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The Necessity of Employing a Construction Document Management System to Avoid Failures

  • ajay tribhuwan
  • July 17, 2024
  • 9:50 am
Engineers and architects face a significant challenge in handling the multitude of documents involved in construction projects. The importance of a robust construction document management system cannot be overstated, as without it, the chaos of this process is difficult to control. Initially, architects begin the documentation process on paper, but it transitions to digital platforms as it progresses. This shift results in construction documents scattered across various digital platforms, papers, fields, and offices, creating a complex and disorganized landscape. The result is obvious – infinite errors and reworks.

The Problem

When multiple teams and stakeholders are connected with a project, the chances of errors increase. However, documentation errors can have grave repercussions on a project’s success. The more the project advances, the more complicated the job of proper documentation becomes. Also, people associated with documenting the changes in the construction design may get busier, leaving a gap in the appropriate documentation process. This urgency underscores the need for a robust construction document managing system. Unfortunately, many giant organizations in the construction industry have poor documentation processes, which lead to errors, time and energy wastage, and multiple reworks. Over 30% of construction workers report delays in project completion because they did not have access to accurate project information at the right time. It is a classic example of declined productivity due to improper document management.

The Solution

So, how can these issues be solved? Does it involve spending on costly management systems? Can a top BIM service provider in the USA provide architectural construction documentation services? The solution is straightforward, but it might not be easy. Construction documentation control can be challenging for most AEC firms. However, what does documentation control mean? The first step is understanding the fundamentals; one must know a construction document. The phrase “construction documents” encompasses the blueprints, descriptions, change requests, modifications, and other pertinent details that thoroughly outline the extent of work to be carried out for a construction undertaking.

Construction Document Control – What It Means?

With the basic knowledge of a construction document, it is time to address the elephant in the room. How can companies control construction documents? Do they need to hire construction drawing services? Consensus emphasizes the importance of enforcing controlled processes and practices for various aspects of document management, including conception, review, alteration, issuance, circulation, and availability. The organization emphasizes that effective document control is indispensable for ensuring that documentation available at certified points of use within an organization is trusted by its users. This involves providing the documents containing up-to-date, reliable, checked, and formally approved information. According to the above, top BIM service providers in the USA must maintain the criteria while documenting information for future reference:
  • It is essential to manage and organize documents effectively.
  • This includes managing designs, RFIs, requirements, contracts, punch lists, etc.
  • Keeping the documents in a place that is accessible to all stakeholders and workers.
  • Ensuring access to the documents remains available even after the project is completed so owners, renovation workers, and operations and management teams can use them later.
Given the frequency of updates to buildings during design, construction, and operations, it is not surprising that document control is both challenging to maintain and crucial to implement.

The Result of Failure to Maintain Architectural Construction Documentation:

When companies do not practice or focus on managing construction documents, the result can be catastrophic.

Wastage of Time

When employees search for hard-to-find information, they use time that they could better spend on assignments that directly contribute to the company’s profits. According to a report by FMI and Autodesk, professionals in the construction industry waste an average of 5.5 hours per week searching for project plans and information. This accounts for over a third of the 14% of non-essential time spent re-finding and re-reading information already shared. Such inefficient time use can significantly impact productivity and overall business performance. It also results in multiple reworks for in-house construction drawing services. In addition to wasting time looking for necessary information, engineers also have to create new ones, which can be emotionally draining.

Rework

Inadequate construction document management causes considerable confusion over different versions, resulting in teams using incorrect information. It also leads to coordination issues within the construction companies. This leads to errors and requires rework, which causes significant inconvenience for all parties involved and significantly impacts the project’s anticipated timeline and budget.

Cost and Schedule Overruns

Repairing mistakes results in a significant waste of resources. It means using more materials and work, which costs more money and time. This results in a higher budget with missed deadlines and unwelcome overruns, inevitably leading to dissatisfaction among the people involved.

Litigation

Insufficient documentation and errors can lead to lengthy disputes and potential legal action. Legal conflicts are prevalent in the construction industry, and lawsuits can have consequences beyond financial costs. They can damage a company’s reputation, deter potential clients, disrupt workflow, and even lead to unfinished projects. The resulting loss of time, money, and public trust can harm a company.

Conclusion

Construction is complex enough. Juggling countless documents should not add to the headache. By investing in a system that keeps everything organized and accessible, companies save time and money and avoid rework, costly delays, and even lawsuits. Employing a construction document management system to avoid failures cannot be overstated. Proper documents are like having a well-oiled machine, ensuring every project runs smoothly from start to finish. The implications of failure to maintain construction documentation can significantly impact productivity and overall business performance. However, investing in a documentation management system may not be feasible for small and medium businesses. They can collaborate with AEC support partners who can manage all construction documents on the company’s behalf. Thus, the construction companies can focus on their business while their partner can organize the documents.