Top 7 Construction Collaboration Software in 2024

Effective team collaboration can propel a construction project to the finish line. Poor collaboration? It can cause projects to break down, leaving teams stranded and clients disappointed. 

But with so many team members on a project, miscommunications and overlooked details are common. Stakeholders spread across job sites and locations make project alignment even trickier. Timeline delays and budget overruns are often the unfortunate result. 

That’s why collaboration software is essential in the construction industry. Project management software alleviates many of these challenges, preventing them from becoming detrimental as the project progresses. 

How does construction collaboration software improve project communication?

Did you know the key contributors to rework and failed projects are miscommunication and poor project data? With the right software, teams can work together more effectively across a centralized platform. 

Project communication is easier when team members can share updates and coordinate tasks in one place. Real-time collaboration keeps everyone involved in the project on the same page, reducing misunderstandings and preventing delays. 

Likewise, construction project management software enhances communication by simplifying processes, enabling better information sharing and quick decision-making. 

Key features to look for in construction collaboration software

Ready to invest in a software solution, but you don’t know which features are important? You’ve come to the right place! These are the key features that can help project teams deliver construction projects more efficiently and successfully. 

Ease of use

Construction projects involve many people, each with varying degrees of technical expertise. Choosing a tool that’s easy to use ensures that all team members and stakeholders can collaborate effectively, and access any information they need when they need it without special technical knowledge.

Centralized communication

Regardless of their location, team members must be able to access documents and project updates. Construction collaboration software centralizes messages, emails, and documents. As a result, everyone has access to the same information, and there are fewer miscommunications and information silos. 

Projects are more likely to stay on track when stakeholders have a channel to give suggestions, share reports, and connect with team members. 

Real-time collaboration

Real-time document collaboration features enable seamless coordination between team members, ensuring that everyone has all the context they need. Choose software that allows multiple team members to collaborate on the same document at once — and see everyone else’s updates in real time. This makes it easier to identify potential issues early on, preventing costly miscommunications or rework.

Flexibility

Because construction projects are dynamic and often require many tweaks, changes, and pivots on the path toward completion, it’s important to use software that can keep up. Opt for flexible solutions that all your team members and stakeholders can access when and where they need to, whether from their computers or in the field from their smartphones.

Document management

Construction projects often include tons of paperwork, which project teams must continually modify. 

With construction collaboration software, you can store all of your documents in one place, and you’ll always know teams are working from the latest set of documents. When documents need review and approval, the software makes it easy for teams to access what they need. 

Task management

It can be hard to keep track of tasks and who’s working on what during an active construction project. If one task gets missed, it can throw off the entire project schedule. Construction collaboration software holds everyone accountable and keeps teams informed throughout the project. 

With automated reminders and notifications, team members know the tasks they’re responsible for and when they’re due. Project managers can track progress and delegate new tasks as they pop up. 

Real-time updates & notifications

Projects can change direction abruptly. When this happens, team members must be aware of it. 

Real-time updates and notifications are important features of construction collaboration software. They keep project teams informed about changes, progress, and deadlines. Plus, they allow team members to respond immediately and make adjustments. 

Accessibility

Construction teams may be spread out across job sites or even in different parts of the country. They need to access project information whether they’re in the field, in the office, or on the road. Project management software provides cloud-based access so construction project teams can collaborate from anywhere. 

7 construction collaboration software for project success

Ready to find the software that’s right for your team? We’ve created a list of the seven top construction collaboration software solutions you’ll want to check out! 

1. ActiveDraft

ActiveDraft is an easy-to-use, browser-based, visual document collaboration tool that helps improve communication between construction teams. 

Through intuitive markup tools and built-in collaboration, ActiveDraft enables teams to zero in on the tasks they need to tackle to keep projects moving forward. There’s no need for special hardware or apps — teams can access ActiveDraft from any device’s browser. 

Documents like drawings and plans are foundational to a construction project. When it comes to working together on a document, voice and text communications can’t compare to a real-time collaboration platform. ActiveDraft gives all project stakeholders the power to collaborate on the go and drive projects forward. 

Key features

  • Collaborate in a dedicated flexible workspace: Teams can organize projects, files, tasks, and activity threads on one secure, intuitive platform — and multiple team members can work on the same document simultaneously!
  • Easily convert documents: Upload a variety of AEC file types and convert them to PDFs so all team members have easy access to complete markups. 
  • Mark up drawings in real time: Share, view, and mark up documents with your team from any device, operating system, or browser. 
  • Manage tasks efficiently: Assign tasks and track progress across projects. 
  • Store files confidently: Any file you upload is stored securely in a centralized, browser-based file management system. 

2. ProContractor

ProContractor is a cloud-deployed, comprehensive business management solution for small-to-medium contractors. It allows project teams to move projects seamlessly from bid to accounting to project management. 

Throughout the office, team, and field, you’ll have more control and flexibility over projects. This can mean fewer bottlenecks and less stalled work. Since it paves the way for cleaner, more organized operations, ProContractor also enables construction companies to maximize their profitability. 

