{"id":6806,"date":"2024-03-22T15:53:00","date_gmt":"2024-03-22T15:53:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/?p=6806"},"modified":"2025-10-20T00:00:00","modified_gmt":"2025-10-20T00:00:00","slug":"best-construction-scheduling-software","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/best-construction-scheduling-software\/","title":{"rendered":"8 Best Construction Scheduling Software to Try Out In 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Construction projects can be quite intimidating for a number of good reasons. In short, they need careful budgeting, precise coordination, and lots of planning to be successful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the face of these challenges, you should use software designed to help you tackle them \u2014 with efficient project planning and scheduling features.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I tested a number of tools and narrowed the list down to the selection below. So, read on to find the best construction scheduling software for your team.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Construction-scheduling-software.jpg\" alt=\"Construction scheduling software - cover\" class=\"wp-image-14736\" srcset=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Construction-scheduling-software.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Construction-scheduling-software-600x300.jpg 600w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Construction-scheduling-software-1110x555.jpg 1110w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Construction-scheduling-software-768x384.jpg 768w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Construction-scheduling-software-18x9.jpg 18w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-background\" style=\"background-color:#e5f6fe\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p><strong>WHY TRUST US?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The apps we talk about are selected, tested, and written about by human reviewers who follow strict review and editorial guidelines. We pick solutions that are practical, purposeful, and can offer real value for the specific use case or business context we\u2019re covering \u2014 while also being justified in their pricing. Our methodology is transparent, clear, and available to everyone:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/cake.com\/our-software-review-methodology\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Learn more about our review methodology here \u2192<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"top-8-tools-for-improved-construction-scheduling\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Top 8 tools for improved construction scheduling<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Below, you\u2019ll find detailed reviews on each app. But first, let\u2019s see a quick overview of all the tools on this list:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th><strong>Tool<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>Best for<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>Free plan<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>Free trial<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>Lowest price<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Plaky by CAKE.com<\/strong><\/td><td>Managing and scheduling construction tasks<\/td><td>\u2705<\/td><td>\u2705<\/td><td>$3.99\/user\/month*<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Smartsheet<\/strong><\/td><td>Spreadsheet enthusiasts<\/td><td>\u2705<\/td><td>\u2705<\/td><td>$7\/user\/month*<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Buildxact<\/strong><\/td><td>Tracking leads<\/td><td>\u274c<\/td><td>\u2705<\/td><td>$169\/month*<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Fieldwire<\/strong><\/td><td>Documentation management&nbsp;<\/td><td>\u2705<\/td><td>\u274c<\/td><td>$39\/user\/month*<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Float<\/strong><\/td><td>Managing finances<\/td><td>\u274c<\/td><td>\u2705<\/td><td>$7\/user\/month*<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Jobber<\/strong><\/td><td>Managing jobs and subcontractors<\/td><td>\u274c<\/td><td>\u2705<\/td><td>$29\/user\/month*<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Autodesk construction cloud<\/strong><\/td><td>Enterprises<\/td><td>\u274c<\/td><td>\u2705<\/td><td>POA<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Notion<\/strong><\/td><td>Customizable workflows<\/td><td>\u2705<\/td><td>\u2705<\/td><td>$10\/user\/month*<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>*billed annually<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>P.S. If you already know how you\u2019ll choose the right app for you, <a href=\"#1-plaky-by-cake-com-best-for-managing-and-scheduling-construction-tasks\">skip over to the detailed reviews right now<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group pro-tip\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p><strong>\ud83d\udca1 Plaky Pro Tip<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Want to skip the reviews entirely? Check out the #1 construction scheduling tool in more detail:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/learn\/plaky\/how-construction-teams-use-plaky\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">How Teams Use Plaky as Construction Scheduling Software<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"how-i-chose-and-tested-the-tools-on-this-list\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">How I chose and tested the tools on this list<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There\u2019s a large number of software for construction out there \u2014 so how did I choose the right ones for this list?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The main issue I faced while searching for apps was that plenty of them don\u2019t offer free plans or even trials. These tools were cut from the list since I only wanted to test the ones that you can check out too \u2014 without paying for them.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I also took a close look at which features these tools have, giving the most attention to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Scheduling tools <\/strong>\u2014 Construction workflows are complex, and one <a href=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/missed-deadlines-guide\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">missed deadline<\/a> can cascade into disaster. So, I looked for Gantt charts and timeline views in each app.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Budgeting and finance management <\/strong>\u2014 Dealing with client investments means construction teams need ways to track how they spend their budget.