment to complete a given task. The general contractor may be an architect or an engineer. Below the general contractor are various subcontractors such as insulators, roofers, dry wall installers, electricians, and plumbers. Subcontractors have to be scheduled to complete different parts of a project at different times. Project Management Software helps to coordinate different subcontractors and making sure that the plumbers do not have to tear out the foundation that was completed before the pluming lines were installed.

Materials Bids, Tracking and Purchase Orders Software for the Construction Industry

Materials must be available at the correct time to complete a construction project. While the CAD program can tell you how much cement you will need and the project management software will tell you when you will need it, you will still have to coordinate the arrival of the materials to the project location. Thus, accounting software is used to place and track orders for materials that are a necessity in the construction industry. The accounting software will also allow the contractor to request quotes and shop around for the best prices before placing the orders. This helps with the bidding process and locks both the contractor and the vendor into a price guarantee the contractor can use when calculating the bid for the construction project.

Tracking Software and the Internet for the Construction Industry

Construction site permits, licenses and safety protocols must be in place before the first spade of dirt is removed from the construction site. Internet browsers allow the contractor to apply for permits, check on subcontractor licenses and updates for safety protocols throughout the construction phase.

There are hundreds of choices for the construction industry when it comes to software. With the five types of software listed, a construction company can operate efficiently and that helps your bottom line. Study each type of software and become familiar with it before placing an order. Be sure it will do the job you want it to do. Also, be sure to take advantage of any training that is offered by the software company. You may not be aware of some of the capabilities that a package contains without it.

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