Improvement initiatives in construction

Staying up to date with the latest techniques and tools in practice is essential for any construction projects manager if they want to improve efficiency.

After all, technology is changing the way building teams work, increasing efficiency and cutting overall costs. Great project managers are always looking for ways to improve the construction management process; anything less would be poor management. The best way to guarantee client satisfaction in building projects is to include a clearly defined quality assurance process. Infusing total quality management practices into the construction management process is the key to success.

However, some project managers seem to think that they can get by with using outdated methods and tools. They believe that as long as the project is completed on time and within budget, that is all that matters. But this is simply not the case. In order to be a successful project manager, you need to be constantly looking for ways to improve the construction management process. Otherwise, you will soon be left behind by your competition.

So if you are a project manager who wants to stay ahead of the curve, make sure to keep up with the latest techniques and tools in practice. And if you want to guarantee client satisfaction, be sure to include a clearly defined quality assurance process in your construction projects.

Below you find 3 useful TIPS for every Project Manager

Every construction professional knows that it is important to stay up to date with the latest data about technologies that improve construction efficiency (for more on this topic, see our article).

After all, the most beneficial and worthy investment is the one that is informed by the latest techniques and tools in practice. By enhancing the construction projects management process, firms can improve efficiency and optimize their bottom line.

So, how can project managers take steps to enhance their construction management processes? By being great, for one!
Great project managers are constantly looking for ways to improve the construction management process; otherwise, they are not great. Furthermore, they understand that every construction project is different and, as such, they tailor their management processes to fit the specific needs of each project.

In addition to being great and adaptable, construction project managers must also be excellent communicators. They need to be able to communicate effectively with all members of the construction team, from the laborers to the engineers to the architects. By clearly articulating the objectives of the construction project, project managers can ensure that everyone is working towards the same goal.

Finally, construction project managers need to be able to stay calm under pressure. Construction projects are often rife with challenges and setbacks, but the best project managers are those who are able to maintain their composure in the face of adversity. By keeping a cool head, project managers can make sound decisions that ultimately benefit the construction project.

While there is no one-size-fits-all formula for success in construction project management, following these best practices can certainly help construction professionals take their projects to the next level.

1. Tip for PM – How to review of earlier projects in KanBo

In KanBo you have insight into earlier projects, so you can review all the knowledge that has been accumulated there.

Improving the process for managing your projects can help improve critical phases in a project’s lifecycle, as well as improve efficiency. A successful process can increase project time-to-complete, communications, and can even impact future projects.

Technology is making it possible for building projects to finish on time while still being of high quality. Technology is changing the way building teams work, increasing efficiency and cutting overall costs.

2. Tip for PM – How to improve communication and Team Work using KanBo

The context of the task allows PM to improve communication and teamwork.

Construction is significantly behind other industries in their utilisation of digital tools, new materials, techniques, and technologies. Because of the nature of the innovation in the construction business, it is difficult to keep up with all of them, let alone the fact that the adoption process is slow and costly. Construction is lagging behind other industries in terms of digital technology.

Many construction professionals recognize just how critical industry technologies are for building efficiency and all aspects of project management, yet far too few are willing to make the transition. Many construction professionals may be reluctant to experiment and adopt innovative technologies, as well as advances that improve efficiency overall.

Technologies such as cloud computing are helping construction firms improve the speed at which projects are completed, and to maximise the quality at every phase of every project, from initial planning and design to materials and product specifications, through to the handover of delivery. Managing construction equipment intelligently is one of the best ways to improve construction efficiency.

3. Tip for PM – How to maximise the quality at every phase of every project?

To maximize quality at every stage of every project, use the KanBo platform for Construction.

Training is vital for efficiency, especially for construction supervisors, who need solid principles and managerial techniques to make sure projects are completed without accident. The best way to guarantee client satisfaction in building projects is by including a clearly defined quality assurance process.

Use software tools such as KanBo with Gantt Chart and Task Dependencies features, which allow for scheduling quality control checks to ensure the building team meets every one of their specified deadlines. It is obvious construction companies need to address efficiency in construction across projects.

By hiring subcontractors, using modular building, and embracing technologies like project management software and construction team management software, processes at the site can be optimized, while maintaining work quality.

By applying Lean principles to foster a culture of continuous improvement on the jobsite, leadership teams can complete projects on time and under budget, making them a clear hiring choice for developers and owners. Adopting a culture of continuous improvement has been shown to drastically increase project performance, with positive impacts on metrics such as time, cost, quality, and safety. Infusing total quality management (TQM) practices into the construction firms Quality Management System (QMS) can result in significant improvements to the quality processes, thus leading to better results.

Final Word

Infusing the TQM methodologies into a projects QMS process should result in a robust process, which will guarantee a proper job set-up every time. Construction industry professionals acknowledge the importance of having a robust QMS programme, with efficient processes, overseen by competent, trained partners, and supported by committed employees and senior leadership, as critical requirements to deliver superior quality and increase value to a projects performance. Everyone working on a project must receive the greatest possible benefit from the work being done, and general contractors and specialty contractors must cooperate to ensure that the work is done in the most efficient order.

Creating a system of constant project-wide communication also helps you uncover new ways of approaching problems from a projects team, and helps to develop more efficient processes onsite, reduce lengthy meetings prior to the work, and eliminate delays.
When you increase efficiency at the project level, you are also making sure that your project teams’ downtime is reduced, which, in turn, allows you to find more productive tasks to work on.

Earlier data from projects can help to better plan the upcoming task orders, as well as strategize about creating more workable schedules and estimates. By getting familiar with suppliers, managers can negotiate better deals and find vendor order fulfilment processes that can be integrated into the projects schedule.

At the end of the day, the focus needs to be on the project itself. It is not about who is paying, it’s about the work that has been done and the job that has been done correctly, in a timely manner. The ultimate goals of a project should be to meet deadlines and complete a quality job for the client. Using KanBo platform for Construction PM can help in achieving these goals, as it supports the project team to manage and maintain deadlines, reduce unnecessary meetings, and streamline the complex project processes.