Three Critical Functionalities for your Project Management Software, and the Rise of Generative AI

requiring more from your project management tech

With the increase in reliance on multi-functional project management solutions, it is imperative that contractors are using the technology to it's fullest extent. Below are 3 key functionalities contractors have identified as critical in their project management technology based on BuiltWorlds benchmarking data.

1. Solution Integration

As tech stacks grow larger, more solutions do not always mean fewer problems. In fact, the volume of available solutions has become a problem in itself. Having a project management platform that can integrate with many solutions can provide users with a single platform to access the data they need to successfully manage a project.

2. Data Analytics

Business intelligence / data analytics functionality is an increasingly critical component of decision making. Managers with the ability to easily aggregate accurate data (key word being accurate) can make informed decisions with regard to financials, progress, safety, quality, and other key areas.

3. Ease of Use

This seems obvious, but has proven to be the most critical aspect of any technology solution. If project teams cannot easily use it, they don't want it. Legacy project management solutions can often be clunky and time consuming to use, in turn causing significant inefficiencies in project management processes. Contractors are increasingly turning to solutions that are more user-friendly, even if it means giving up some functionality.

 

What about AI?

Though not currently a standard in the construction tool belt, the lightning fast rise of generative AI tools begs the question: "how can AI impact project management software?" While generative AI is not new in concept or practice, recent trends have made it both ridiculously accessible and user-friendly. At its most basic level, generative AI is a technology that has the ability to "generate" a response to a prompt. The response can be text, an image, a soundbite, or other options.

Because of these changes, the applications of generative AI have rapidly expanded into every industry around the world. With the right information, generative AI can assist, and even replace, manual efforts for activities including document management, change management, risk management, design coordination, communications (emails), and so much more.

In the coming months and years, it is likely that the integration of generative AI into project management solutions will become not only critical, but ultimately expected.

 

Project Management Research Information

BuiltWorlds gathers all adoption data through our Benchmarking Program. This program allows us to provide unbiased, 3rd party information on what solutions contractors are using, what they value, and what they are looking for. Click the link below to learn more, and participate in our research programs.