A major source of delays and cost overruns in construction is miscommunication between field and office staff. When the left hand doesn't know what the right hand is doing, materials aren't ordered properly, deliveries fall out of sync, and crews waste time waiting around. Bridging this information gap is key for smooth project execution.
Part of the challenge is that superintendents and project managers operate in very different environments. Office staff juggle big picture schedules, budgets, and client needs but lack real-time visibility on ground conditions. Field staff focus narrowly on immediate activities without full context on downstream impacts.
This disconnectedness causes confusion over needs and status. Materials aren't ordered because site teams assume it's handled already. Office thinks wet weather delayed concrete pours when the real issue was a late rebar delivery. Deliveries stack up at the gate without proper receiving capacity.
Such misalignments create friction, finger pointing, and ultimately slowed progress. How can teams improve coordination for seamless information flows?
A shared information system is crucial - giving both sides full transparency into schedules, work completed, delays, and pending orders. With software like Follo, field and office staff access the same data on material tracking, site conditions, and logistics.
Streamlining communication is equally important so updates can flow freely across the hierarchy. Removing silos prevents issues from slipping through the cracks. Automated alerts from delivery tracking software provides real-time visibility to all stakeholders.
But meaningful coordination requires more than just data sharing - there must be accountability and incentives to drive engagement. Integrating workflows across departments improves participation and quality of information exchange.
With construction growing more complex, new technology systems have become mission critical for alignment. Follo closes the communication gap by unifying logistics visibility, task management, documentation, and team collaboration on one platform.
Breaking down disconnectedness leads to benefits such as:
- Preventing miscommunication on material orders and delivery timing
- Improving handoffs between material receiving and installation
- Eliminating redundant data entry and status pings
- Increasing coordination without excessive meetings
- Accelerating issue resolution
In summary, unreliable communication between the field and office is a recipe for confusion and inefficiency. Shared visibility of data along with streamlined workflows fosters alignment. By leveraging solutions like Follo, contractors can transform project execution.
To learn more, visit https://follo.co.
