Sync Your Systems On Your Next Construction Project For Maximum Success – And Fewer Legal Challenges.
The last phase of any construction project is almost always – “litigation” But what if it doesn’t have to be that way? Before we can propose a solution to this problem plaguing the construction industry, we must understand the deep relationship that exists between construction disputes and litigation. This article will take a deeper look at the existing challenges facing construction project managers across the AEC/O sector. Then we will dive into five ways the Cloud can help solve future construction disputes and remove litigation challenges from your next construction project.
What’s The Problem?
Disputes rarely materialize out of thin air. In fact, there’s a strong correlation between some of the most common challenges faced during a construction project and their tendency to result in litigation. Common construction project problems include:
- Widespread use of manual processes (i.e., depending on spreadsheets/email to make decisions and communicate).
- Deploying systems that don’t communicate with each other, especially when you are required to work in tandem with outside contractors.
- Lack of coordination and collaboration across internal and external teams.
- Improper (or no) document signoff procedure.
- Ineffective project information management.
- And that’s the tip of the iceberg.
Because these challenges are commonplace throughout any given construction project, the likelihood of litigation stemming from construction delays, change order mishaps, and communication failures is way higher than any business owner would like. Furthermore, as legal issues persist, considerable damage is done to your company’s bottom line and reputation.
How To Reduce Construction Disputes and Litigation
We can’t take away the threat of litigation with the wave of a wand. The truth is, the more people and organizations you have working on a job, the more likely problems are to arise. However, there are steps you can take and solutions you can use that have proven to help reduce disputes and even mitigate the risk of your company having to endure a lawsuit. Read on to learn how you can reduce construction disputes and litigation risks within your own organization.
Discover The Benefits Of Construction Management And Document Control Workflow Software
Thanks to continuing innovations in the Cloud, the construction management software ecosystem is in full-blown growth mode, making this an ideal time to invest in a solution that could reduce construction disputes and litigation. Not to mention the possibility of exponentially increasing your team’s efficiency. If you are in the market for this type of project information management solution, consider a product that includes the following five key capabilities.
1. Connected Workflows
Setting clear documentation workflows (RFI’s, submittals, transmittals, review workflows & approvals) that span multiple internal and external systems is an important first step that will yield incredible results. Look for software that not only simplifies these processes for your team but also tracks the progress of these workflows. This simple feature is actually essential when it comes to helping you avoid delays because it helps you quickly understand where your issues lie. Most importantly, ensuring your teams are working with the correct drawings and documentation, with a clear sign off procedure, goes a long way in avoiding disputes, inefficiency & rework.
2. Integration into Different Systems
We all know there is no “one size fits all” solution for a construction project. Designers need a different set of tools compared to a build team, and one contractor may like to work in one system and not another. They key is getting these systems to talk, connect, and work seamlessly across the project. This helps ensure that there is only one version of the truth and everyone can stay on the same page from start to finish. When systems don’t talk, efficiency takes a hit, risk skyrockets, and disputes arise. The Cloud provides an opportunity to bring it all together.
A great example of a solution that brings different systems together is ProjectReady Central. This solution is able to connect systems from the start and lets you to sync content from one system to the next. As a result, everyone has the most up to date documentation in whatever system they choose to run (The Autodesk Cloud, Procore, SharePoint).
3. Built-In Audit Trail
Knowing who approved a drawing, edited a document, and when a task was worked on, completed, agreed upon or discussed is essential to avoid a legal dispute. As a result, many of today’s cloud-based construction solutions actually allow you to establish an effective audit trail. But what if you utilize multiple cloud-based systems and you need an audit trail to illustrate the entire process, regardless of the platform that was used. As a process over platform solution, ProjectReady utilizes an automated governance process to deliver incredible cross-platform insight.
4. Enterprise Collaboration
With all the different teams and companies involved on a project, having systems in place like Microsoft Teams and SharePoint go a long way for those looking to promote powerful collaboration in a way that still sits comfortably within the project record. Moreover, being able to connect the dots between leading construction platforms, such as Procore and Autodesk BIM 360, ensures everybody is on the same page at any given time and real-time collaboration is more valuable than ever.
5. Real-Time Reporting
Moving away from manual processes and into construction management software means your data is more accessible than ever. This means it’s possible to make key strategic decisions effectively and in a timely manner. Identifying areas of progress, bottlenecks, and risk in real time gives you the insight necessary to address issues when they arise – not days or weeks later. For example, leveraging built-in solutions like Power BI with Microsoft 365 allows you to visualize that data in ways that makes the most sense for your team – empowering you to adapt quicker, avoid delays, and stay on schedule.
Best Project Information Management Tools For The AEC/O
If you want to manage your next build better and reduce construction disputes and litigation, make sure you have access to the right tools for the job. The best project information management tools are those that empower teams across the AEC/O space to use the tools that are most effective for their role in the process, while making sure communication, data, content, metrics, etc., are tracked, documented and managed appropriately. Then, when the time comes to sign off on the project, you can rest easy knowing that your “t’s” are crossed and your “i’s” are dotted and your company is protected from future litigation issues.
Learn More About How ProjectReady Can Help You Reduce Construction Disputes And Litigation
If you want to get your team on the same page and quickly set up in time for your next construction project, consider adding ProjectReady Central to your tech stack. This simple, easy-to-use tool syncs programs across disciplines, to ensure everybody is on the same page every step of the way, which ultimately helps you reduce construction disputes and litigation across your entire organization and project. Then, when you’re ready, you are equipped to unlock the power of ProjectReady’s advanced features to truly drive long-term growth, security, and sustainability.
November 5, 2021
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