A construction team’s efficiency is often the make-or-break factor in its success. Lagging projects require more time to complete, which runs the risk of dissatisfied clients and decreased revenue. Fortunately, it’s not hard for construction managers to put some fire behind sluggish operations. Teams that are already functioning at high levels can boost their efficiency for a better payoff.
Speedier operations don’t have to spell a drop in quality, either. Combining efficiency and effectiveness is the key to improving a construction business from the bottom up. Every new technique or piece of equipment should emphasize timeliness without sacrificing practicality. Construction managers can embody both of these concepts and enhance job site workflow with the five methods below.
1. Planning and Assessment
Discovering where the issues lie within an organization is the first step to changing operations. On-site teams should review their current practices to see which processes could use some upgrading. Jumbled communication is one of the first places to start.
In-office affairs are essential, too. Employees should routinely check for areas of improvement concerning software use, document creation, and financial management. Inefficient systems only slow everyone down, which costs money over time.
Managers should pay close attention to the initial planning stages of a construction project. This step is often where many errors occur — if the assignment starts on the wrong foot, more mistakes are bound to follow. All workers involved in a particular project should know their role and range of duties, and supervisors should provide training materials for any new techniques.
2. Fleet Management Technology
Technology is often a prominent part of improvements within any given business. With so many tech advancements in the world today, rehauling business operations can be a breeze. Fleet management tech offers a way for teams to track maintenance checks, fuel emissions, and more for their entire range of machinery.
Having a database of information on a fleet can save workers the time and trouble of discovering maintenance issues during a job. They can simply check the software and see the machine’s specs at any given time.
Fleet management software also keeps equipment operators accountable for their machinery, which diminishes miscommunication among workers. Every vehicle has a specific place on the work site — the right program can help managers assign vehicles to duties and track their movement in real time.
3. Improved Equipment
The type of equipment a construction company uses can have a lot to do with its operational efficiency. Old machinery often breaks down and causes issues. However, some companies aren’t keen on upgrading and would rather stick to traditional tools.
Being reluctant to replace old equipment can increase repair and maintenance expenses. Those funds would be better used for new materials.
Many modern machines come with high-tech displays and better fuel efficiency, making it easy to complete lengthy jobs in less time. These tools require fewer fuel-ups and repairs, which allows for dealing with more pressing tasks.
Self-driving trucks and semi-autonomous bulldozers are on the rise in construction after businesses have seen how well they work for mining. Though operators will still be a necessity — like with self-driving cars — innovations in machinery tech are surely on the way.
4. Communication Strategies
Employers should teach all workers within a construction company about proper communication strategies — from on-site employees to in-office ones. A missed message about a change in job duties can derail an entire assignment and push back deadlines.
In 2020, employers will encounter a major need to establish clear lines of communication within their companies. Written correspondence is often preferable over verbal because workers can return to messages or documents and confirm information.
Mobile technology is an excellent way to get everyone on the same track and send notifications to the appropriate workers. Clicking a button and notifying the whole team takes the inefficiency out of conducting several five-minute meetings throughout the day.
5. Document Storage
In-office construction workers deal with countless documents, and organizing this information can be time-consuming. Similarly, on-site workers deal with an abundance of blueprints, plans, and invoices throughout a project.
Cloud-based storage systems can help employees access and modify documents wherever they are without stress or hassle. Most, if not all, records should exist on one integrative platform everyone can reach. From there, employees can modify or view specific documents depending on their authorization.
Tedious data entry can turn into an automated task that takes seconds or minutes to complete. Cloud storage will also reduce the time employees would otherwise spend on hunting down necessary papers.
Enhancing the Construction Industry for a New Decade
Construction teams can experience growth in their productivity and revenue by streamlining their current techniques. Supplying team members with the tools for efficiency empowers them to do better at their jobs. A positive workplace and better operational procedures enable companies to provide clients with the best services.
Holly Welles is a real estate writer who covers the latest market trends in everything from residential to commercial spaces. She is the editor behind her own blog, The Estate Update, and curates more advice on Twitter.
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