Construction projects involve several teams working together to achieve a single objective. Effective communication among the project participants ensures alignment is essential for the construction project to succeed. Both internal and external communication are equally important for timely project completion. Through this blog, we aim to help you learn what effective communication during construction projects really means and how it can set you up for success from day 1.
What is effective communication in construction?
Effective communication during construction projects may involve just exchanging information and giving instructions. However, what it really means is conveying a message, listening to the responses to the message, dealing with misunderstandings, conflicts, and frustrations, providing feedback, and coming up with solutions. The motto here is to ensure that every person on the project understands their role and ensures that no issue is unresolved. Effective communication should not be confused with a simple instruction or monologue. It is a 360-degree strategy where both the sender and receiver are satisfied.
What are the benefits of effective communication for construction projects?
Effective communication in the construction industry saves everyone time by avoiding the need to answer any questions or issues later on. Some of its common benefits are -
- It enables prompt decision-making.
- Beyond providing control over the construction projects, it enhances the confidence of all parties involved.
- Overall, it fosters a positive attitude among all participants.
Why is communication important in the construction industry?
Here's why it is essential to streamline communication in construction -
1. Avoids ambiguity
There is a probability of workers being confused if there is no clarity on a construction site. They may not do justice to their jobs, causing a dent in the project outcome. Plus, it is difficult to say whether everyone is working on the latest version. It is excruciating for a project manager to make timely decisions without clear communication. InnPMIS helps ensure everyone is working on the latest versions by helping you securely store, track and manage RFIs, submittals, change orders, and drawings in one place.
2. Enables you to resolve problems faster
A solution can only be reached if the errors are communicated well to your staff. This can exacerbate minor problems and lead to significant reconstructions and the loss of both money and time. It may even prevent them in the first place. Digitize quality control checklists, track inspections efficiently, and document errors with photos and annotations directly on Inncircles with InnPMIS.
3. Keeps delays at arm's length
When communication is fast, the progress of construction projects will be smooth, avoiding unnecessary delays. It will help you deliver timely and cost-effective project outcomes. You can automate routine tasks, such as task assignments and reminders, to keep the wheels of your construction projects moving smoothly and minimize the possibility of manual errors creeping in with InnSite.
4. Ensures accountability
Stop the blame game. If the staff does not know its responsibilities, it may cause trouble in construction project management. Allocating teams to specific work packages through InnSite will boost accountability and improve resource utilization.
5. Boosts compliance
There's no doubt about the potential hazards at the construction site. Despite the workers being trained professionals, mistakes are always possible. Proper communication will eradicate a lack of awareness among people and ensure the safety of lives. With InnSite, your teams can resolve quality and safety issues by assigning corrective actions in real time.
6. Shuns fragmentation
The differences in the workforce's roles increase the possibility of communication breakdown at any stage. Each department has its way of communicating, and connecting those departments through a common platform is difficult. This often causes fragmentation both internally and externally. From scheduling and quality assurance to safety and document management, InnSite brings all aspects of your construction projects under a single roof.
Wrapping up
The backbone of a construction project is its various parts working together, which requires effective communication. It eliminates problems and enhances project success. It helps optimize processes, increase productivity, and complete projects within time and financial constraints. Some ways of ensuring it include regular meetings, good record-keeping, and the application of technology.
With Inncircles, you can reduce back-and-forth communication and breathe life into your construction projects. Need help figuring out how? Book a demo today!