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Time tracking<\/strong> \u2014 Since you need to calculate both payroll and client invoices, often based on time worked, I looked for apps that offer time tracking features.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Resource management<\/strong> \u2014 With so many <a href=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/learn\/project-management\/dependencies-in-project-management\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">dependent tasks<\/a>, one double-booked resource can cause delays down the line. This is why you need proper <a href=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/resource-allocation\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">resource allocation<\/a> options.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>File management <\/strong>\u2014 From permits to plans, construction teams deal with tons of documentation. So, I looked for organized file management in these tools.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Mobile app<\/strong> \u2014 Most of the work in your project will be done on-site. So, team members need a useful mobile app to easily access your board and give regular updates.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Ease of use <\/strong>\u2014 In my opinion, this is essential for any industry, as it reduces time wasted on onboarding.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>With all this in mind, let\u2019s go through my reviews!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"1-plaky-by-cake-com-best-for-managing-and-scheduling-construction-tasks\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">#1 <a href=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Plaky<\/a> by <a href=\"https:\/\/cake.com\/\">CAKE.com<\/a> \u2014 best for managing and scheduling construction tasks<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Plaky is a reliable, easy-to-use <a href=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/project-management-software\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">project management tool<\/a> whose wide variety of features helps managers keep an eye on construction schedules, track resources, and stay connected with a great mobile app.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"why-choose-plaky\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why choose Plaky?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Plaky\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/what-is-task-management\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">task management<\/a> features should help you take your <a href=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/construction-project-management\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">construction project management<\/a> to the next level. With custom fields, Gantt charts, and project tracking options, you\u2019ll stay on top of your projects with ease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th><strong>Pros<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>Cons<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>&#8211; Customizable task management<br>&#8211; Great timeline overview<br>&#8211; Useful time tracking integration<br>&#8211; Various project tracking options<\/td><td>\u2013 Limited third-party integrations<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The first thing I always notice in Plaky is how intuitive it is to use. Across all the apps I\u2019ve tested, even in other app comparisons, Plaky requires the shortest onboarding time. Plus, it provides you with <a href=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/templates\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">templates to get started easily<\/a> \u2014 like the <a href=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/templates\/construction-schedule\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">construction scheduling template<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"custom-btn\"><a href=\"https:\/\/app.plaky.com\/signup\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Try Plaky by CAKE.com now<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I had a more specific board in mind, though. So, I simply used Plaky\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/features\/fields\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">customizable fields<\/a> to make the ideal board for my construction workflow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Once my board was set up, I immediately switched over to the <a href=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/features\/gantt-chart\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Gantt view<\/a>. This view provides you with a visual overview of the <a href=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/learn\/project-management\/project-timeline\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">project timeline<\/a>, and you also get plenty of customization options that increase visual clarity in your chart. Then, you can easily <a href=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/identify-and-solve-bottlenecks-with-kanban\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">spot bottlenecks<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/work-overload\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">work overload<\/a>, as well as quickly and easily react to any scheduling issues in your project.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Another useful project tracking feature I especially like is the <a href=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/features\/summary\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">summary row<\/a>. It\u2019s not as detailed as other reporting options in Plaky, like the Chart view \u2014 but I like how it gives a quick, clear insight into project data (e.g., the total or average budget).<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"673\" src=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Plakys-Gantt-chart-makes-it-easy-to-both-create-and-track-your-construction-schedule.png\" alt=\"Gantt chart view in Plaky\" class=\"wp-image-14739\" srcset=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Plakys-Gantt-chart-makes-it-easy-to-both-create-and-track-your-construction-schedule.png 1200w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Plakys-Gantt-chart-makes-it-easy-to-both-create-and-track-your-construction-schedule-535x300.png 535w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Plakys-Gantt-chart-makes-it-easy-to-both-create-and-track-your-construction-schedule-1110x623.png 1110w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Plakys-Gantt-chart-makes-it-easy-to-both-create-and-track-your-construction-schedule-768x431.png 768w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Plakys-Gantt-chart-makes-it-easy-to-both-create-and-track-your-construction-schedule-18x10.png 18w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Plaky\u2019s Gantt chart makes it easy to both create and track your construction schedule<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Plaky\u2019s capabilities don\u2019t end there, though. There are plenty more features I found useful for construction scheduling, like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/help\/integrations\/track-time-in-plaky\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Time tracking integration with Clockify<\/strong><\/a> \u2014 With this integration, you can track time on specific tasks directly in Plaky. Afterward, you can use that information to not only invoice your clients in Clockify, but also create more accurate task time estimates.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/features\/automations\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Automation<\/strong><\/a> \u2014 Your team will do most of their work in the field, so you want to ease their responsibilities on the board. Use Plaky\u2019s automations to get rid of menial work, speed up manual processes, and avoid mistakes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/features\/chart-view\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Chart view<\/strong><\/a> \u2014 Plaky\u2019s Chart view gives you a more detailed report on your project results. Customize it to fit your exact needs to get quick project insights and better anticipate risk and track project health.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Useful mobile app<\/strong> \u2014 Plaky\u2019s mobile app lets you collaborate on the go, with most of the same functionalities. Subcontractors and team members can change status, <a href=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/features\/comments\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">collaborate in comments<\/a>, and add various docs and images straight from the field to the <a href=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/features\/files\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">task\u2019s Files tab<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"672\" src=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Board-automations-in-Plaky-can-help-you-create-more-efficient-workflows-and-reduce-repetitive-tasks.png\" alt=\"Creating a board automation in Plaky\" class=\"wp-image-14742\" srcset=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Board-automations-in-Plaky-can-help-you-create-more-efficient-workflows-and-reduce-repetitive-tasks.png 1200w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Board-automations-in-Plaky-can-help-you-create-more-efficient-workflows-and-reduce-repetitive-tasks-536x300.png 536w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Board-automations-in-Plaky-can-help-you-create-more-efficient-workflows-and-reduce-repetitive-tasks-1110x622.png 1110w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Board-automations-in-Plaky-can-help-you-create-more-efficient-workflows-and-reduce-repetitive-tasks-768x430.png 768w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Board-automations-in-Plaky-can-help-you-create-more-efficient-workflows-and-reduce-repetitive-tasks-18x10.png 18w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Board automations in Plaky can help you create more efficient workflows and reduce repetitive tasks<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>The only downside I noticed in Plaky is the lack of integrations. An integration with CAD tools (for models and plans) or finance management tools (to further track your budget) would be welcome.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, the integrations Plaky <em>does<\/em> have are still super-useful \u2014 <a href=\"https:\/\/clockify.me\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Clockify<\/a>, for easy time tracking and invoicing, and <a href=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Pumble<\/a>, for clear and simple team collaboration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Plus, you can get all 3 of these tools in the <a href=\"https:\/\/cake.com\/bundle\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CAKE.com Bundle<\/a> \u2014 still at a lower price than most of the other tools on this list.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n<div class=\"container plaky-gradient-bundle pt-5 ps-lg-5 z-0 mb-5  \" >\n    <div class=\"d-flex flex-column flex-lg-row align-items-center justify-content-center justify-content-lg-between gap-1 gap-lg-5\">\n        <div class=\"banner-text text-center text-lg-start text-white\">\n            <span class=\"translation-block lh-1 fs-16 text-white\">\n                3 tools for the price of 1            <\/span>\n            <p class=\"translation-block mw-300 fs-12 mb-2\">Construction scheduling software can be hard on your budget. So why not get 3 tools that let you manage tasks, track time, and collaborate \u2014 for a fraction of the usual price of a construction tool?<\/p>\n            <div class=\"cta-btns pt-4 d-flex align-items-center justify-content-center justify-content-lg-start gap-4 mb-4 mb-lg-0\">\n                <a aria-label=\"Sign up\" href=\"https:\/\/cake.com\/try\" class=\"btn rounded py-1 px-2 fs-12 btn-light\">\n                    Sign up                <\/a>\n                                <a aria-label=\"Learn more\" class=\"text-white px-2 fs-12\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/cake.com\/bundle\">\n                    Learn more                <\/a>\n                            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        <picture>\n            <source srcset=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-blog\/theme\/images\/banners\/bundle@2x.png 2x\" alt=\"Plaky logo\" media=\"(min-width: 998px)\" \/>\n            <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"max-w-350 img-fluid \" src=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-blog\/theme\/images\/banners\/bundle.png\" alt=\"Plaky screenshot\" \/>\n        <\/picture>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n    \n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"whats-new-in-plaky\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">What\u2019s new in Plaky?