By Jeannie Chapman


Many architectural firms are still using generic project management programs to run things. Instead of adapting the firm's processes and procedures to the program, it is well worth trying a specific architecture project management software. These type of programs not only help successful manage the work, but provide document management and powerful analysis tools to help run things profitably.

If you are piecing together a PM solution from various calendar, spreadsheet, document and email programs, you are working at a less than optimal level. Purpose built architecture project management software seamlessly rolls all these solutions into one easy interface. Plus, it is designed for the architectural practice in mind, so there is little compromise when switching to a new system.

It also means that gaining proficiency with the system is relatively quick. This is not only for the managers who work within the system, but for the staff who need to interface and use the software as well. The entire program was designed in consultation with architectural firms, there is less training involved and employees, contractors and clients will be more apt to adopt the system.

The core of any PM system is task and resource management. The familiar interface is easy and intuitive, and entering details like tasks, deliverables, resources, dependencies and time frames is quick to input. Once projects begin the software makes it easy to manage and keep track of resources and milestones. There are a variety of ways to illustrate progress, including Gantt charts and calendars of various durations and layouts. Editing and updating is also easy and automatic alerts can be created when tasks come due or resource needs change.

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.

Another important feature of many of these programs is proposal and contract management. This simplifies the work flow for developing RFPs, submittals and any other key documents. Most allow for collaboration and provide version control so edits and inputs are not lost. This document management extends throughout the work, keeping track of things like addendums, change directives, contract changes, change orders all the way to the punch list.

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.

Architecture project management software is not a nice-to-have in today's competitive environment. To be successful requires attention to detail during a project that can't be achieved with traditional PM methods. Any firm looking to improve efficiency and minimize risk should check out one of these programs to experience the benefits first hand.




About the Author: