It is a no-brainer that collaboration between stakeholders is essential for the success of a construction project. With various parties involved, including architects, engineers, contractors, subcontractors, owners and suppliers, clear communication and effective collaboration are keys to success. In this article, we will discuss important factors to improve collaboration regardless of different stakeholders having different incentives.
#1 Adopting a Shared Project Vision and Goals to Align All Parties Involved
Having a shared project vision and goals will help align all parties involved in the project. Furthermore, a shared vision can help ensure that everyone involved is working towards the same goal, resulting in a more cohesive project. In addition, the overlying goals and vision should be clearly articulated in the associated contracts to avoid deviations between stakeholders. Throughout the project, it is important to accept compromises if the overreaching goals are met.
#2 Collaborative Software to Streamline Communication and Data Sharing
Collaborative software will majorly improve the collaboration between stakeholders, regardless of their location. Cloud-based project management and takeoff software, video conferencing platforms, and instant messaging applications will enable team members to communicate in real-time. Here at Sparkel, we contribute by providing easy-to-share live views of BIM model takeoffs, with corresponding material lists.
#3 Developing a Clear, Concise Communication Plan with Regular Check-Ins and Progress Reports
Regular communication is essential for effective collaboration. Therefore, developing a communication plan that outlines required touch points will help ensure that all parties involved are kept up-to-date. Not to mention the possibility to resolve conflicts at early stages throughout the project. Having automatically reoccurring meetings are a good idea in order to reduce the number of low-quality touchpoints, i.e. mailing and calling back and forth to setup meetings.
#4 Implementing a Document Management System
A document management system will help centralize all project documentation, making it easier for all parties involved to access important information. In addition, the system should include version control to ensure that everyone is working on the up-to-date information. Notice that cloud-based systems are absolute best for this purpose.
#5 Use a Risk Management Plan to Mitigate Potential Issues
Identifying potential risks and developing a risk management plan can help minimize disruptions to the project. The plan should outline the potential risks, their impact on the project, and the actions required to mitigate them.
#6 Encouraging Team Members to Actively Participate, Regardless of Role or Seniority
Encouraging team members to actively participate and contribute to the project can help foster a culture of collaboration. Team members should be encouraged to share their thought, ideas, and feedback, regardless of their role or seniority. This will ensure that the project does not become corrupt, and that reports from the bottom-up are honest and informative.
#7 Assigning Clear Roles and Responsibilities to Team Members
Assigning clear roles and responsibilities to team members can help minimize confusion and overlaps. Each team member should know what is expected of them and what they are responsible for. Resulting in reduced risk of duplicated efforts.
#8 Encouraging a Culture of Collaboration and Open Communication
Finally, to improve construction collaboration, a culture of collaboration and open communication should be fostered throughout the project lifecycle. By encouraging open communication and collaboration, all parties involved can work together to ensure that the project succeeds.
Conclusion
In conclusion, collaboration in construction projects is essential for delivering successful outcomes. By using collaborative software, project stakeholders can communicate and collaborate more effectively, regardless of their location. In addition to using technology, it’s also important to establish a shared project vision and goals to align all parties involved in the project. At Sparkel, we understand the importance of collaboration in construction projects. Our easy-to-share live views of BIM-model takeoffs enable project teams to collaborate more seamlessly and make better-informed decisions.
