Introducing G2's New Construction Scheduling Category

Time is money, which is why construction companies need specialized scheduling software to keep their projects running on time and within budget.

To better represent these scheduling point solutions, as well as end-to-end project management platforms, G2 is pleased to announce our new Construction Scheduling category.

The 2023 Global Construction Survey published by KPMG found that 37% of respondents reported missing budget and/or scheduling performance targets due to poor risk management. Among owners, only half reported that their projects were completed on time.

With the right technology, construction companies can plan their projects more confidently, reduce financial losses, and eliminate workflow inefficiencies.

Construction scheduling software can be sold as a specialized point solution or integrated within a broader construction project management platform. Some of its common features include Gantt charts, synchronized project calendars, and customizable task dashboards.

Construction scheduling software improves project visibility and efficiency

Construction scheduling software digitizes scheduling documents and allows for real-time, synchronized updates whenever changes are made. This is a huge improvement from the old practice of posting printed paper schedules around jobsites. 

Construction teams and their contractors can easily search for relevant task information, track their labor more efficiently, and monitor jobsite progress against projected estimates. These solutions eliminate the guesswork and let crew members know where they’re supposed to be, when they need to be there, and what they need to do.

According to a 2022 study published by Autodesk and Dodge Data and Analytics, 66% of general contractors carry added costs from overtime or second shifts on at least three-quarters of their construction projects due to schedule slippage, with 50% of them needing to extend the project end date. Additionally, 53% reported that they feel poor schedule management is a top factor in decreasing labor productivity.

Good construction scheduling software can help project managers identify blockers earlier and reallocate labor and materials as needed before crew members and contractors suffer from poor planning.

When combined with other project management tools like construction estimating, construction accounting, and jobsite management software, teams gain greater control over finance, compliance, and performance management functions. These insights can improve labor and materials planning for future projects, identify low-value tasks that are eating up crew time, and improve collaboration between crew members regardless of their location or smart device.

Benefits and challenges of construction scheduling software, according to G2 reviewers

Multiple factors determine a product’s value, and G2 buyers have weighed in on the pros and cons of their construction scheduling software.

Streamlined scheduling and time management—if users can master the feature set

Construction scheduling software buyers unanimously praise the simplification of scheduling workflows and improved time-tracking visibility, but not all products are created equal. Some users note that a steep learning curve can impact the time to adopt and save time, while an overabundance of features may complicate the scheduling process.

“[The product] combines phase allocation and timeclocks into one process, which is allowing us to phase out two separate software we were using before—all while being a better user experience than either we were currently using.”

- A G2 user review for Assignar

“I do feel it is overloaded with too many options while entering any details, which makes it time-consuming compared to other competitive software available in the market.”

Greater forecasting accuracy, but complex projects can be frustrating to map out

Historical scheduling and task completion data informs future construction projects, allowing users to forecast and structure project schedules more accurately. Regardless, some scheduling tools may be innately cumbersome when mapping out large-scale projects, no matter how often users do so.

“Resource loading and forecasting have become effortless with the curves, calendars, and logic. The added risk analysis software is also becoming more prevalent in the industry and provides the insight that many owners are demanding.”

- A G2 user review for Oracle Primavera

“Some of the point and click scheduling can be very difficult and tedious if you have a complex schedule.”

- A G2 user review for ASTA PowerProject

Centralized access to schedules and tasks, but limited data reporting depending on needs

Construction scheduling software ensures that all crewmembers and contractors have real-time access to all schedule and task changes, whether in the office or out on the field. This reduces confusion and wasted effort. However, some users find their scheduling tools lacking strong data reporting capabilities, complicating project oversight and progress monitoring.

“We can share information among our team easily and have access to all project documents while in the field. We are able to keep track of progress, materials, and scheduling easily. Our field personnel access it every day to make sure they are following the drawings and installation correctly.”

A G2 user review for Fieldwire by Hilti

“The one area of the software that has room to improve is reporting. For getting out bids, communicating to customers, scheduling staff, and invoicing, they have it down. For mid to large construction businesses that track metrics on productivity, backlog, WIP, and other KPIs; their back end is light.”

How can G2’s new category help buyers?

Whether buyers are seeking a dedicated construction scheduling tool for the first time or looking to replace an existing one, G2 is here to help. Explore and compare products that suit your unique business needs.

Need a scheduling tool geared toward small businesses? Or perhaps one that integrates with your specific construction project management platform? Read verified peer reviews to see what other buyers have to say and make an informed decision.

You build for a living, so build a tech stack that helps get the job done.

Learn more about current trends in construction and take advantage of new opportunities arising from these changes.

Edited by Jigmee Bhutia