Construction projects are too complex to track manually. With so many stakeholders involved and so much money changing hands throughout the timeline, manual methods are too slow and prone to error to be reliable. Thankfully, today’s abundance of software solutions can help, but what is the best value software for tracking construction progress?
Software can quickly become expensive, but the cheapest options are not always the right way to go, either. A costlier solution may ultimately reduce expenses through time savings and error prevention. Consequently, the best value software for tracking construction progress is not always black-and-white.
What Makes Construction Program Management Software a Good Value?
A “good value” in construction program management software requires a balance between costs and benefits. While lower expenses are always beneficial, higher-priced solutions sometimes offer a greater value. Consider how 95% of construction businesses say software has lowered their costs, which can counteract higher prices.
Which features are most cost-effective vary between users, too. Integrations with other software-as-a-service (SaaS) solutions are most impactful when your firm already has a large software stack. Smaller operations often benefit more from user-friendly, easier-to-integrate programs than larger, more experienced ones.
Regardless of which factors matter most to your operations, you should consider a few key points when evaluating construction project management software. These include:
- Price, including price structure, such as a subscription vs. a one-time payment
- Features like scheduling, billing and reporting — specifics vary depending on your needs
- Ease of use
- Customer support helpfulness and availability
- Mobile accessibility
- Third-party integrations
- Scalability and flexibility
What Is the Best Value Software for Tracking Construction Progress?
In light of these criteria, here are the top five construction management software solutions. Start your search here when looking to streamline your operations.
1. CupixWorks
The overall best value software for tracking construction progress is CupixWorks. It promotes itself as a “4D digital twin platform,” which lets you digitize site data to keep all your project specs and workflow information in one, easy-to-access place. That consolidation results in an average 70% increase in efficiency and 85% improvement in business metrics among its users.
CupixWorks’ key features include video-to-3D model conversion, artificial intelligence (AI)-driven progress tracking and real-time remote collaboration. Its pricing varies by needed features and requires a quote for specifics, but it follows a SaaS subscription model and comes in two tiers.
2. Procore
Procore is the best all-in-one construction software for larger firms. The platform covers a vast range of tools, including building information modeling (BIM), resource tracking, financial management, AI analytics and communication tools.
Across all these areas, Procore aims to provide a single place to manage all project considerations and share them with other stakeholders. Like CupixWorks, it follows a custom subscription pricing plan, but users report it being one of the more expensive options available. That may make it inaccessible for smaller companies, but the sheer range of features is worth it to those who can afford it.
3. Contractor Foreman
On the other end of the spectrum is Contractor Foreman. This is the best construction management software for small businesses, thanks to its affordable pricing and extensive user support.
It has all the management features you’d expect, including time cards, billing tools, scheduling, project logs and work orders. However, prices start at just $45 a month, and there’s a free trial, too, making it one of the most accessible options. Contractor Foreman also offers unlimited training and support, which is useful for the 75% of construction leaders who cite a lack of technical skills in the industry.
4. Autodesk Construction Cloud
Autodesk’s construction cloud is the best construction program management software for digital transformation. It emphasizes integrations and next-generation technologies like AI, BIM, and cloud computing to take projects into the digital age. That includes automated BIM clash detection, mobile collaboration tools, AI-driven estimates and over 400 software integrations.
The suite of advanced BIM tools is most advantageous for those still using conventional project mock-ups or facing frequent delays and errors. Pricing varies depending on your tier, but it follows a subscription and allows for both preset bundles and custom, solution-specific prices.
5. Buildertrend
Buildertrend is the best value software for tracking construction progress for the 4.7 million professionals in residential construction. It includes standard features like daily logs, to-do lists, scheduling, financial reporting, estimates and timecards, but unlike others, it focuses specifically on homebuilders and their clients.
Like most others, Buildertrend tailors its pricing depending on which features you need, but all plans follow a SaaS model. Many tiers also include consulting and in-person training services, which can make it easier to implement the solution in less time and with fewer errors.
How to Choose Construction Project Management Software
The best value software for tracking construction progress depends on your specific industry, budget and needs. Consequently, you should consider where you fall in a few key areas to determine which solution is best for you.
Start by outlining a budget, factoring in any current estimated losses from lost productivity or errors. Next, review your workflow to identify which features you’ll need or would like to have, as well as any existing software your new solution should integrate with. This will give you a baseline to judge whether a program meets your needs.
You should also consider how many people will need access to the software, as many SaaS platforms get more expensive with additional users. Finally, look for opportunities like free trials and product demos, which can give you a better understanding of what you stand to gain before putting money down.
Find the Best Value Software to Track Your Construction Progress
What is the best value software for tracking construction progress? It depends on what you can afford to spend, which features you need and your specific niche. Start with your own needs, then turn to this list to discover the SaaS solution that works best for your team.
