Like all industries, the construction sector faces challenges in project management. However, while other industries may have flexible turnaround times, the construction industry offers very little float time in project delivery. Tight deadlines and pressure to complete construction projects often intensify these project management challenges. 

Not only is any given task wholly dependent on every construction phase that came before it, but there are also several other dependent factors, such as material availability, scheduling, skilled labor, and access to specialised tools. A delay in any one of these steps can disrupt the entire project schedule. 

Robust project planning and intuitive management tools are integral to delivering a successful construction project on time, and ProWorkflow’s Nexus product offers construction project management solutions that enable this to happen. 

Problem #1: Unclear Project Planning and Scheduling

• Inadequate initial planning can lead to unrealistic timelines and inadequate resource allocation.
• Inaccurate scheduling from project managers can cause delays, especially if critical path activities are not properly identified and managed.

Nexus Resolution #1: Scheduling Solutions

ProWorkflow’s Nexus software allows you to organise each step of your construction project meticulously, from the planning phase to completion. You can create a work breakdown structure that outlines all upcoming actions and construction activities, with relevant team members assigned to each project, as well as delivery estimations based on previous similar jobs. 

Material cost estimates can also be incorporated, allowing you to specify which materials and expenses are required for each phase of the project. These can be linked directly to their associated activities and dependencies. As a result, you’ll have a comprehensive, day-by-day schedule from the project initiation, detailing every aspect down to the responsibilities required of each person involved. 

As part of our methodology, we recommend incorporating buffer time into construction jobs to account for minor variations that may arise throughout the process. While construction projects typically involve tasks that are heavily interdependent, ProWorkflow helps you identify the critical path and pinpoint where, if any, scheduling flexibility exists.

Problem #2: Scope Creep

• Uncontrolled changes or continuous growth in a construction project’s scope without corresponding adjustments in project budget, time, or resources.
• Often results from a lack of clear project objectives or poor change management practices.

Nexus Resolution #2: Strong Risk Management Planning

Even the most meticulously planned construction projects can face unexpected delays, scope changes, or the need for new construction professionals or materials mid-way through. With a fully mapped-out timeline in place, you can immediately see how any changes impact the overall construction project workflow. This allows you to anticipate downstream effects quickly and reset client expectations at the most strategic moment—when the news is easiest to manage. 

Every construction project includes a projection feature that highlights where small delays may lead to larger consequences. For example, if a task is 50% through its allocated time but only 40% complete, Nexus will flag the discrepancy and show how it could affect your overall project execution, timeline and profitability if the current pace continues. This empowers you to make timely adjustments and maintain control of your project’s outcome. 

Problem #3: Ineffective Communication

• Poor communication between stakeholders (clients, contractors, subcontractors, suppliers) can lead to misunderstandings, reworkings, and delays.
• Lack of clear reporting structures and information flow often contributes to inefficiencies.

Nexus Resolution #3: Centralized Communication 

Nexus keeps all critical project information in one place, including communications with team members, construction professionals and all other involved parties. When your project is fully scheduled, not only do you have a fully scoped plan in front of you, but so do your staff, contractors and clients. 

Each item has a full suite of details attached to it, and if any changes are made or project milestones are hit, all relevant parties are automatically notified. If a staff member anticipates a delay in material delivery, they will be notified as soon as the system is updated and can subsequently work on other tasks to maximise time efficiency. 

Messages can also help add nuance to any given item, where metrics might not be able to fully capture the required detail. You can also hold client communications directly on your project page, so any discussions or additional directions won’t be missed by the project team completing the activity.

Problem #4: Budget Overruns

• Cost overruns are common due to estimation errors, design changes, and unforeseen issues.
• A lack of real-time budget tracking and project management tools exacerbates the problem.

Nexus Resolution #4: Cost Control

Nexus is more than just progress-tracking software. It gives you full visibility into project costs and revenue for every task and material. For each activity, you can define both the internal cost (what your team is paid) and the external charge rate (what your client is billed). This dual perspective lets you instantly see the projected profit for any task.

The same applies to materials: each item has an “in” price (what you pay) and an “out” price (what you charge). If supplier costs change mid-project, Nexus clearly shows how that affects your margins, enabling project owners to make informed decisions about adjusting pricing.

ProWorkflow Nexus: The Best Project Management for Construction Companies

Any project manager will agree that knowing is half the battle—and this is especially true in construction, where every decision impacts timelines and budgets. While many construction projects face delays, scope issues and other unforeseen complications, ProWorkflow’s Nexus software provides a powerful construction project management tool, providing clear, real-time insights to stay ahead of surprises. 

Offering a full work breakdown, including tracking and retaining all relevant information, you and your team of construction professionals will be positioned to achieve project success. The best part? You just need one tool to track all of this data. While no project is immune to change, managing construction projects has never been easier, thanks to Nexus. 

Experience the difference that construction management software makes – try ProWorkflow Nexus for free today!