Construction Software Technology

by Contributing Writer, studioD

Construction software technology can automate various phases of construction company operations or projects. Automating construction tasks can save time and money when developing or working on a construction project. There are five basic attributes that construction software technology packages or systems should have to automate.

Contractor programs

Construction software technology programs have contractor program applications that include a database of contractors that can be divided by different projects and tasks on any construction project. This database also includes important information about the contractor, their company, and terms and conditions for contractor payment. The software can track bids from contractors.

Project management programs

Construction technology software also provides user programs to track a construction project from beginning to end. This program divides the construction project into different tasks, provides a beginning and ending time for the project and allows for adjustments in the project schedule for certain events, such as work delays or finishing tasks ahead of schedule.

Cost estimation programs

Budgeting and accounting is critical in the construction process. Construction technology software packages have integrated cost estimation programs for projects. This includes information for project materials, work orders, contractor rates and miscellaneous fees, such as site inspector cost, equipment rentals and engineering costs.

Report generator programs

Construction software technology programs can produce various printed reports. These reports range from contractor lists, project charts and accounting reports. Other reports that can be printed are inventory, invoicing, purchase order reports and cost estimation reports. Construction software technology packages also provide the user with the ability to create their own reports by using a retrieval language built into the software.

Accounting program

Construction software technology packages have integrated accounting programs that provides overall maintenance of the accounting system. Whereas cost estimation accounting directly addresses the cost of a construction project or process, the accounting program addresses the flow of money through the company that relates to payroll, purchasing, investments, savings, tax estimation and bank and investment.

Software platforms

Most construction software technology packages and systems can be implemented on several computer operating systems such as Windows, UNIX and Linux. Construction software technology and systems can be networked for several users inside of a building and remotely accessed by other users. Many of these construction software technology packages have user-friendly interfaces and simple menus to help operate the software.

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