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.
Many firms piece together email, generic pm programs, spreadsheets, documents and a shared drive to manage things. And while this will get you by, you will not be best utilizing resources. Specifically designed architecture project management software blends together all the key components of the these programs into one easy to use interface. Since it is designed with architects in mind, the workflow, terminology and reporting are all tailored to the industry so there is little downtime in switching to the system.
It also means that gaining proficiency with the system is relatively quick. This is not only for the managers who work within the system, but for the staff who need to interface and use the software as well. The entire program was designed in consultation with architectural firms, there is less training involved and employees, contractors and clients will be more apt to adopt the system.
A management program is only as good as the core task system. These tools allow easy entry of all phases, tasks, deliverables, timelines, dependencies, and resources. Once entered, the project can be easily tracked and managed through a variety of visual tools such as calendars and Gantt charts. They also facilitate easy editing as resource needs change. The bottom line is that these programs make organizing, coordinating and managing a team's work much simpler than traditional methods.
Embedded in the management aspect of these programs is resource tracking. This is an important component in today's marketplace where maximizing resources and billability is key to a firm's success and viability. With easy reporting tools the PM can judge an individual's workload and shift tasks and responsibilities accordingly. Most have built in tools to make communications to groups simple.
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.
Architecture project management software is not a nice-to-have in today's competitive environment. To be successful requires attention to detail during a project that can't be achieved with traditional PM methods. Any firm looking to improve efficiency and minimize risk should check out one of these programs to experience the benefits first hand.
Many firms piece together email, generic pm programs, spreadsheets, documents and a shared drive to manage things. And while this will get you by, you will not be best utilizing resources. Specifically designed architecture project management software blends together all the key components of the these programs into one easy to use interface. Since it is designed with architects in mind, the workflow, terminology and reporting are all tailored to the industry so there is little downtime in switching to the system.
It also means that gaining proficiency with the system is relatively quick. This is not only for the managers who work within the system, but for the staff who need to interface and use the software as well. The entire program was designed in consultation with architectural firms, there is less training involved and employees, contractors and clients will be more apt to adopt the system.
A management program is only as good as the core task system. These tools allow easy entry of all phases, tasks, deliverables, timelines, dependencies, and resources. Once entered, the project can be easily tracked and managed through a variety of visual tools such as calendars and Gantt charts. They also facilitate easy editing as resource needs change. The bottom line is that these programs make organizing, coordinating and managing a team's work much simpler than traditional methods.
Embedded in the management aspect of these programs is resource tracking. This is an important component in today's marketplace where maximizing resources and billability is key to a firm's success and viability. With easy reporting tools the PM can judge an individual's workload and shift tasks and responsibilities accordingly. Most have built in tools to make communications to groups simple.
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.
Architecture project management software is not a nice-to-have in today's competitive environment. To be successful requires attention to detail during a project that can't be achieved with traditional PM methods. Any firm looking to improve efficiency and minimize risk should check out one of these programs to experience the benefits first hand.
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