Leaders in construction project management are constantly searching for emerging and more effective methods for managing their processes. For many project managers, agile has become the go-to method because agile project management tools are so effective at optimizing performance and driving greater efficiencies of scale and economy that save time, money, and organizational resources. Adopting agile practices in construction takes a little bit of knowledge and is helped greatly by the use of a flexible, software solution.

What is agile construction?

Agile construction is an integrated system of principles, methods, and philosophies of doing business adapted to construction job sites and overall project delivery in the construction industry. Agile is present in many industries and its principles are universal even as applications differ.

Broadly, agile is a set of processes, philosophies, and project management tools used to drive a culture of continuous improvement and adaptation by allowing changes to be made at every stage of a project’s execution as conditions change and situations evolve.

There are four key elements of agile which are industry-specific to construction. They are:

• Prioritizing communication and collaboration between all project stakeholders

• Removing complex manual processes and using software to improve performance and quality management

• Focusing on constant communication and feedback with key project stakeholders over the limitations of contractual obligations

• Adapting to the challenges and opportunities of the moment to deliver the best possible results today and a culture of continual improvement to perfect performance down the line

Focusing on these principles in your construction project management process improves outcomes and creates an agile system. 

The agile benefits of construction project management software

One of the most important elements of the construction project development lifecycle is the evolution of software solutions for improving performance and simplifying project management. Project management software streamlines access to data and the control of core processes. Flexible software ensures teams are well connected and can collaborate in distributed remote-first teams using stable and reliable cloud-powered services. There are many benefits that construction companies realize by adopting construction project management software that aligns directly with agile principles.

Real-time communication and collaboration

One of the most critical functions of any construction project manager is making sure everyone is communicating and collaborating effectively at any given job site. Managing projects as they grow and change is difficult, but for companies that have team members spread across multiple locations communication becomes an even greater hurdle. 

With a construction management software system in place, every team member has access to a centralized point of communication no matter where they’re working or what device they have on hand—helping ensure real-time communication and collaboration between clients, consultants, contractors, and project managers.

Process efficiency and organization

Construction management software makes it easier for managers to adopt an efficient, systematic approach to project management. The best project managers can ensure each team member and the myriad of moving pieces fit into one cohesive puzzle. To this end, an easy-to-use CMS helps managers instantly share valuable information, track the project budget and create all the necessary components like requests for information, business letters, change requests, and more.

A construction management platform grants the ability to rapidly and effectively organize processes across the construction company. From storing information and making it easily accessible to tracking expenses, contracts, and budgets, having a seamless organization system means team members across the company can access what they need, when they need it, without hassle.

Simple customization and continuous improvement

At its core, construction management software is highly customizable. This is because there isn’t a “standard” template for the features included in a solution. Most construction companies rely on their unique processes, and software companies are usually keen to meet those needs by tailoring their software to the specific needs of their customers. The ability to tailor construction management software to your processes and requirements can lead to faster deployment and, ultimately, faster growth for your company.

Customizations don’t stop with the creation of applications of record but are crucial when adopting improvements and updates to inefficient processes. Construction project management software facilitates critical reviews of existing workflows and makes improving them easier. Agile practices focus on continuous improvement of your work, and a management platform makes improvements easily adoptable and actionable.

The Quickbase construction management software solution

Quickbase provides construction management software that helps construction companies and contractors see, connect and control every element of complex projects so they can deliver on budget and on time. The no-code platform enables organizations to improve operations through real-time insights and automation across complex processes and disparate systems — without needing in-house engineers or robust internal IT teams. Quickbase's flexible platform enables project executives to craft a solution that integrates their existing processes and brings visibility to the forefront. Quickbase makes mega projects manageable for construction companies of all size.

Ready to see how a flexible construction project management platform can make your organization agile? Check out Quickbase now.