In the mid-2020s, in mid-sized construction companies, hundreds (and in large companies, thousands) of different systems can be found that must work in harmony to keep all aspects of the construction process running smoothly and cohesively.
The following is a list of popular systems for medium to large companies in the construction industry that play an important role in the effective management of construction projects:
- ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) provide integration of business processes, including accounting, purchasing, and project management.
- CAPEX (Capital Expenditure Planning Software) is used for budgeting and managing financial investments in construction projects, helps to determine the cost of fixed assets and investments in long term assets.
- CAD (Computer-Aided Design) and BIM (Building Information Modeling) are used to create detailed and accurate technical drawings and 3D models of projects. The main focus of these systems is on working with geometric information.
- MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) engineering systems including mechanical, electrical, and plumbing to detail the internal "circulatory" system of the project.
- GIS (Geographic Information Systems) are used for terrain analysis and planning, including cartography and spatial analysis.
- CQMS (Construction Quality Management Software provides control over the compliance of construction processes with established standards and regulations, helps in managing defects and deficiencies.
- CPM (Construction Project Management) involves planning, coordinating and controlling construction processes.
- CAFM (Computer-Aided Facility Management) using systems, including building management and maintenance.
- SCM (Supply Chain Management) is necessary to optimize the flow of materials and information between suppliers and the construction site.
- EPM (Enterprise Performance Management) aimed at improving business processes and performance.
- AMS (Asset Management Software) is used to optimize the use, management and maintenance of equipment and infrastructure throughout the asset lifecycle.
- RPM (Real Property Management) includes the tasks and processes involved in managing and operating buildings and land, as well as related resources and assets.
These and many other systems, comprising dozens and hundreds of different software solutions, are a vital component for companies operating in the construction industry today.
A team of specialists, led by a key manager, is carefully selected to maintain each system implemented into the company's business.
The key system manager plays a crucial role in directing the flow of data in the right direction and is responsible for the quality of the final data for management, much like the first managers thousands of years ago were responsible for the numbers written on papyrus or clay tablets.
Every business system requires a professional team and a responsible manager for quality data management
But if for the last 5000 years the main problem of data managers was the problem of lack of data in principle, then with the avalanche-like increase of data and data management systems - users and managers have faced a new problem - excess of data, because of which it has become difficult to find legally correct and quality information.
To solve the issues of data quality and correctness, managers have to overcome such difficulties as heterogeneity of systems, data formats, methods of their storage and use, approaches to management in a "zoo" of solutions that were implemented at different times.
The interconnectivity of systems, supported by managers, links the company's processes with the flow of information between different departments
