Smartphones have morphed into mini computers many consider necessary to organize their lives and get through their days. According to a recent Pew Research Center study, 77% of cell phone owners have smartphones. The construction industry is no exception to this trend. On jobsites, construction managers often turn to mobile technology to expedite and track workflows.
But finding the best business apps can be overwhelming. How do you know which app is right for your company? Can one app do it all, or do you need several apps to meet all your needs?
With input from our readers, as well as our research, Construction Dive put together a list of eight apps we think are worth investigating.
Fieldwire
Available on: iOS, Android, Windows
This construction management software helps professionals with a range of construction tasks, including blueprint management, as built drawing software, construction management and scheduling. It also has a punch list to expedite the close out process and building inspection. Features, depending on your plan, include plan viewing, file sharing, sheet comparison, punch list reports, API access, Box and Dropbox two-way sync, training programs, the ability to invite external users and centralized billing.
PlanGrid Construction Software
Available on: iOS, Android, Windows
PlanGrid's newest app feature is full sheet search, which enables users to search sheets on mobile devices while offline. The search term, which will appear to be highlighted, can initiated on a single sheet and expanded to see all results on a given project. Search algorithms will recognize related words. Other features include comparing drawings, notifications of project changes, 360-degree photos and managing drawing sets with automatic versioning and drawing set tags.
Harness Hero
Available on: iOS, Android, Amazon
Developed by the Master Builders' Association of Western Pennsylvania Inc., Harness Hero is a safety video game to encourage players to learn and make decisions about fall arrest systems. During each game phase, the player decides where to anchor, what device to use, how to set up the harness, what connection device to use and more. Players also inspect equipment for rips and other malfunctions. After each play, the player will fall and see a rescue, severe injury or fatality, depending how well the equipment was set up. If a player scores 95% or above, he will earn a certificate of achievement.
Autodesk BIM 360
Available on: iOS, Android
BIM 360 aims to connect a sometimes disconnected "app for that" world. The cloud-based platform aims to add value to and connect the entire construction lifecycle across preconstruction, execution, fabrication, installation and facility management. Specific BIM 360 products include docs, field, glue, layout, ops, plan and team. Hand-in-hand with BIM 360 is the Connect and Construct Exchange, a BIM 360 integration partner program that delivers third-party software applications and data to the workflow. It includes more than 50 partners.
Aconex Mobile
Available on: iOS, Android
This app allows its users to access and capture information at any time and work offline in low coverage areas. Features include the ability to search documents; capture photos, video and audio; view and markup images and drawings; view and download team information; and create and respond to mail. The app also retains an audit trail for all projects, which can be useful in case of a dispute.
e-Builder
Available on: iOS, Android
The e-Builder suite includes program performance management, business process management and project lifecycle management. With tabular reporting, users can export reports to Excel and PowerPoint. Real-time data makes it easy to create dashboard via a drag and drop method and combine tabular reports into one. Integrated cost management tools help track funding from multiple sources, budget changes, commitment changes and actual costs. Other features include viewing CAD and BIM files, capital planning tools and more.
Pype Autospecs
Available on: iOS
Recently updated, Autospecs will identify and highlight changes, as well as offer side-by-side comparison, when new specs are imported. The software also takes data and creates submittal logs within minutes, allowing resources to be deployed faster and saving the manual time of doing so. Pype has integrated with several project management platforms, including Procore, Prolog and Viewpoint. Other apps within the Pype family include eBinder, which packages files into a searchable interface, and Closeout, intended to help automate the closeout process.
Procore
Available on: iOS, Android, Windows
Procore includes four product lines: project management, quality and safety, construction financials and field productivity. The software allows its users to review, create, modify and share project data with team members; manage requests for information in real time; mark up and track drawings; access project directories and schedules; log daily site activities, such as weather, labor and productivity; among other features. Information can be linked to a mobile device, which will sync when the device is online. AES-256-bit encryption, data backups, granular permission levels and automatic user tracking help ensure sensitive information is kept secure.
