In the evolving Australian construction industry, subcontractors play a pivotal role in project success. To navigate the complexities of multiple construction projects simultaneously, subcontractors need to maximise their visibility. In this article, we’ll explore the concept of project visibility, its benefits, and practical strategies subcontractors can use to enhance their project visibility plan using construction project management software.
The Power of Project Visibility
Project visibility in construction goes beyond the physical structures being built; it’s about monitoring and analysing every aspect of a project’s progress and communicating these with team members, project managers and other stakeholders.
Striving for optimal project performance and visibility is not just a good practice; it’s a key factor in successful project management and supports project success.
Understanding Project Visibility
In construction, true project visibility refers to the accessibility of accurate, up-to-date project information. Good project visibility ensures the ability to track project tasks, identify potential issues, and share relevant information with the project manager, construction team and other relevant project stakeholders.
The Benefits of Enhanced Project Visibility for Subcontractors
Improved project visibility facilitates better decision-making, enhances communication, and streamlines project management processes.
Staying close to major and minor details in the project helps clients and staff feel confident in the work being done. So, for a subcontractor, having good project visibility not only impacts the quality of work but also the overall reputation of their business.
Key Factors Affecting Project Visibility
Several factors contribute to achieving high-level project visibility.
Subcontractors that can provide detailed, up-to-date information on all aspects of a project can build credibility and trust with their team, their client and authorities monitoring compliance.
Thorough documentation recorded incrementally as a project develops not only provides a historical record of project progress but also real-time access to data and empowers stakeholders with the most current information. With real, accurate information, important decisions can be made to avoid potential risks and maximise the opportunities in a project.
Being quick and efficient in providing this information to team members is important for project viability. If the process is time-consuming, manual, and requires a treasure hunt to find information, it is unlikely to be done consistently each time. This leads to potential gaps in information and increases the likelihood of errors or omissions.
Strategies to Increase Project Visibility
To create true project visibility, subcontractors can implement several practical strategies.
Effective Everyday Communication
Make sure that all team members know what they need to know without confusing or distracting them with information they don’t need. Keep them focused so they can be most effective.
The best way to keep project teams on the same page is to develop a project communication plan. A project communication plan provides details on when and how project status reports should be shared and who they should be shared with.
Meticulous Documentation
Collect and share project-related information progressively so all team members can access the information they need to stay close to the project and contribute to its success.
Report Regularly
Regular project updates are fundamental. Understand the information that different team members are monitoring and develop methods to quickly access data that can be delivered via report templates that suit the purpose. Don’t make team members dig for the key info they are after. Ensuring all team members are informed and aligned contributes to a more transparent and efficient project management process.
Leveraging Technology for Better Project Visibility
Digital tools and construction management software, such as Neo Intelligence, are pivotal in achieving project visibility. Real-time tracking, digital reporting, and seamless integration with other construction software enable subcontractors to access accurate and up-to-date information, ultimately enhancing overall project visibility.
In a fast-moving business, using slow manual processes isn’t good enough. Use digital tools and integrate them, meaning one tool passes information that another needs directly into the next without manual intervention. This speeds up daily processes from scheduling to timesheets and payroll. It also means fewer opportunities for errors due to less human intervention.
Overcoming Common Visibility Challenges in Construction Projects
Subcontractors often face challenges such as fragmented communication and project data in silos, which hinder project visibility. Using technology and standardised or structured processes are key solutions to these challenges.
Customising workflows into digital forms helps to drive a consistent process throughout the project, irrespective of who is on the tools that day. Confirming that steps in a process have been completed and who completed them assists decision-making in other areas of the project.
Collecting project information into a digital site diary, part of a construction management platform, helps break down communication barriers by adding data into a centralised information repository.
Case Studies: Subcontractors Enhancing Project Visibility
QRC Concreting has nearly 100 staff and can have anywhere from 10-15 projects on the go at any one time, with most ranging from 3-12 months duration, sometimes longer. Keeping on top of the information about staff, project changes and progress was difficult before they implemented construction management software by Neo Intelligence.
Good visibility over projects has made the team far more productive and consistent in their work.
Steps to Implementing Better Visibility Practices
Implementing better visibility practices requires a systematic approach.
- Subcontractors can start by conducting a visibility audit identifying areas for improvement in their business.
- Look for the right tools. A project management tool such as Neo Intelligence has been developed by subcontractors to overcome management constraints, so the system is built with subbie work needs in mind.
- Customise the system to really suit the business and fully benefit from the move to the new platform.
- Train your team thoroughly to use the system so that they can embrace it and use it to its full capacity.
Project visibility in construction is integral to the success of projects and the viability of subcontractors delivering them. Subcontractors who prioritise and enhance project visibility not only streamline their operations but also set the stage for long-term success in the competitive construction industry.
For cutting-edge tools and solutions that can elevate project visibility for subcontractors, consider Neo Intelligence. Our construction management software is designed to enhance transparency, streamline communication, and empower subcontractors to succeed in their projects.
