The Role of PMIS in Construction

Managing a modern construction project is a daunting task. Balancing budgets, deadlines, and workforce may initially seem like an impossible task. 

However, with the assistance of cutting-edge technology, project managers can successfully supervise all aspects of a build with relative ease. At the forefront of this project management modernization is a revolutionary system known as PMIS.

What is a PMIS And How Does it Work?

PMIS (project management information system) is a software system designed to help construction project management teams maximize efficiency. These complex systems have two primary roles. First, PMIS acts as a central database for all pertinent project information. Secondly, PMIS provides the tools needed for effective planning, scheduling, estimation, purchasing, and project execution. 

The Significance of PMIS in Construction Management

Successfully managing a construction project is notoriously complicated. Hiring qualified contractors, coordinating the purchase of materials, establishing budgets, and setting deadlines are just a few key items on the long list of tasks project managers face. While these processes are part of every construction endeavor, the complexity of project management increases with the overall size and scope of each project. 

Regardless of a project’s size, PMIS can be an absolute lifesaver when it comes to streamlining project management. By synchronizing and organizing project information, stakeholders are presented with a clear view of construction progress and resource allocation, allowing for better decision-making and enhanced efficiency. 

Key Features of PMIS in Construction

PMIS systems can be tailored to fit the needs of each individual construction company. However, most firms find the following features the most useful:

• Project Scheduling and Planning Tools: PMIS systems like Autodesk Build offer a library of sophisticated tools designed to simplify the creation of building schedules and establishing project milestones. PMIS systems can automatically generate and update Gantt charts as the project progresses, giving managers better control over project tracking.
• Budget Management: The ability of PMIS to organize pricing and payment information gives project managers valuable budget-tracking capabilities. PMIS can help identify the potential for savings or if any aspects of the project might negatively affect the prospect of completing the build within budget. 
• Resource management: Funds are not the only valuable resource when it comes to construction management. Ensuring that there is enough manpower to complete a project is also crucial to its success. PMIS can optimize scheduling to ensure that independent contractors begin and finish their work at the opportune moment. 
• Document organization and Sharing: Part of effective project management is making sure that estimators, architects, engineers, superintendents, and investors all have access to the documents they need to carry out their designated tasks. PMIS not only facilitates document storage but also gives access to all primary stakeholders.

How Does PMIS Work Throughout the Project’s Life Cycle?

PMIS is an essential tool in modern construction management, helping projects progress from start to finish and beyond as a structure enters the operational phase of its life cycle. 

Project Initiation

In the early stages of construction, PMIS helps convert ideas into plans. By implementing PMIS technology from the start of a project, a construction firm can develop a solid scope, timeline, and objective that will lead to smoother development as the project progresses.

Project Planning 

Once the initial details, like timeframes and budgets, have been determined, the planning phase of a project can begin. At this stage, finding the most qualified contractors for the job can be challenging. However, PMIS stores contractor data from previous construction projects, allowing a management team to decide who to hire based on prior performance.

Project Monitoring

A PMIS system is arguably the most useful once construction begins as it facilitates direct comparison between the original objectives and the current project progress. Data like this can help project managers decide when and if adjustments need to be made to ensure the project is completed on time and within budget. 

Project Closing

After construction comes to a close, PMIS plays a critical part in a project’s close. It assists in making sure that all contractual obligations are met between contractors and simplifies the process of handing off ownership of the facility to the owner. 

Post-Construction and Maintenance

PIMS continues to be a valuable part of a construction management workflow long after construction ends. Project management software has the power to analyze the entire history of a project, pinpointing specific strengths and achievements that can be studied for implementation in future projects.  

Facility managers can also use data stored in a PIMS system to streamline their building maintenance programs, helping them schedule upgrades and repairs to building components.           

Benefits of Implementing PMIS in Construction

By incorporating PMIS into every project phase, construction teams are provided with a management solution that enhances the efficiency of their building process and leads to a higher-quality final product. Adopting a project management information system can also benefit a construction firm in the following ways:

• Better communication: PIMS makes project data easily accessible to stakeholders, helping to keep them informed and engaged. 
• Improved Resource Management: PIMS can guarantee the best use of allocated funds, manpower, equipment, and materials.
• Increased Accountability: A project management information system incorporates real-time data, allowing managers to keep better track of responsibilities and project deliverables.

Challenges of Implementing PMIS in Construction

Though there are seemingly endless benefits to implementing PMIS in construction, there are certainly challenges in doing so. Some of those issues may include: 

• Resistance to change: When a project manager has an extensive tenure at a company, they have likely developed their own method of doing things and may be hesitant to try something new. 
• Initial Cost: Like any piece of construction software, an initial investment cost comes with upgrading to PMIS. Construction firms need to thoroughly analyze their management needs before writing the check to a PMIS supplier. 
• Data Integration: PIMS works best when synchronized with other construction-based software like BIM (building information modeling). However, if the data from either program is not up to date, inaccuracies can arise. 

Final Thoughts

While there is no right or wrong way to approach project management, every construction firm will tell you that structure is essential to a successful build. PMIS is designed to bring that structure to its users by making data readily available and standardizing construction organization. 

For many, implementing PMIS is the boost they need to push their construction company into the digital age and gain an advantage over their competitors. If you are curious about the specific benefits a PMIS can bring to your business, please feel free to contact our customer service team here at Microsol Resources. We are happy to answer any questions you have about project management information systems and direct you toward a PMIS solution that best fits your needs.