Construction Management Vs Project Management

Construction management vs project management represents two distinct but complementary approaches to overseeing project delivery and execution in the construction industry. But they aren’t one in the same, and understanding their differences can help companies streamline workflow for their construction projects.

Each position has its own set of unique skills, tasks and responsibilities which — to maximize performance — requires the appropriate resources and software. If either position is working with tools that don’t correlate with their duties, their ability to provide effective leadership is impeded. A construction project manager must understand how to coordinate construction crews and manage project schedules effectively.

Now, not every company has the need to create both roles. But, by learning about each position, you can establish best practices to create an environment of support and success for your administrative department throughout all construction project phases.

In this article, we’re going to outline the distinctions between these two positions — including scope of work and optimal software. This way, you can review the roles and responsibilities of your company’s manager(s) to make sure they have access to the proper resources for successful project delivery.

Article Highlights

• Learn about the roles a construction manager and project manager have on a project.
• Discusses the key differences between construction managers and project managers.
• Explain how construction management and project management work together to ensure a successful outcome.
• Learn about software that can help streamline construction management and project management.

What is Construction Management and Who is a Construction Manager?

Construction management is the process of supervising the building portions of a project — any and all project tasks that involve physical construction fall into this construction project lifecycle. The construction manager oversees the day-to-day operations at the construction site, including construction crews, equipment and materials. This role requires extensive resource allocation and resource management skills, working closely with the General Contractor to ensure proper construction budget oversight.

Construction Manager Responsibilities

Some of the typical responsibilities of a construction manager include:

• Overseeing the building process
• Supervising the construction crews
• Managing equipment and material inventory through effective resource management
• Tracking equipment and ensuring proper resource allocation
• Enforcing safety regulations on the construction site
• Generating cost management reports and construction budget estimates
• Coordinating with the general contractor on project delivery milestones

What is Project Management and Who is a Project Manager?

Project management is the process of supervising the entire construction project lifecycle. Project managers operate on a broad scale because their duties are diverse and all-encompassing across all construction project phases.

From initial brainstorming to project delivery, project managers are responsible for tracking milestones, monitoring construction budget numbers, updating stakeholders and communicating with clients. They’re aware of specific details, but from a bird’s eye view — a project manager’s direct reports gather data, such as cost management estimates and task completions, so the PM can check this information against the budget or project schedule.

Project Manager Responsibilities

Some of the typical responsibilities assigned to a construction project manager include:

• Meeting with clients to set construction project goals
• Site analysis and work site procurement for construction projects
• Developing construction budget, project plan and project schedule
• Communicating priorities to construction crews and teams
• Acting liaison between team and clients/stakeholders
• Total cost management tracking across all construction project phases
• Coordinating resource allocation and resource management strategies
• Ensuring effective project delivery throughout the construction project lifecycle

Construction Manager vs Project Manager: Key Differences

Several key distinctions separate construction managers from project managers in the construction industry:

Scope of Work

Project managers oversee construction projects throughout the entire construction project lifecycle, whereas construction managers supervise a portion of the project specifically related to construction activities on the construction site.

Client Communication

Project managers are responsible for communicating with clients on a regular basis throughout all construction project phases. Construction managers may occasionally speak with clients, but it’s not a major focus of their daily responsibilities.

Building Codes and Safety Regulations

Project managers understand these codes and regulations, but the construction manager, alongside the safety director, is responsible for their enforcement on the construction site and with construction crews.

How do Construction Managers and Project Managers Interact?

While there are differences, there is still plenty of coordination between the two positions — for example, construction managers submit proposals to project managers and project managers keep construction managers up to date with certain priorities regarding project schedules and resource allocation — but, ultimately, a construction manager is a direct report to a project manager. This relationship is essential for successful project delivery across all construction project phases.

Software Solutions for Construction Managers and Project Managers

Project managers and construction managers leverage software to streamline their operations. This software — commonly referred to as construction management software, project management software or scheduling software — tracks, schedules and provides updates for every aspect of a project. Oftentimes, project managers and construction managers use different features within the same software to complete their responsibilities.

Construction Managers

Since construction managers oversee the jobsite, they’ll need tools that have the capabilities to handle minute details, such as cost management tracking, equipment management, workforce management, material tracking and managing subcontractors. These tools must support effective resource management and resource allocation for construction crews across the construction site.

CMs also require some type of document management because change orders, proposals and RFIs are heavily used in the building process and throughout different construction project phases.

Some of the most common software features used by a construction manager include:

• Assignment scheduling
• Photo logs to track construction progress
• Document editing and management
• Material & equipment management

Project Managers

Project managers have a wide range of needs because they must track different types of progress throughout the construction project lifecycle. First, they require tools that can collect and analyze data from the field, such as labor hours and material usage from construction crews. Then, the software needs to be able to compare that data against the construction budget and estimated project schedule.

In addition, centralized communication is important to PMs so they can always stay up to date with the requests of their direct reports and client inquiries across all construction project phases.

Finally, a robust risk management feature is key so that PMs can run reports that will detect any red flags — which can then be addressed in a timely manner to ensure successful project delivery.

Some of the most common software features used by a project manager include:

• Budgeting, billing and invoicing
• Project planning
• Risk management
• Communication management

When choosing your best option for web-based project management software, keep in mind which role will be using the product and what their needs are. If your company employs some type of construction manager, then find software that can handle detailed tracking for construction crews and construction site operations.

If your company employs a project manager, then use software with a broader scope that can handle both business operations and project planning across the entire construction project lifecycle. If you’ve got both positions, then use an all-in-one solution that’s as robust with its scheduling capabilities as it is with its construction budget management and cost management features.

Foundation Software Provides Efficient Project and Construction Management Software

Foundation Software offers software that can be universally used by both construction managers and project managers, including:

WorkMax

WorkMax is a mobile time tracking application that allows construction managers to easily view their crew’s schedule days, weeks or even months in advance. Construction managers can also track materials and equipment to know their current location and avoid overallocation of resources. Project managers can use WorkMax to receive real-time visibility into project progress and productivity, project costs and manage risks.

CrewHQ

CrewHQ helps construction managers see their crew’s availability, current location and assignment(s). It also helps them manage their tasks and equipment availability. Project managers can use CrewHQ to view worker and equipment availability and adjust their larger project plans accordingly.

SafetyHQ®

While safety may not be a direct responsibility of project or construction managers, the health of a jobsite impacts budgets, timelines and labor availability. SafetyHQ® is a construction safety app that helps keep workers trained and safe with Toolbox Talks, JHAs, Safety Datasheets and certification tracking.

ProjectHQ®

ProjectHQ helps project managers manage, edit and store important documents and address change orders. If project managers use FOUNDATION® accounting software, their change orders can be uploaded directly into their accounting system to update their project budget automatically. This also helps them streamline their total cost tracking.

Construction managers could also have access to ProjectHQ to receive notifications from the project manager regarding specific project details. Additionally, the construction manager can share and update documents and other important information, such as change orders and photo logs, using ProjectHQ.

Collaboration is Key to Project Success

Ultimately, a construction manager and a project manager have the same end goal: to provide high-quality finished products that were completed on time and within budget.

Understanding the difference between construction managers vs project managers and selecting the right software can help you and your team improve workflow.

By understanding these distinct roles and their collaborative relationship, organizations in the construction industry can optimize their construction projects throughout the entire construction project lifecycle.

To see how our software can help you with your construction management and project management speak with one of our experts today! Click here to schedule a demo.