Outbuild is online scheduling software to work together on connected project schedules and look-aheads, enabling everyone to move faster.
Key Takeaways
- Schedules, Lookaheads, and Weekly Work Plans within one integrated platform.
- Real-time insights and project analytics through automated dashboards.
- Easier, streamlined plan management through a user-friendly interface.
Table of contents
- How to Track Construction Progress with Outbuild
- Real-Time Data: The Game-Changer in Tracking Construction
- How Technology is Transforming Construction Tracking
- Key Features to Look for in Construction Progress Tracking Software
- Benefits of Implementing Outbuild for Construction Tracking
- Overcoming Common Challenges in Construction Tracking
- Future Trends in Construction Site Tracking Technology
- Best Practices for Effective Construction Tracking and Reporting
We all know how crucial it is to monitor and record the progress of construction activities on a given project. We also know that project delays and cost overruns can have major negative impacts.
So, how do you stay on top of progress to ensure you deliver your projects on time and on budget? You need a solution that enables your team to make informed decisions, anticipate potential setbacks, and optimize resource allocation. You need Outbuild, a platform built to help projects stay on track.
Adopting a construction tracking system like Outbuild is the key to staying ahead. Outbuild improves scheduling efficiency and enables teams to monitor progress at every stage of a project.
Let's dive into how to track construction projects:
Scheduling and Planning
Construction schedules change constantly as a project progresses, making scheduling a key part of any successful construction project.
Outbuild simplifies scheduling from the start. You can create a schedule in minutes with easy drag-and-drop tools. Real-time updates and permission settings also ensure a smooth user experience.
Outbuild connects the master Gantt chart schedule with look-ahead views, allowing for instant communication and adjustments. Progress from the look-ahead automatically rolls up into the master schedule. This keeps everything updated without extra work for your team.
Weekly work plans are created from the look-aheads. These plans outline the tasks the team has committed to completing that week, and tracks reasons for variance. This removes guesswork and makes sure everyone knows what to do, and helps you understand where things tend to go wrong.
Budgeting
Although accounting software is helpful, Outbuild can actually help you with tracking construction costs! Outbuild makes budgeting easier by linking cost tracking to project progress. Your team can enter actual costs and compare them with the budget, giving you a real-time view of your finances and helping you catch issues early.
Your Cost Earned metrics automatically update as activities are logged, keeping you on track with your job costs.
Quality Control and Reduction of Rework
Outbuild is a tracking solution that supports optimal quality control proven to reduce rework in construction. With our platform, you’ll keep communication clear and spot issues early, so problems on the job site are a thing of the past.
Outbuild’s roadblock feature helps promote quality work by highlighting any potential issues. You can easily assign roadblocks to teammates, and the due dates with automatic reminders help get the work done fast. This proactive approach helps teams address problems before they escalate, keeping projects on track and Superintendents worry-free.
Thanks to real-time updates and handy tools like the roadblock tracker, you can tackle problems before they slow you down. Plus, Outbuild helps your team learn from past mistakes and apply those lessons to future projects, keeping those pesky errors at bay.
Another way Outbuild supports quality control is with construction manpower tracking. Having the right crew size helps avoid inefficiencies or challenges with overworked teammates. It also improves supervision, resource utilization, and safety, all of which contribute to high-quality outcomes.
Access to real-time data is no longer a luxury — it’s a necessity — especially for construction tracking. Outbuild's cutting-edge cloud platform gives you instant insights, helping project leaders tackle issues on the spot. Whether your team is in the office or on the field, they can quickly update and access important information. This reduces delays, ensures accountability, and keeps the project moving forward.
Outbuild’s unique integration capabilities ensure that your schedule is always up to date. With Outbuild, you can update progress from the job site using the iPad app and get alerts about roadblocks to avoid costly delays. Its approach is all about staying ahead and preventing issues.
Say goodbye to the days of detailed reports living on paper or static spreadsheets. Say hello to easier document management on construction sites through a simple mobile app. Managing project progress doesn't need to be so difficult.
The integration of technology into construction tracking is transforming the industry. Modern tools and software offer unprecedented levels of automation and efficiency, streamlining processes and enhancing collaboration across teams.
