{"id":115564,"date":"2022-09-14T14:18:53","date_gmt":"2022-09-14T13:18:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pbctoday.co.uk\/news\/?p=115564"},"modified":"2022-09-14T14:18:53","modified_gmt":"2022-09-14T13:18:53","slug":"4-ways-process-automation-stops-construction-project-overruns","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pbctoday.co.uk\/news\/digital-construction-news\/construction-technology-news\/4-ways-process-automation-stops-construction-project-overruns\/115564\/","title":{"rendered":"4 ways process automation stops construction project overruns"},"content":{"rendered":"

In this article, FlowForma explains four ways in which process automation can help to stop project overruns and keep construction projects on track<\/h2>\n

In construction, it\u2019s almost impossible to avoid project overruns altogether, but there are ways to mitigate the risks and avoid the most common causes. In the past, this may have simply meant planning for the possibilities of scope creep and inaccurate estimates, but now process automation solutions<\/a> are offering a more substantive arsenal of tools to stop project overruns in their tracks.<\/p>\n

Process automation can help to streamline the workflows, apps, and systems that underlie how your teams work, whether that\u2019s on-site or in the office. By\u00a0increasing process efficiency, consistency, and visibility, you can optimize the mechanics that\u00a0fuel project success\u2014and catch overruns before they run all over you. And with the emergence of no-code tools, anyone in the business can use and benefit from automated solutions.<\/a><\/p>\n

65% of construction organisations are impacted by project overruns<\/h3>\n

Streamlined workflows, accurate and instant document generation, and easy-to-use mobile forms\u2014these are just some of the automations that can take your construction projects to the next level. With 65% of construction organisations saying they are impacted by project overruns, it\u2019s time to unleash the digital transformation<\/a>\u00a0in construction\u00a0companies that their workers need.<\/p>\n

Construction projects are extensive and complex, involving many moving parts. It can be a challenge to stay on top of everything as a project advances.<\/p>\n

What is a project overrun?<\/h3>\n

Project overrun, also referred to as \u201ccost overrun\u201d, occurs when either a project\u2019s duration or its costs exceed what was in the project plan or budget. Due to project overrun being such a common occurrence in construction, it\u2019s often scheduled ahead of time to mitigate the risk. Essentially, it\u2019s seen as unavoidable, and the prudent approach is to work around the inevitability as best you can.<\/p>\n

But\u00a0process automation technology offers a way to revolutionize this. What if you could automate core processes that lead to project overrun and\u00a0remove inefficiencies and human error? What if you could give employees tools to\u00a0record and monitor<\/a>\u00a0project progress instantly and accurately? What if you had\u00a0clear dashboards\u00a0providing real-time data and flagging unexpected changes as they emerge, not afterward?<\/p>\n

This is what process automation in construction promises. With access to up-to-the-minute project data, you can\u00a0react and solve issues immediately.<\/p>\n

Four ways process automation services and solutions can combat project overruns<\/h3>\n

1. Efficient processes<\/h4>\n

Process automation removes manual, paper-based processes which hold construction projects back in what is now an increasingly remote or hybrid working environment. By connecting the people, processes, and technology involved in projects, you not only make everything more efficient but remove human error, make sure data is consistent, and free up employees to focus on more valuable tasks.<\/p>\n

Document generation and e-signature is an obvious example, perhaps. But when processes around communication and collaboration are digitised\u2014rather than being paper\/excel\/email-based\u2014it radically increases productivity in a remote workplace.<\/p>\n

2. Digitisation at scale<\/h4>\n

Process automation tools allow every department to lead and engage in the digital transformation they want to see. Every team knows its own processes best. They know which workflows run smoothly and which tend to end up in bottlenecks. With\u00a0no-code solutions<\/a>\u00a0like\u00a0FlowForma Process Automation<\/a>, you can decentralise digital transformation by giving everyone the ability to automate processes.<\/p>\n

This is the quickest and most effective way to drive digitisation around the organization. And it\u2019s crucial for preventing project overruns because you need to monitor such a wide range of moving pieces to avoid it completely.<\/p>\n

Any small increase in material costs needs to be flagged as soon as possible by employees on the ground. For instance, recording broken equipment or an overestimate on materials through mobile forms on-site can help back-office staff act accordingly immediately.<\/p>\n

3. Process consistency<\/h4>\n

When processes are managed and automated in a standardized way, using the same tools and methods, then the organization effectively starts singing from the same hymn sheet. Rather than everyone working independently, everything is joined up.<\/p>\n

Information silos are removed. Data moves smoothly from A to B. Everyone has the same experiences. This makes it far easier to communicate and collaborate, and makes it much less likely that errors go unnoticed.<\/p>\n

Another area this can help with is onboarding new staff.<\/a>\u00a0Onboarding\u00a0is much more efficient when automated. New starters automatically receive everything they need, from knowledge to equipment.<\/p>\n

Workflows can be created to ensure this happens smoothly. An upshot of this is that everyone knows what is what and how everything works from day one, reducing the risk of errors that might lead to project overruns.<\/p>\n

4. Reporting<\/h4>\n

The key to avoiding project overruns is\u00a0visibility over data<\/a>. When data is recorded, and reported accurately, you can start to spot irregularities with ease. Whether that is through\u00a0automated systems to flag anomalies, or just because everyone has\u00a0user-friendly dashboards\u00a0which make it easy to monitor progress, you are always on top of what is going on. This way data-driven decisions can become an integral part of everything you do.<\/p>\n

A good example of this is how greater visibility over data can help Just In Time (JIT) delivery. JIT is a crucial part of how construction companies\u00a0cut down on waste and optimize material costs. With processes around estimating and ordering automated you can\u00a0ensure that mistakes are not made. With workflows around sign-off, you can make sure everything passes through\u00a0rigorous standards and checks.<\/p>\n

FlowForma\u2019s process automation services<\/h3>\n

FlowForma provides enterprise-class, no-code process automation tools for the construction industry. Rapidly digitise your processes to support remote workers, remove paper delays, and drive process efficiency.<\/p>\n

The award-winning process automation tool<\/a> is praised for its easy adoption, BIM compliance support, and rapid time to value.<\/p>\n

Reasons construction organizations choose FlowForma\u2019s process automation services and solutions:<\/p>\n