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Most recently, Plaky added <a href=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/features\/my-tasks\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">My tasks<\/a> \u2014 a nifty tab where you can see all of the tasks you are subscribed to. This gives each team member a clearer overview of their responsibilities and upcoming tasks, helping them prioritize work more effectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Available for: <\/strong>web, Android, and iOS<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th><strong>Plan<\/strong><\/th><th colspan=\"2\"><strong>Pricing<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Free<\/td><td colspan=\"2\">$0 for an unlimited number of users<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/pro-plan\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Pro<\/a><\/td><td colspan=\"2\">$3.99\/user\/month*<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/enterprise-plan\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Enterprise<\/a><\/td><td colspan=\"2\">$8.99\/user\/month*<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>The CAKE.com Bundle<\/td><td colspan=\"2\">$12.99\/user\/month*<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>*billed annually<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group pro-tip\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p><strong>\ud83d\udca1 Plaky Pro Tip<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Want more info on the features you get with each plan? Check out our Plaky pricing overview:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/learn\/plaky\/plaky-pricing\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Plaky Pricing: Plans and Costs Explained<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"2-smartsheet-best-for-spreadsheet-enthusiasts\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">#2 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.smartsheet.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Smartsheet<\/a> \u2014 best for spreadsheet enthusiasts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Smartsheet is a construction scheduling tool that promises a traditional, spreadsheet-like UI with plenty more project management features.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"why-choose-smartsheet\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why choose Smartsheet?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re used to working with spreadsheets, Smartsheet is the right tool for you because it gives you a similar interface, with more task management options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th><strong>Pros<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>Cons<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>&#8211; Easy to use if you\u2019re used to spreadsheets<br>&#8211; Good Gantt view<br>&#8211; Formulas for resource calculations<\/td><td>&#8211; Feature availability is unclear<br>&#8211; Limited free plan<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>I had some experience using spreadsheets before, so Smartsheet\u2019s UI felt familiar, and getting used to it didn\u2019t take much time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>All of the options I\u2019m used to were there: formatting cells and rows, filtering, and even functions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But, then, Smartsheet adds plenty of project management features on top, like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Custom fields,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Flexible project views,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dependencies,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Automation, etc.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The one I liked the most for construction scheduling was the Gantt view. It divides the screen in 2 halves \u2014 one side is your task spreadsheet, and the other a visual overview of the timeline.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This lets me easily manipulate my tasks while keeping their <a href=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/learn\/project-management\/project-deadline\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">deadlines<\/a> in mind. It\u2019s also a good way to spot gaps or overlaps that could cause productivity issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Personally, though, I think it\u2019d be better if Smartsheet removed the spreadsheet side of the screen and simply gave us more options to customize the timeline.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"677\" src=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Managing-tasks-with-Smartsheets-timeline-view.png\" alt=\"Timeline view in Smartsheet\" class=\"wp-image-14743\" srcset=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Managing-tasks-with-Smartsheets-timeline-view.png 1200w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Managing-tasks-with-Smartsheets-timeline-view-532x300.png 532w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Managing-tasks-with-Smartsheets-timeline-view-1110x626.png 1110w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Managing-tasks-with-Smartsheets-timeline-view-768x433.png 768w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Managing-tasks-with-Smartsheets-timeline-view-18x10.png 18w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Managing tasks with Smartsheet&#8217;s timeline view<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Besides the Gantt view, here are some other Smartsheet features I found useful for construction scheduling:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Formulas<\/strong> \u2014 These options are similar to what other spreadsheet tools offer. For example, I can create a column to track what <a href=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/learn\/project-management\/project-resources\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">project resources<\/a> are being used and how they\u2019re distributed across the project. The only gripe I had is that they don\u2019t work as smoothly as in traditional spreadsheets (mine had a tendency to delete themselves).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Calendar view <\/strong>\u2014 I like the calendar view for the same reasons I like the Gantt chart. I can spot deadlines on a calendar, and there\u2019s an option to only view start dates, for example, so I can avoid having my team start too many tasks at once.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Comments and files<\/strong> \u2014 You can leave comments and share files on any task, or even comment on the whole sheet. Smartsheet knows the <a href=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/communication-in-project-management\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">importance of communication in project management<\/a>, so it lets you keep messages centralized and organized by the tasks they refer to.