These technologies facilitate data-driven decision-making by processing large volumes of information and providing actionable insights. Having a construction tracker you can rely on ensures you and all team members can keep a pulse on progress at any time.
When selecting construction tracking software, look for solutions that enhance productivity, streamline communication, and provide reliable support. Outbuild checks every box, delivering a comprehensive platform that centralizes project activities for better collaboration and informed decision-making.
The ability to create detailed project schedules with milestones and deadlines is essential. Additionally, the software should offer real-time progress tracking and the ability to adjust schedules as needed.
Another top priority should be if the software seamlessly integrates with other project management systems. This ensures that all stakeholders have access to the latest schedule and can collaborate effectively.
Managing workflows, including submittals and Request for Information (RFI) processes, is a critical component of construction tracking. The right software should offer workflows that automate these processes, reducing administrative burden and ensuring timely submissions.
For example, by connecting Procore submittals and RFIs in Outbuild, teams can track their status in real-time, making communication and collaboration among stakeholders easier. Having these tracking tools connected improves accountability and keeps projects moving forward without unnecessary delays.
The future of schedule management
Download the playbook to learn more
- Integrates effortlessly with Procore.
- Designed with simplicity in mind.
- Leverage the power of lean construction.
Outbuild offers:
- Improved project visibility: Real-time updates help teams spot issues early.
- Enhanced efficiency: Outbuild's integration capabilities streamline communication and automate processes, saving time and reducing administrative burdens.
- Cost savings: Automated cost tracking and early identification of roadblocks keep projects on budget and help reduce delays.
- Future learnings: By analyzing past projects, Outbuild helps teams improve processes for the future.
- Better resource management: how to keep track of construction workers is no longer a question with Outbuild. Clear communication and a central platform helps teams manage resources and resolve scheduling conflicts.
- Field Access: Outbuild’s cloud-based access keeps everyone updated, whether in the office or on-site.
Learning new technology can be challenging. Outbuild ensures that the process is smooth with live support, custom training, and the ability to import existing schedules. Outbuild simplifies the transition and helps teams see the value from day one.
"Going through implementation with the team at Outbuild has been great. They want us to not only use the software, but use it successfully. The set-up was pain free." – Mark Clayton, President at Prosser Wilbert Construction
The future of construction project management software is bright, with several emerging trends set to shape the industry. A rising trend is using predictive analytics to identify problems early and act proactively.
Another trend is the rise of AI for project management. By leveraging machine learning and artificial intelligence, construction tracking software can analyze historical data to identify patterns and provide insights for better project planning.
- Define Clear Objectives: It is important to establish well-defined objectives and communicate them across all teams. This ensures that everyone is on the same page with the project goals and can work towards the same end goal.
- Implement Robust Scheduling: Utilize advanced scheduling tools to create a detailed roadmap of the project. Break the project down into manageable tasks, set realistic timelines, and identify key milestones to monitor progress effectively.
- Leverage Technology Solutions: Invest in construction tracking software such as Outbuild to streamline processes and ensure real-time updates. The right technology will centralize all project data, making it accessible to all stakeholders and promoting accountability and collaboration.
- Integrate Budgeting: Track and monitor project costs through the software to identify any discrepancies or potential overruns. By integrating budgeting into construction tracking, teams can make data-driven decisions to keep projects on track.
- Improve: After completing a project, analyze performance metrics and identify areas for improvement. Implement these learnings into future projects to improve processes and drive better results.
By following these best practices, construction businesses can ensure efficient project tracking, reduce delays, and deliver high-quality projects.
Outbuild isn’t just about construction project tracking—it’s about transforming how you manage construction.
"Outbuild has been one of the best partner tools that Orion has implemented in the past 15 years. It has allowed for a collaborative environment for teams and given that the system is easy to use and learn, it makes the onboarding much more efficient."
See how Orion Builders elevated efficiency — Case Study.
Ready to empower your construction company with ultimate construction progress tracking capabilities? Book a demo or sign up for a free trial today!
Ready to see Outbuild?
Join hundreds of contractors from 10+ countries that are saving money by scheduling better