The construction industry has seen a transformation in the use of project management software. Digital innovations have made it easier to communicate and collaborate with stakeholders. This has allowed teams to allocate resources efficiently and complete projects on schedule and within budget.
connectivity is the key to this transformation.
The industry is undergoing a transformation thanks to connected data, connected teams, and connected workflows. In order to update all systems correctly, duplicate data entry must be done. Data must also need to be manually merged for multiple processes.
This connectivity will be further enhanced by integrating project management software and enterprise resource planning (ERP) into the next generation of construction project management. This integration provides construction teams with a 360-degree view and financial data that allows them to make informed decisions.
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How integrated solutions for project management bridge the gap
If your ERP and operations systems are communicating with each other, every member of the team can input data once and it will be available wherever it is needed in both project management and ERP.
It is important to include all information related to cost, such as purchase orders, change orders, and estimates. Your teams will be able to make faster, better, and more cost-effective decisions with fully-integrated, real-time data.
Six features to be aware of in an integrated project management system
You should consider several capabilities when deciding if you want to get the most out of a project management system that integrates accounting and operational data.
1. Configurability
Although you may have standard processes, your needs are unique and each project is different. Your project management system must be flexible. Configurability allows you and your team to tailor a solution to your specific business needs without having to involve IT or go to the vendor.
2. There is potential for expansion
Contractors and owners are increasingly looking for ways to incorporate other aspects of their business into project management. Flexible, adaptable solutions that are flexible and can take on new features and changes easily will allow you to remain competitive in a changing market.
3. Seamless data integration
No matter if the data originated in accounting or operations, it should first be entered into that system and then seamlessly transferred to other systems. Based on your business processes, workflows should be set up to automate data movement in real-time. Data integration and automation reduce cross-training and duplicate data entry, which saves time, and costs, and avoids costly errors.
4. Expertise in construction and accounting
The solution provider must have both experience and expertise in each side of the equation. It is a good idea to choose a provider that has an ERP system installed in-house. This is both for convenience and because of their expertise. These providers are familiar with both the accounting and construction management aspects of the business.
5. Automated and dynamic integration
You want solutions that are easy to use and fluid from your provider. Avoid “out-of-the-box” solutions that need manual integration. Every transaction must be approved in the project management system, then pushed to ERP. This process should be automated.
6. A cost-effective pricing structures
It is important to understand the exact cost upfront. Are there any hidden charges such as usage-based fees or payments for API access? Controlling costs and managing budgets are critical elements of construction project management. So why should you treat your project management software any other way?
Construction’s future is interconnected
Construction projects can succeed or fail to depend on who has the right information at the right time.
Arion ERP’s two decades of experience in construction have been applied to the development of its integrated project management solutions. Arion ERP was developed from ERP software for project management. It is based on a cost-and-budget module that focuses on automating processes and enabling data entry with one touch.
Arion ERP’s top-of-the-line Viewpoint ERP solution supports seamless integration of Arion ERP and an open API. This makes them extremely flexible and adds cost-effectiveness.
The industry is moving towards integrated solutions already. We see opportunities for greater collaboration such as CRMs and HMCs as well as new aspects like regulatory compliance. Organizations that can connect all stakeholders with their processes will gain an advantage as budgets, schedules, and supplies become tighter.