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Managing-finances-with-Smartsheets-formulas.png\" alt=\"Using formulas in Smartsheet\" class=\"wp-image-14744\" srcset=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Managing-finances-with-Smartsheets-formulas.png 1200w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Managing-finances-with-Smartsheets-formulas-533x300.png 533w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Managing-finances-with-Smartsheets-formulas-1110x624.png 1110w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Managing-finances-with-Smartsheets-formulas-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Managing-finances-with-Smartsheets-formulas-18x10.png 18w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Managing finances with Smartsheet\u2019s formulas<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>One thing I really dislike and find rather unintuitive is that some functionalities are only available in a single view. For example, automation is <em>only<\/em> found in the Table view, and dependencies in the Board view. I also couldn\u2019t open a task card from the Grid view. All of this led to a frustrating experience, trying to guess where I needed to go to use a certain feature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Another problem was the free plan. It isn\u2019t even listed on the pricing page, so I had to dig around to figure out that it even exists, let alone its limitations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And the free plan is <em>very<\/em> limited \u2014 yes, you get access to most views, but you only get 2 sheets and 2 users.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"whats-new-in-smartsheet\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">What\u2019s new in Smartsheet?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Smartsheet most recently introduced new options in Admin controls, allowing you to automatically downgrade or upgrade Provisional Members. These are members who have a free 30-day access to your board \u2014 so you can decide if you want to keep them as a free Viewer or a paid Member.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The platform has also redesigned its seat management dashboard to include seat usage and billing schedules. This means you can make more informed decisions about your licensing requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Available for<\/strong>: web, Windows, MacOS, Android, and iOS&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th><strong>Plan<\/strong><\/th><th colspan=\"2\"><strong>Pricing<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Free<\/td><td colspan=\"2\">$0 for up to 2 users<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Pro<\/td><td colspan=\"2\">$7\/user\/month*, up to 10 Members, unlimited Viewers<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Business<\/td><td colspan=\"2\">$19\/user\/month*, for a minimum of 3 Members, unlimited Viewers and Guests<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Enterprise<\/td><td colspan=\"2\">POA<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>*billed annually<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n<div class=\"container plaky-gradient-landing-1 pt-5 ps-lg-5 z-0 mb-5  \" >\n    <div class=\"d-flex flex-column flex-lg-row align-items-center justify-content-center justify-content-lg-between gap-1 gap-lg-5\">\n        <div class=\"banner-text text-center text-lg-start text-white\">\n            <span class=\"translation-block lh-1 fs-16 text-white\">\n                The best Smartsheet alternative            <\/span>\n            <p class=\"translation-block mw-300 fs-12 mb-2\">Want access to flexible and intuitive views in a tool that doesn\u2019t limit your user count? Try Plaky by CAKE.com!<\/p>\n            <div class=\"cta-btns pt-4 d-flex align-items-center justify-content-center justify-content-lg-start gap-4 mb-4 mb-lg-0\">\n                <a aria-label=\"Sign up\" href=\"https:\/\/app.plaky.com\/signup\" class=\"btn rounded py-1 px-2 fs-12 btn-light\">\n                    Sign up                <\/a>\n                                <a aria-label=\"Learn more\" class=\"text-white px-2 fs-12\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\">\n                    Learn more                <\/a>\n                            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        <picture>\n            <source srcset=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-blog\/theme\/images\/banners\/landing-1@2x.png 2x\" alt=\"Plaky logo\" media=\"(min-width: 998px)\" \/>\n            <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"max-w-350 img-fluid \" src=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-blog\/theme\/images\/banners\/landing-1.png\" alt=\"Plaky screenshot\" \/>\n        <\/picture>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n    \n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"3-buildxact-best-for-tracking-leads\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">#3 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.buildxact.com\/uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Buildxact<\/a> \u2014 best for tracking leads<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Buildxact is a construction scheduling tool that provides you with a range of useful features for tracking leads, managing costs, and creating invoices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"why-choose-buildxact\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why choose Buildxact?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Buildxact is specialized software that lets users <a href=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/lead-management\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">manage leads<\/a> with ample options for efficient lead tracking and a pipeline-focused system that lets you structure workflows with ease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th><strong>Pros<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>Cons<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>&#8211; Good lead management<br>&#8211; Estimates are easy to create<br>&#8211; Useful timeline view<\/td><td>\u2013 Issues with transitioning Estimates into Jobs<br>&#8211; Expensive paid plans<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>In Buildxact, the first feature that caught my eye is adding leads. Turns out, it\u2019s the best one in Buildxact because everything just cascades from it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Any lead you add will store basic info, like their number, person of contact, email, etc. But, you can also save and track:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Client\u2019s <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/learn\/project-management\/scope-in-project-management\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>project scope<\/strong><\/a> to determine the budget, location, and start date,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Notes and files <\/strong>to save and let everyone access lead info, and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Communication<\/strong> to keep notes on previous conversations with the client.