Construction Tech
As the complexity of the projects has grown along with the need to ensure timely delivery, the world over there has been a growing emphasis on transitioning from offline tools to adopting digital tools for managing Construction processes. While Software focused on planning, collaboration, and scheduling has existed since the 80s, the most widely adopted use-case started back in the 1960s with the introduction of a tool by Sage Software, a precursor to Building Information Modelling (BIM). As more and more companies have seen value in adopting digitisation through the BIMs, many of these companies have also started using complex complementary tools for various tasks like Budgeting & Vendor management and Scheduling. The growth of the internet, the availability of high processing power and storage has led to many of these Software being available on the cloud. This has enabled savings on Hardware costs and an easy deployment of new features.
2. Factors to consider?
When selecting Construction management software, there are various factors to consider. The key factors among them include:
i. Scalability: Can the tool support the growth of the company by enabling new workflows? Can more licenses be added easily? Reuse the old models to replicate more complex systems.
ii. User-friendliness: How intuitive the software is to use? A new user is not expected to spend a significant time in learning the tool. Availability of training facilities and learning resources
iii. Feature set: Key features that add value to the Business
iv. Customisation: Adding specific customised features as per Business need
v. Integrations: Can the tool work in close conjugation with existing tools?
vi. Customer support: Responsiveness and proficiency in resolving queries
vii. Budget: ROI and Payback for the budget apportioned to the software
3. How to go about evaluating?
Some ways to go about understanding whether the software under consideration meets your requirement might involve getting multiple detailed demos of the product, checking the reputation of the tool amongst other collaborators and competitors within the same industry and also understanding specific case studies and reviews on popular software review sites like Software Advice, Capterra and G2, also specific reviews and ratings for their mobile apps on Google Play store and Apple app store.
4. Some popular tools to consider:
In this article, We have tried to use the above framework to understand some of the tools that constitute today’s burgeoning Construction Tech:
Autodesk has pioneered in developing some of the most widely used software tools within the Design and Construction Industries. Though the company is renowned for category-defining tools like AutoCAD and Revit, they have also made giant strides in offering tools for almost every need in the Construction industry.
Construction Cloud is an umbrella brand including popular tools like Autodesk Build for Project & Cost management, Autodesk BuildingConnected for Bid management and ProEst for flexible cost estimates. The software also integrates well with some of the popular tools like Airtable, Asana, and DocuSign. Pricing depends on the module chosen, with Autodesk Build starting at INR 96,760 per user per year making it an expensive affair. Autodesk offers some bundles which might bring down the cost significantly. Users have found a steep learning curve to use Tools within Construction Cloud a deterrent.
Notable Clients: Straits Construction Singapore, Walsh Group, Messer
Suitable for: Mega organizations needing extreme complexity and collaboration between a large number of users.
Bentley Systems is an infrastructure engineering software company with a legacy of more than 4 decades. In a similar vein to Autodesk, Bentley is known for its design software Microstation. SYNCHRO, its Construction management tool, includes
领英推荐
Synchro 4D, Synchro Field, Synchro Control and Synchro Perform. A variety of tasks like Planning, Virtual Construction and accessing the field data can be performed using this Software Suite. The company’s active YouTube channel has learning resources that help users navigate the complexity of the tool. Synchro is offered with a 2-week free trial and it costs 200 USD (~INR 17k) per user per year for Synchro Field to 2300 USD (~INR 2L) for 5 keys of Synchro 4D, a solution that also comes with access to other tools like Synchro field available in the suite. Bentley Qualified Trainers and Consultants are available to enable implementation and provide support.
Notable Clients: Clark Construction, Clough
Suitable for: Large infrastructure companies and projects like power stations, and airports requiring advanced 4D construction planning and operations.
III. Powerplay
Powerplay offers a wide array of features but is renowned for its Task Planning & scheduler for managing work at the site and Collaboration features. Budgeting and Cost Management are other worthy feature additions to the tool. The mobile offering has more than 5 Lakh downloads and a strong rating of 4.2. Powerplay claims to offer dedicated account managers for support. While the reporting feature and ease of use are lauded, some users have expressed concern about the lack of visualisations and a slightly different UI/UX between the website features and the mobile app. Pricing starts from INR 71,999/- plus GST for their Manpower management, for up to 15 users. There are different add-ons like additional storage space making it very flexible when it comes to pricing.
Notable Clients: Mostly Indian clients like Dezign Code, Jay Constructions
Suitable for: Companies looking for an easy-to-use solution for scheduling. Ideal for smaller to mid-sized firms.
While other companies/tools might score over Procore when it comes to Market Share, Revenue, and User Interaction we might have to search hard when it comes to the likeability factor going by all the ratings Procore has notched up — 4.5 with more than 2.7k ratings on Capterra and 4.5+ with 5k ratings on Google Play store.
Procore offers 11 tools across categories like Preconstruction, Project Management, Workforce Management, and Financial Management. It is known to offer exceptional customer support and its marketplace is filled with popular outside tools available for embedding within Procore. Procore’s thriving partner community and online forums might be one of the reasons for its popularity.
Notable Clients: Honeywell, Brookfield Properties, Greystar
Suitable for: Organizations looking for a robust tool with extensive integrations and 24x7 customer support. Larger Organisations will be in a better position to extract value as Procore offers Unlimited Users and Unlimited Data in their plans.
A tool that is similar to Procore, It also offers some distinct features compared to many other Construction Software. These features include Financing options, CRM and integration with a rebate program through Ferguson, a leading national distributor of materials in the US. The solution is more focused towards Home builders, remodelers, speciality contractors and commercial contractors. The pricing starts from USD 499 (~INR 41k) per month for essential packs and a personalised support called Buildertrend Boost can be accessed at USD 100 (~ INR 8k) making it a more affordable option. Limited popular integrations are allowed on Buildertrend.
Notable Clients: Mid-sized US customers like Rising Build
Suitable for: Small and Medium Commercial Builders with a lower budget
5. Some other popular tools?
In addition to the above, the other tools widely accepted within the Construction Industry include ProjectSight, Raken, and Bluebeam.
6. What’s next for Construction Tech?
One Innovation that is disrupting multiple industries is the advancement in the Artificial Intelligence space and its wide adoption. Concept designs of major architectural projects are already being generated using some of the popular AI Image generators. Many plugins are also being built to change the way Infrastructure is designed. The natural progression for Construction Tech might be tools integrated with AI that enable prompt-based generation of First drafts.