How To Choose Architecture Project Management Software

By Jeannie Chapman


Any professional services firm needs to effectively and efficiently manage resources. This is especially true in architectural firms where multiple projects involve both the staff, outside contractors and clients. Unfortunately many managers are not as effective as they could be because they rely on a pieced together system for management. That is where architecture project management software can help significantly, and add to a firm's profitability.

Many firms piece together email, generic pm programs, spreadsheets, documents and a shared drive to manage things. And while this will get you by, you will not be best utilizing resources. Specifically designed architecture project management software blends together all the key components of the these programs into one easy to use interface. Since it is designed with architects in mind, the workflow, terminology and reporting are all tailored to the industry so there is little downtime in switching to the system.

Using specific software means that there is a very quick learning curve. All terminology, reports, templates are specific to the needs of a professional architectural firm. They are designed through close consultation with architects and staff who have real-world experience. This makes things simple, intuitive and much easier to learn. This also means training staff is easier, which means the company will more quickly adopt using the new system.

A management program is only as good as the core task system. These tools allow easy entry of all phases, tasks, deliverables, timelines, dependencies, and resources. Once entered, the project can be easily tracked and managed through a variety of visual tools such as calendars and Gantt charts. They also facilitate easy editing as resource needs change. The bottom line is that these programs make organizing, coordinating and managing a team's work much simpler than traditional methods.

Embedded in the management aspect of these programs is resource tracking. This is an important component in today's marketplace where maximizing resources and billability is key to a firm's success and viability. With easy reporting tools the PM can judge an individual's workload and shift tasks and responsibilities accordingly. Most have built in tools to make communications to groups simple.

One of the things that makes this software unique for the industry is the document managing abilities. Document workflow lets you track things throughout the life of projects, from initial RFP to proposal to punch list. Instead of emailing documents, the firm can collaborate, and managing changes and versions is integrated into the program. Some feature outside collaboration tools as well so clients can review, change and upload docs.

Once projects are finished, they are often only cursorily reviewed in order to improve the process going forward. Oftentimes this is because the review is done without reliable reports. With comprehensive architecture project management software, reporting and analysis is integrated into the system. This allows executives and managers to see in detail how resources were allocated, actual task duration versus planned and planned versus actual budget figures.

In today's competitive world, the best concepts and designs do not always lead to a successful architectural firm. Architecture project management software provides PMs with a solid foundation on which they can perform their job. It also takes the full burden off their shoulders and lets each resource be accountable for their own tasks, responsibilities and billability. Check out a demo or a free trial and you'll be amazed at the time savings benefits you will receive. You won't regret the switch to the new system and your firm will surely benefit.




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