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>I especially like that this leads into a natural pipeline. Once you connect the estimate to your client, you move on to the Estimates tab \u2014 a complex and detailed tab where you can:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Add work items and material needed for the client\u2019s request,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Estimate costs,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Add plans and takeoffs,&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Request estimates, and more.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>I appreciate the level of transparency this gives to clients, while keeping financing in the app.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"677\" src=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Creating-lead-connected-quotes-in-Buildxact.png\" alt=\"Creating lead-connected quotes in Buildxact\" class=\"wp-image-14745\" srcset=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Creating-lead-connected-quotes-in-Buildxact.png 1200w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Creating-lead-connected-quotes-in-Buildxact-532x300.png 532w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Creating-lead-connected-quotes-in-Buildxact-1110x626.png 1110w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Creating-lead-connected-quotes-in-Buildxact-768x433.png 768w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Creating-lead-connected-quotes-in-Buildxact-18x10.png 18w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Creating lead-connected quotes in Buildxact<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>But the pipeline doesn\u2019t stop there \u2014 it leads into additional Buildxact construction scheduling features, like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Jobs<\/strong> \u2014 Once your estimate is approved by the client, you can move on to the Jobs tab. This tab gives you a detailed overview of your work plan and its finances, so you can make sure everything stays within the estimates.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Purchase and work orders<\/strong> \u2014 With this feature, you can keep track of the actual costs of your ordered work and materials. Then, Buildxact compares this with your estimates and gives you a <a href=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/learn\/project-management\/cost-variance\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">cost variance<\/a>, making sure you stay on budget.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Schedule<\/strong> \u2014 This view lets you connect cost items to a timeline. With a click-and-drag, you can adjust schedules and even add dependencies, which should let you react fast to project changes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Using-the-schedule-view-in-Buildxact.png\" alt=\"Schedule view in Buildxact\" class=\"wp-image-14746\" srcset=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Using-the-schedule-view-in-Buildxact.png 1200w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Using-the-schedule-view-in-Buildxact-533x300.png 533w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Using-the-schedule-view-in-Buildxact-1110x624.png 1110w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Using-the-schedule-view-in-Buildxact-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Using-the-schedule-view-in-Buildxact-18x10.png 18w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Using the schedule view in Buildxact<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>But, there was one thing about the scheduling aspect of Buildxact I didn\u2019t like. It\u2019s divided into Estimate and Job schedules, and as far as I could tell, you need to set them both up before your estimates are approved. Both schedules are then locked from adding more items after your work gets going, which can really put a wrench in timeline management.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Now, these 2 schedules would come in handy for calculating the <a href=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/learn\/project-management\/schedule-variance\/#:~:text=Schedule%20variance%20is%20the%20difference,with%20planned%20value%20(PV).\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">schedule variance<\/a>, but it could be less convoluted.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, I\u2019d expect to be able to have new work orders automatically added to the Job schedule to make actual schedule management easier. Instead, I need to go back to my Estimate schedule and readjust it so that it would copy over to the Job schedule.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"whats-new-in-buildxact\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">What\u2019s new in Buildxact?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Most recently, Buildxact improved their AI assistant, boosting its speed, accuracy, and adding a new voice-to-text feature. Honestly, I\u2019m happy with this change because I found the previous version of the assistant pretty unhelpful and prone to hallucinations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Available for: <\/strong>web, Android, and iOS<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th><strong>Plan<\/strong><\/th><th colspan=\"2\"><strong>Pricing<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Pro<\/td><td colspan=\"2\">$169\/month*<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Business<\/td><td colspan=\"2\">$339\/month*<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Business Plus<\/td><td colspan=\"2\">$509\/month*<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>*billed annually<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"custom-btn\"><a href=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/features\/gantt-chart\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Manage schedules easily in Plaky<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"4-fieldwire-best-for-documentation-management\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">#4 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fieldwire.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Fieldwire<\/a> \u2014 best for documentation management<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Fieldwire is software made for construction projects, which means you get floorplan-based task settings, documentation management tools, and good scheduling options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"why-choose-fieldwire\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why choose Fieldwire?