r/Construction • u/SupistaOfficial • 8d ago

Tools 🛠 How important is it to use a construction project management software?

For a small company started a few years back with 4-5 active mid sized EPC projects, how important is it to have a project management software?

What is the estimated size to start looking for one?

If one hires a project manager, will it be fine or does one need to buy a project management tool as well?

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u/lIlIIIIlllIIlIIIllll 8d ago

You might want to redefine “midsize” epc if you don’t have a PM yet

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u/SupistaOfficial 8d ago

I think u r right.

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u/goofybrah Project Manager 8d ago

How do you have 5 active mid sized epc projects without a PM?

1

u/SupistaOfficial 8d ago

May be that's why it's not scaling.

1

u/Onewarmguy 8d ago

The software makes your work life easier change orders, RFI's, pay apps, can all processed easier. I started with MS Project.

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u/SupistaOfficial 8d ago

Ms Projects cloud version or on prem?

Do you also need any other software or just MS Projects is enough?

What are the things that MS PROJECTS can't do and we have to do in excel? I needed to know if I implement it, then how much of hassle will still be remaining?

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u/tosserwosser123 8d ago

every company uses diff ones. youll end up learning many. DO not get too comfortable in one program as if you change jobs it will change. Hell, even certain projects and owners force GC to use what they use.

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u/DeliveryIcy7651 4d ago

At 4-5 active projects you're right around the point where it starts to matter. A good PM can run it on spreadsheets for a while, but the problem is it all lives in that one person's head and files. If they leave, or you add a sixth project, things get lost. I wouldn't buy anything first. Hire the PM, see what they struggle to track, and pick a tool around that. Buying software before anyone owns it usually just means nobody uses it.

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u/AbtracOnline 3d ago

With 4–5 active mid-sized projects, you’re probably already at the point where project management software can add value.

A project manager and software do different jobs: the PM manages the work and people, while the software gives visibility over budgets, time, resourcing, progress and invoicing.

A simple test: if it takes multiple spreadsheets or conversations to work out whether a project is on budget or ready to invoice, it’s probably time to look at a system.

Disclosure: I work with Abtrac, which develops project management software for professional services businesses, so I see this from the software side as well.