Executing projects profitably Words: Mike Adams/Public/News/20111019060000-1.jpg" width="600" height="338" border="0" alt="Mobile Connect project view" />Mobile Connect project view No one ever said managing a construction project was easy. A successful mason contractor must be able to efficiently and profitably manage everything from materials and labor to equipment, budgets and schedules. Traditionally, contractors have managed their projects by keeping all pertinent job-related information in a project binder. Although this has been a standard practice for decades, it has its faults. Accessibility is a major challenge. With project binders in the possession of one person, access to project-related details can be extremely difficult for the rest of the team. Another issue is out-of-date, non-detailed data. These problems, among many others, make it extremely difficult for contractors to make informed decisions and manage projects and businesses effectively. Getting rid of the bindersIn today’s competitive market, mason contractors need real-time data at their fingertips. Many are turning to complete construction management software to gain critical access to accurate and current information, whether they are in the office or in the field. With an all-in-one solution that handles the entire project lifecycle, from takeoff and estimating through job cost accounting and project management, mason contractors are able to streamline processes, achieving operational efficiencies and cost reductions. Tasks such as managing sheet revisions, identifying and managing change orders, verifying details (i.e. footings), knowing delivery schedules, providing OSHA with requested compliance paperwork, and billing projects as they progress can be simplified with an end-to-end solution. Project managers, and the rest of the team, can collect and view all project-related information, such as project documents, budgets, contacts, employees, equipment, change order requests, purchase orders, open payables and receivables, and attachments. Furthermore, project managers can access conveniently all of their important documents and data without having to lug around bulky, hard copy job folders at job sites. Rather, they can use a mobile device, the iPad, to access project details on the road. Optimizing project executionSuccessfully managing a construction project is about managing hundreds of small details. Some details have immediate and meaningful cost impacts and could dramatically hinder the success of a project, which would reduce profit margin on a project or, worse, cost the contractor. By using a complete construction management software solution, mason contractors are able to achieve end-to-end control, increase visibility, optimize project execution and maximize profitability.