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Fieldwire offers flexible and well-developed file management options, making it ideal for construction teams that deal with lots of documentation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th><strong>Pros<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>Cons<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>&#8211; Varied file management options<br>&#8211; Scheduling management with the Gantt view<br>&#8211; Convenient mobile app<\/td><td>&#8211; Limited custom fields<br>&#8211; Limited reporting<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The highlight of Fieldwire for me is its document management options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You have a separate Files tab where you can manage files, sort them in folders, and edit access, which is good for clarity and security. Plus, you can export them with a single click \u2014 useful when you\u2019re in a rush.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There\u2019s also a separate tab for uploaded photos, which can include videos and 360\u00b0 photos, as well as a Plan tab, where you can upload your construction project plans and:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Edit them with various drawing and highlighting tools,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Add tasks to specific locations in the plan (I like that this information is also added to the task card),<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Filter tasks, so you can, for example, focus only on Carpentry tasks and then switch to Painting,&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Add custom tags, and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Export the plan as PDF, markup summary, or even as a QR code your on-site contractors can access.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"677\" src=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Adding-location-bound-tasks-on-Fieldwires-Plans-tab.png\" alt=\"Adding location-bound tasks in Fieldwire's Plans tab\" class=\"wp-image-14747\" srcset=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Adding-location-bound-tasks-on-Fieldwires-Plans-tab.png 1200w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Adding-location-bound-tasks-on-Fieldwires-Plans-tab-532x300.png 532w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Adding-location-bound-tasks-on-Fieldwires-Plans-tab-1110x626.png 1110w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Adding-location-bound-tasks-on-Fieldwires-Plans-tab-768x433.png 768w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Adding-location-bound-tasks-on-Fieldwires-Plans-tab-18x10.png 18w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Adding location-bound tasks in Fieldwire&#8217;s Plans tab<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>There\u2019s more to Fieldwire than file sharing, though. Some other features I found useful include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Gantt view<\/strong> \u2014 Fieldwire\u2019s Gantt view is visually clear and features a side bar with the task info. You can click-and-drag tasks to easily shift deadlines and deal with rescheduling and delays.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Reports <\/strong>\u2014 One way to get reports is the Analytics view, which is limited, especially in the free plan. The other option is downloadable reports, which are fairly customizable, but again, aren\u2019t available in the free plan.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Mobile app<\/strong> \u2014 Fieldwire\u2019s mobile app comes in handy for any kind of field work, as contractors can easily access plans and tasks, as well as upload photos for review. They can even access the workspace without an internet connection.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"676\" src=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Managing-timelines-in-Fieldwires-Gantt-view.png\" alt=\"Gantt view in Fieldwire\" class=\"wp-image-14748\" srcset=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Managing-timelines-in-Fieldwires-Gantt-view.png 1200w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Managing-timelines-in-Fieldwires-Gantt-view-533x300.png 533w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Managing-timelines-in-Fieldwires-Gantt-view-1110x625.png 1110w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Managing-timelines-in-Fieldwires-Gantt-view-768x433.png 768w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Managing-timelines-in-Fieldwires-Gantt-view-18x10.png 18w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Managing timelines in Fieldwire&#8217;s Gantt view<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>However, I did find Fieldwire\u2019s task management pretty lacking. For one, there\u2019s no option to add custom fields, or additional fields at all.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Since I wanted to have separate status and priority bars, I tried to create a mixed bar \u2014 so the options were <em>To do\/Low\/Medium\/High\/Done<\/em>. This quickly became confusing, though.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some fields don\u2019t even have a clear function, at least not in the free plan. Sure, I can add a cost to the \u201c<em>Cost<\/em>\u201d field, but I can\u2019t then get reports on total costs or track <a href=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/cost-overrun\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">cost overruns<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Overall, I\u2019m disappointed that, with such a unique way to add tasks, there are very few options to manage them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"whats-new-in-fieldwire\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">What\u2019s new in Fieldwire?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Fieldwire recently introduced the <em>RFIs<\/em> tab (paid plans only), where you can save and access all Request For Information (RFI) documents. This way, you can keep all vendor or project information requests managed and easily accessible in one place.