The world of project management seems caught in a fascinating paradox. On one hand, demand for project managers is skyrocketing. Businesses across industries are realizing the immeasurable value project managers bring to the table. On the other hand, a separate report by PMI and PwC paints a concerning picture: the world faces a widening talent gap. The report estimates a need for 25 million new project professionals by 2030, which translates to a staggering 2.3 million people entering the field every year just to meet basic requirements! But here’s the good news: Project management software ..read more

Construction management has undergone a deep change as technology advances. While industry leaders once relied on personal experience and intuition, data now plays a larger role in guiding project completion from the drawing board through the finish. Data analytics refers to the process of collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data to guide decision-making and improve efficiency and outcomes. Crews now have numerous avenues for amassing data, from site drones to the IoT. When used properly, these tech tools can do everything from predicting maintenance needs to improving site safety. Knowing ..read more

To say that winning bids is the key to success in construction is a half-truth. Estimating project costs correctly and managing the budget accordingly are just as vital. Subcontractors getting awarded a contract spells financial disaster if the bid is too high to be competitive or too low to be profitable. Submitting a price within the Goldilocks zone can be challenging. You must have domain expertise and foresight to calculate how much everything will cost, avoid charging too little and spend funds properly. All subcontractors make project cost estimation and budgeting errors. You can learn ..read more

Not only are Fieldwire employees incredibly talented and smart, but a good majority of them came from the construction industry before joining Fieldwire. They uniquely understand the challenges faced by construction teams in the field and the office, which makes their contributions at Fieldwire even more valuable. Get to know one of our employees from the construction success team in this Q&A interview. Kendra Sutherland, Construction Success Manager Professional background before joining Fieldwire I started my career in construction in what they call a soft trade, landscaping. I spent 6 ..read more

Revision control has always been one of the bigger challenges with drawings on a construction site. Everyone in the field always seems to be using a different version of the paper blueprints. This is one of those challenges that disappears when you ditch those paper blueprints and go digital. The latest version of the digital drawing is always on top, and when you use an app that puts everyone on the job using the same shared set stored in the cloud, everyone is always on the same page. Bonus for trade contractors - you don’t have to manage this internally anymore because the general contract ..read more

Electrical contractors face a lot of challenges. They have to manage several projects simultaneously, sharing the right information with the right technician and making sure everything is running on time. Electrical work often requires close coordination with other construction trades, so effective communication and collaboration with plumbing and HVAC contractors on the project are key, as well as with the general contractor. A construction management app can help electrical contractors manage their projects better, faster, and help ensure safety and quality standards. Fieldwire is used by e ..read more

Implementing construction technology and digitizing our workflows presents some unique challenges in the construction industry. Many times we talk about a “top down” approach where we try to implement change though a culture shift within a company. This is a great approach for a general contractor trying to ditch the paper blueprints and go digital within their projects, but it may not address the added challenges posed by the fact that we also need our trade contractors and their crews to buy-in to the process changes in order to realize the full potential. Switching from paper blueprints to ..read more

Effective construction project management requires you to balance multiple moving parts. A rapidly changing landscape means employing numerous strategies to get the job done to your client’s satisfaction. What should you know to maximize your profits and grow your business? Today’s tools can make it easier than ever if you take your time to learn how to use them correctly. Acquisition alone doesn’t do the trick — it’s integrating them into your daily practices and training your team on best use and improved methods. Here’s how you can master project management in 2024 with six key strategies ..read more

What is a construction closeout report? A closeout report is a document created at the end of a construction project to summarize important trends of said project. It may include final inspections and punch lists, changes to scope, budget and timeline, and even milestones or lessons learned. Essential in the handover process, the goal of the closeout report is to ensure that all critical aspects of the construction project are correctly documented, that all issues are addressed, and the project is officially closed out. A good closeout report benefits both the client and project manager, sinc ..read more

Do you create a site-specific safety plan for your projects? Done correctly, this plan should help improve safety, quality, and productivity. Want to learn how? Check out this episode of Construction Management Mico Learning below. In the example I show, I use a shared set of digital drawings to replace the paper blueprints on the job, which unlocks the ability to communicate my plan right on the drawings that the field crews have to reference every day. Editor’s note: Fieldwire is proud to feature construction expert Jim Rogers on our blog. Jim has decades of experience in construction manag ..read more