Key features

  • Real-time reporting for improved accuracy: Teams can report to the office instantly from the field, leaving less room for error. 
  • Robust change management: Keep track of moving targets so you can maximize your profits. 
  • Document management for everyone: ProContractor is comprehensive, accessible, and easy to understand. 
  • Timecard transparency: Send electronic timecard data directly to payroll, eliminating the need for manual entry. 

3. Fieldwire

With Fieldwire, you can manage your construction sites with ease — everything from task management and punch lists to inspections. The software makes it easy to access your plans and project docs from one centralized location. 

You can also create customized forms and reports to track and report progress. Construction crews can keep all project team members updated from the field, even without a computer.

Key features

  • Access the information you need in one place: Keep construction drawings, submittals, change orders, specifications, and O&M documents continuously updated so everyone has the latest info to stay on schedule. 
  • Collaborate better with your teams: Organize your job site, track tasks, complete checklists, and communicate with your team from a mobile phone or tablet. 
  • Get the right information to the right people: Create custom forms and generate automatic reports based on the data you choose. Share the information only with select people.

4. Fluix

Fluix is a cloud-based platform for digitizing and automating task management and field inspections for the construction industry. 

With Fluix, you can create modular, configurable workflows to manage each phase of the construction life cycle. Workflows are organized in a diagram format so users can easily see tasks, deadlines, and priorities within projects. 

Fluix also allows team members to collaborate on documents in real time, improving process visibility and eliminating overruns.

Key features

  • Save time and money with digital documents: Users can access documents online, preventing manual work and avoiding costly errors. 
  • Capture essential data from any mobile device: Handle incident management, quality controls, standardized on-site inspections, and more in a few taps. 
  • Maintain safety on job sites: Safety toolbox talks and instant safety-related alerts help teams identify potential hazards and address them quickly.
  • Synchronize your data: Fluix offers integrations with multiple tools, including Zapier, Dropbox, and more, to unify communication and collaboration between teams.

5. TeamGantt

TeamGantt offers a project management solution designed specifically for the construction industry. It helps teams meet build deadlines and streamline communication with field teams and subcontractors. Since project phases are often in flux, tracking the potential impact can be tricky. 

With TeamGantt, project teams can set completion dates and see how changes impact deadlines. They can track team progress in real time and spot project delays before they become problematic. TeamGantt even has a mobile app that enables foremen to update tasks and easily relay critical information from the field.

Key features

  • Switch between project views with a single click: Access a variety of views to get a comprehensive picture of project progress. 
  • Drag and drop tasks for fast, easy scheduling: TeamGantt requires no training or onboarding — anyone can pick it up and use it right away. 
  • Organize tasks, documents, and chats in one place: Project teams can find the latest files, conversations, and updates in their online Gantt chart and dashboard.   

6. Buildertrend

Buildertrend is the leading construction project management software for home builders, remodelers, and contractors. It’s a powerful construction management tool that gives teams what they need to manage projects, sales, and finances. You can organize job details and access the tools necessary to plan and execute projects. 

With more organized schedules and timelines, you’ll be able to link schedules and make adjustments to optimize efficiency, resulting in more completed jobs. From team members to subcontractors to clients, Buildertrend keeps everyone in the loop.

Key features

  • Easy scheduling: Keep jobs on track by making adjustments on the go and notifying key parties in real time.
  • Keep track of daily logs: Document and share important project information, progress photos, and weather updates with all members of the team. 
  • Get your clients involved: Give clients the ability to choose finishes online and keep track of the project running total.

7. AutoDesk Construction Cloud

With Autodesk Construction Cloud, you can streamline workflows and manage your construction project securely from a single login. Similar to Procore, this project management tool offers configurable project workflows to meet your team’s needs. 

No matter where they’re located — in the office or in the field — Construction Cloud simplifies collaboration to keep stakeholders and projects on track. It includes Autodesk’s most powerful construction management products: Build, BIM Collaborate, Docs, and Takeoff.

Key features

  • Accurately forecast cash flow: Using the Cost Management integration, project teams can pull in schedule data and connect cost to time. 
  • Centralize project correspondence: Maintain a continuous record of all project information, easily importing existing correspondence and linking to relevant project information. 
  • Extract critical project requirements: Reduce risk and streamline construction projects with automatic submittal log generation.

ActiveDraft offers a smooth, unified collaboration experience

You have a variety of options when it comes to choosing a project management software solution. While many have the same functionalities, some features may be a better fit for your construction company’s unique needs. 

With ActiveDraft, you get a collaboration tool that delivers the functionalities you need, all in one place. This includes project document and file management, live collaboration, and real-time creation of PDF markups.

Ready to see how ActiveDraft can empower your project teams to work better together with fewer delays? Try it free for 30 days!

Jeff Mack is the Head of Marketing at ActiveDraft, where he is responsible for developing the brand and telling the ActiveDraft story.