Transforming construction oversight: From individual project control to portfolio-level mastery

As a senior executive in the construction industry, overseeing multiple projects presents a unique challenge. Subjective reports from project teams often dominate decision-making – an approach that obscures major issues and elevates minor ones based on the loudest voices in the room.

This raises the question – how can you objectively determine which projects need immediate attention and which are on track? The solution lies in a Performance Driven Construction Management (PDCM) framework, which shifts the focus from anecdotal reports to a clear, data-centric view of all ongoing projects. This is precisely what Buildots’ progress tracking platform enables.

The Role of PDCM in portfolio management

PDCM isn’t just a method for optimizing individual projects. Its principles are equally effective at the portfolio level, providing executives with comprehensive oversight. This framework offers:

• Enhanced project insight: When project teams across the portfolio adopt PDCM, executives gain objective performance snapshots of all their projects, enabling accurate assessments of current status and realistic completion dates. This holistic view supports strategic decision-making, allowing for a more informed allocation of resources and attention.
• Effective issue escalation: By identifying potential problems before they escalate, PDCM facilitates timely interventions, such as strategic actions with subcontractors.
• Proactive client communication: Detecting issues early doesn’t just help with subcontractor management. It can build positive client relationships by enabling proactive expectation management. This transparency fosters trust and allows you to implement mitigation strategies before issues become critical.
• Data-driven prioritization: With accurate data, executives can prioritize projects and operational focus areas based on actual performance and risk levels, rather than subjective input.

Streamlining oversight with a unified system

Implementing PDCM at the project level creates a ‘unified data processing framework’, making it possible to aggregate and analyze information across all projects. 

This unified approach provides a single source of truth, offering insights into portfolio-wide trends and projections. It also enhances risk assessment, resource management and financial oversight, allowing for more nuanced and strategic decision-making at the company level. This ability to navigate complex project landscapes with clarity and confidence is what sets leaders apart from laggards.

The bottom line: Improving portfolio management with PDCM

By adopting PDCM, construction executives can transform their approach to managing multiple projects, moving from a reactive stance to a proactive, data-driven strategy. This framework not only improves individual project performance but also enhances overall portfolio management, aligning operational practices with strategic objectives.

Want to learn how PDCM can revolutionize your project and portfolio management approach? Click here to find out.

Andy Steele
CSO, Buildots

Andy Steele is the former chief executive of Osborne. With his extensive experience, he advocates innovative methods to enhance and redefine construction processes.