Construction sites can be a lot to handle; from workflow management, to clear communication practices. If your systems are not properly working together, it can easily lead to challenging bottlenecks that cost your company money.
Bottleneck 1: Communication Gaps
Often the most prevalent problem that creates gaps is the outdated communication methods. A hand written note, a brief verbal response, or spontaneous phone call; all attempting to get the information they need from the office to the field. This leads to delayed decisions and sometimes the need to rework a project.
To avoid these construction communication issues, it can truly be as simple as adapting to updated technology systems. Finding one channel or app to share information. Send out important updates on a specific timeline that your team will know to look out for. Most importantly, keep documentation of all information shared and have it accessible for future reference if needed.
Communication might be the simplest problem to fix on a construction site. Creating clear channels and effortless communication will greatly improve your workflow optimization.
Bottleneck 2: Disorganized Project Information
Your team gets to the worksite at 7am Monday morning, ready to work. They open their app looking for the plan and current updates; it's not there. They open the next app, their email, their messages. Spending valuable time just looking for the project information. They start the day ready to work, but instead have to deal with frustrating construction systems. They decide to move forward with what they can and work on the project. Hours later the office calls and the team ends up having to rework a few mistakes. This is a very common project issue and something that can be easily avoided with proper construction workflow management.
Within a construction site, it is so important to have a system that centralizes all of the project information. One app, one file, that clearly states the plans and what needs to be done. This way the team can all be on the same page and know exactly where they will find the project information. This starts with the office finding a system that works for them. A way to keep track of all the documents and upload it to an easy to find location. Standardizing the way they store construction documents, and therefore overcoming construction workflow issues.
Bottleneck 3: Unclear Task Ownership
When a construction project is taken up, there are many people assigned to the job site. From the office employees, to the onsite construction workers; lots of people need to work together to get the job done. Often, without proper construction task tracking, the team will end up confused on who is responsible for what. Therefore, missing deadlines, chasing updates, and leaving the crew at a general loss of information. This can stem from verbally assigned tasks with no follow up, people assuming someone else is responsible, and general unclear ownership of the construction site.
To start fixing this construction management problem, it is best to clearly differentiate tasks. Defining what tasks need to be completed, and assigning one crew member in charge of directing and following through with that task. The Construction Project Manager should avoid vague statements like, "someone on the crew", when assigning. Instead being direct and assigning task ownership to a specific employee.
Another way to handle construction task management is by consistently tracking progress. Throughout the workday, having specified times in which the crew is responsible for check-ins or updating their status. Keeping documentation of the schedule, tasks, and updates; all in a centralized location. This way, the office and all crew members are aware of what is taking place and when it is due to be finished. It keeps everyone accountable and leaves no room for unclear task ownership.
From Bottlenecks to Clear Construction Workflow
Communication gaps, disorganized project information, and unclear task ownership are just a few reasons construction projects lose momentum. While each issue can show up differently on varying construction sites, they all stem from a lack of clear and consistent processes. When teams improve their communication, project information, and task assignments. Projects start to run smoother and decisions can happen faster. Addressing these construction project bottlenecks early can save your company time and money.