Any professional services firm needs to effectively and efficiently manage resources. This is especially true in architectural firms where multiple projects involve both the staff, outside contractors and clients. Unfortunately many managers are not as effective as they could be because they rely on a pieced together system for management. That is where architecture project management software can help significantly, and add to a firm's profitability.
Many firms piece together email, generic pm programs, spreadsheets, documents and a shared drive to manage things. And while this will get you by, you will not be best utilizing resources. Specifically designed architecture project management software blends together all the key components of the these programs into one easy to use interface. Since it is designed with architects in mind, the workflow, terminology and reporting are all tailored to the industry so there is little downtime in switching to the system.
The benefits of using a program dedicated to architectural projects are many. First and foremost is the software does not need to be adapted to the practice. Templates, reports, terminology and such are all architectural related. These programs have been developed by those with an intimate knowledge of the process, which makes using the system relatively simple and intuitive.
The core of any PM system is task and resource management. The familiar interface is easy and intuitive, and entering details like tasks, deliverables, resources, dependencies and time frames is quick to input. Once projects begin the software makes it easy to manage and keep track of resources and milestones. There are a variety of ways to illustrate progress, including Gantt charts and calendars of various durations and layouts. Editing and updating is also easy and automatic alerts can be created when tasks come due or resource needs change.
Another important aspect is resource tracking. With all firm's emphasizing the maximization of resources and billable hours, it is imperative that the PM have quick access to resource allocation. These tools have many different reports that allow quick analysis of an individual's workload. It is also easy to spot where certain tasks need more attention and shift resources accordingly.
Another important feature of many of these programs is proposal and contract management. This simplifies the work flow for developing RFPs, submittals and any other key documents. Most allow for collaboration and provide version control so edits and inputs are not lost. This document management extends throughout the work, keeping track of things like addendums, change directives, contract changes, change orders all the way to the punch list.
Project reviews are an important component of the process, both during projects and after completion. Unfortunately these are often done with incomplete information, so not as effective in optimizing the process as they could be. Architecture project management software allows one to truly analyze and dissect a project in a way that allows managers, staff and senior executives to diagnose issues and institute real change.
Architecture project management software is not a nice-to-have in today's competitive environment. To be successful requires attention to detail during a project that can't be achieved with traditional PM methods. Any firm looking to improve efficiency and minimize risk should check out one of these programs to experience the benefits first hand.
Many firms piece together email, generic pm programs, spreadsheets, documents and a shared drive to manage things. And while this will get you by, you will not be best utilizing resources. Specifically designed architecture project management software blends together all the key components of the these programs into one easy to use interface. Since it is designed with architects in mind, the workflow, terminology and reporting are all tailored to the industry so there is little downtime in switching to the system.
The benefits of using a program dedicated to architectural projects are many. First and foremost is the software does not need to be adapted to the practice. Templates, reports, terminology and such are all architectural related. These programs have been developed by those with an intimate knowledge of the process, which makes using the system relatively simple and intuitive.
The core of any PM system is task and resource management. The familiar interface is easy and intuitive, and entering details like tasks, deliverables, resources, dependencies and time frames is quick to input. Once projects begin the software makes it easy to manage and keep track of resources and milestones. There are a variety of ways to illustrate progress, including Gantt charts and calendars of various durations and layouts. Editing and updating is also easy and automatic alerts can be created when tasks come due or resource needs change.
Another important aspect is resource tracking. With all firm's emphasizing the maximization of resources and billable hours, it is imperative that the PM have quick access to resource allocation. These tools have many different reports that allow quick analysis of an individual's workload. It is also easy to spot where certain tasks need more attention and shift resources accordingly.
Another important feature of many of these programs is proposal and contract management. This simplifies the work flow for developing RFPs, submittals and any other key documents. Most allow for collaboration and provide version control so edits and inputs are not lost. This document management extends throughout the work, keeping track of things like addendums, change directives, contract changes, change orders all the way to the punch list.
Project reviews are an important component of the process, both during projects and after completion. Unfortunately these are often done with incomplete information, so not as effective in optimizing the process as they could be. Architecture project management software allows one to truly analyze and dissect a project in a way that allows managers, staff and senior executives to diagnose issues and institute real change.
Architecture project management software is not a nice-to-have in today's competitive environment. To be successful requires attention to detail during a project that can't be achieved with traditional PM methods. Any firm looking to improve efficiency and minimize risk should check out one of these programs to experience the benefits first hand.
About the Author:
If you want to find reliable architecture project management software, pay a visit to the web pages at www.project-note.com today. You can see details online at http://www.project-note.com now.
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