A Guide to Planning and Executing Construction Change Management as a Non-Construction Professional
Whether you’re a procurement official, an operations manager, an Owner, or something else, if you’re involved in construction projects, you will reach a tipping point.
When you only have one or two projects you’re involved in, you might be able to keep up with all the documentation and communication that is generated. However, if you’re trying to stay on top of several large and complex projects, you’re going to need better systems.
Better systems mean change and construction change management is never easy. So, we’ve collected some of our best tips to help you make the transition smoother and easier.
Don't Jump Into Making Software Decisions
Sometimes, once you admit that you need to change and improve your systems, you just want to get it done so you can move on to the next thing on your very long to-do list.
It’s normal to want to find and implement your new tools as quickly as possible, but the truth is most construction management software is not made for people who aren’t construction professionals. Additionally, not all construction project management software is built for the same specific project role.
So, the first step in succeeding in construction change management when you’re not an architect, engineer, or construction project manager is to look for tools that are built around what you need to know. If you’re not one of these professions then odds are you are a consultant, Owner Rep, or an Owner.
Do your research, read reviews and, whenever possible, arrange a free demo so that you can see exactly how your shortlisted options work. Construction management software for non-construction professionals should be user-friendly and intuitive. You should be able to hit the ground running quickly and not have to learn about construction project management just to start using it.
Choose a Slow Time of the Year
This may be easier said than done, but if there is a slower time of year in your organization, it’s a good idea to plan your big software change for that time of year.
If you work in a K-12 school district or municipal office, you might have slower times when school is closed, or certain services shut down for the year. Or, if you live in a colder climate, your workload might be a little lighter during the winter.
If You Can, Start at the Beginning of a Project
The following important tip we have is to make sure you ace construction change management in your organization as a non-construction professional to start at the beginning of a project.
Most communication problems happen during construction projects because there is a patchwork of different systems, all doing other things. The more you have to manually look up information or copy and paste things from one place to another, the more chance there is that something will fall through the cracks.
Take the Time to Do Onboarding
When you’re already busy, watching training videos or reading tutorials seems like a waste of time. However, when it comes to changing software systems and construction change management, it’s an essential part of the process.
Good construction management software companies will offer onboarding assistance. They’ll walk you through issues you might have, and they will have technical support available when you need it.
It is better to spend a little more time setting up and mastering your new software properly in the beginning than trying to find and fix errors later. As an example, Owner Insite offers free unlimited ongoing training and unlimited support for every member of your project team at no additional cost. Lastly, they will also train all your stakeholders for you again, at no additional cost.
If You Have the Option, Choose Cloud-Based
When construction projects are fully underway, it sometimes seems like nobody sleeps. Foremen keep crews on site until the sun sets so they can reach production targets. Architects and engineers work late to solve problems and issue design directives. Often, people involved with the project work right through weekends.
Even if you’re not working on the same schedule as your project team and contractors, it’s important to have access to real-time information.
Cloud-based construction communication and management software means you can check in whenever you need to, wherever you are, and from any device. So whether you’re attending a conference or taking a business trip, you can always check in with your projects.
Commit to Saving Time and Energy
Very often, the reason we avoid changing systems and processes is that the changes themselves seem time-consuming. You know you’re doing too much hands-on work already, but you don’t think you can fit any more into your day.
There’s no denying that launching new systems while simultaneously winding down old ones can be exhausting.
However, it’s important to remember the goal of this kind of construction change management. Once your new systems are in place, you will save time and energy overseeing your projects, and because you’ll have real-time information, you can have more input in the process.
Owner Insite is Software Built for Your Entire AEC Team and Non-Construction Professionals
If you know you need to improve your systems for overseeing construction projects, but you’re struggling to find the right solution, we’d love to talk.
Owner Insite is a user-friendly, easy-to-master construction communications and management software that’s focused on the needs of the client or owner. Our tools are designed to help you maximize the return on your investment and minimize risk and cut through the jargon and red tape.
Contact our team to learn more about the Owner Insite platform and book a free demo to see it in action yourself. We’re sure it will make the idea of changing your construction communication and management systems a lot less daunting.
