Managing construction projects can be a headache and a half. Projects can quickly go over budget, and get delayed. These issues are exacerbated when dealing with multiple projects at a time. The key to successful construction projects is having the right tools to handle all the moving pieces from the start – and we’re not just talking about power tools.
Yardi Job Cost and Construction Manager are powerful applications that will help you successfully manage your construction project.
The two modules share one overarching objective: to track the job lifecycle from inception to completion. Although the two modules overlap in some areas, each one has unique functionalities that when combined, make the construction project management process easier.
To get the most out of both Job Cost and Construction Manager, it’s helpful to get an idea of what each module does, and how they differ.
Job Cost
Job Cost is primarily regarded as an Accountant’s tool and tends to be focused on financial aspects. It is a fundamental component for managing job budgets, costs, contracts, draws and much more. Additionally, it offers an array of comprehensive reports that provide complete financial oversight of construction projects.
Construction Manager
Construction Manager is often seen as an Asset Manager’s tool, and sits on top of Job Cost. This allows it to provide interactive dashboards that offer portfolio-wide visibility of metrics which can be filtered by job, job type, status or risk level. Construction Manager also allows users to track milestones, potential cost changes, and any other risks that may be associated with a job such as potential delays. Last but not least, Construction Manager enhances collaboration by incorporating unified approvals and an Activity Log that enables users to add notes and create tasks in one centralized location.
Optimizing your Yardi set-up
If you want your organization operating at optimal capacity, you’ll want both Job Cost and Construction Manager. You’ll also need to make sure the modules are set up correctly. To ensure successful implementation of both modules, you’ll need to:
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Conduct a System Assessment.
To gain a thorough understanding of existing business operations/procedures, you’ll need to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and desired outcomes. This detailed knowledge will help you to identify your requirements for customizing the modules.
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Create a Detailed Project Plan.
A good project plan will define timelines and milestones, acting as a guiding document throughout the implementation process. This provides transparency and helps keep the project on track.
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Assemble a Competent Project Team.
Building a skilled and dedicated project team requires identifying individuals with relevant expertise in software development, testing, deployment, and user training. This usually involves getting outside help from an organization like Lynx, as it’s rare to find one person who can do everything. Each team member should be assigned clear roles and responsibilities to avoid confusion and ensure efficient collaboration.
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Communicate Effectively.
Effective communication includes meeting with the project team and stakeholders to address concerns, clarify requirements, and gather feedback. Good communication fosters transparency and helps mitigate issues before they escalate.
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Manage Risks Proactively.
Any time you implement new software there are risks that go along with end rewards. It is vital to identify and mitigate potential risks early on. This involves thorough testing, data security, and contingency plans. Proactive risk management also involves regularly monitoring and reassessment throughout the project.
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Prioritize User Training and Adoption.
Successful implementation of any new software – including Yardi Job Cost and Construction Manager – depends on user acceptance and adoption. This means you’ll need comprehensive training for end-users to ensure they understand the software’s features and benefits.
As with any Yardi modules, Job Cost and Construction Manager are powerful tools, but they need to be implemented correctly from the start for optimal results. Even if you have a strong internal Yardi support team, you’ll want to partner with a team of trustworthy experts like Lynx to avoid project delays and cost overruns.
Reach out to find out how we can partner with you and with Yardi to optimize your system.