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Available for: <\/strong>web, Windows, Android, and iOS<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th><strong>Plan<\/strong><\/th><th colspan=\"2\"><strong>Pricing<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Basic<\/td><td colspan=\"2\">$0, up to 5 users<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Pro<\/td><td colspan=\"2\">$39\/user\/month*<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Business<\/td><td colspan=\"2\">$59\/user\/month*<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Business Plus<\/td><td colspan=\"2\">$89\/user\/month*<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>*billed annually<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"custom-btn\"><a href=\"https:\/\/app.plaky.com\/signup\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Customize your entire board with Plaky&nbsp;<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"5-float-best-for-managing-finances\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">#5 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.float.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Float<\/a> \u2014 best for managing finances&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Float is primarily a scheduling tool that helps you manage finances and timelines across multiple projects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"why-choose-float\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why choose Float?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Float is a good option for managers who need to connect their finances with schedules, as it gives them a detailed insight into <a href=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/project-management-budgeting-methods\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">budget management<\/a> and utilization, among other things.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th><strong>Pros<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>Cons<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>&#8211; Comprehensive scheduling tools<br>&#8211; Good finance management options<br>&#8211; In-app time tracking<\/td><td>&#8211; Limited project management capabilities<br>&#8211; No automation<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>I have to say, Float\u2019s UI is among the more pleasant ones on this list.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Navigating and managing the timeline is simple and intuitive \u2014 I quickly figured out how to add and manage tasks. I also like the toolbar with keyboard shortcuts, which makes doing things like adding dependencies a total breeze.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Float handles finances pretty well too. Many features are connected to calculating and managing the budget and costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the M<em>anage project <\/em>tab, you can manage finances by:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Adding their budget <\/strong>\u2014 You can either add a fixed fee, based on hours, or time and materials.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Adding separate expenses<\/strong> \u2014 You can assign each expense a name, cost, quantity, and date.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Calculating team rates<\/strong> \u2014 This can be a fixed rate for the whole team or variable across team members.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Then, you have Float\u2019s new feature, profitability and budget utilization, which shows you the margin by which you\u2019re over or under budget.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"673\" src=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Managing-the-timeline-with-budget-utilization-in-mind-in-Float.png\" alt=\"Managing the timeline with budget utilization in mind in Float\" class=\"wp-image-14749\" srcset=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Managing-the-timeline-with-budget-utilization-in-mind-in-Float.png 1200w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Managing-the-timeline-with-budget-utilization-in-mind-in-Float-535x300.png 535w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Managing-the-timeline-with-budget-utilization-in-mind-in-Float-1110x623.png 1110w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Managing-the-timeline-with-budget-utilization-in-mind-in-Float-768x431.png 768w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Managing-the-timeline-with-budget-utilization-in-mind-in-Float-18x10.png 18w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Managing the timeline with budget utilization in mind in Float<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>But, construction scheduling is not all about the budget, and neither is Float. Here are some more features I liked:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Dependencies<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2014 Dependent tasks are easy to add. Simply select the link tool and link 2 tasks. The only thing that bothers me is that these links aren\u2019t normally visible in the schedule tab.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Reports<\/strong> \u2014 Float\u2019s reporting is comprehensive, but very schedule-focused. You can track billable hours, tracked vs. scheduled hours, and more to help you make informed decisions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Time tracking<\/strong> \u2014 You can turn scheduled hours into tracked hours with the click of a button, or you can add additional tracked hours on top of scheduled ones. This provides a better insight into productivity and improved future planning.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"674\" src=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Getting-reports-on-time-scheduled-vs-tracked-in-Float.png\" alt=\"Getting reports on time scheduled vs tracked in Float\" class=\"wp-image-14752\" srcset=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Getting-reports-on-time-scheduled-vs-tracked-in-Float.png 1200w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Getting-reports-on-time-scheduled-vs-tracked-in-Float-534x300.png 534w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Getting-reports-on-time-scheduled-vs-tracked-in-Float-1110x623.png 1110w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Getting-reports-on-time-scheduled-vs-tracked-in-Float-768x431.png 768w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Getting-reports-on-time-scheduled-vs-tracked-in-Float-18x10.png 18w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Getting reports on time scheduled vs. tracked in Float<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>All in all, Float is a good schedule and budget management tool, but it\u2019s not built for project management.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are little to no task management features \u2014 there\u2019s an option to add tasks, but that\u2019s just so you could link them to a slot in the schedule. Tasks have no fields, no information besides their titles, and there\u2019s no overview of the schedule based on tasks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, you\u2019ll probably have to relocate all task management to another tool \u2014 and if that one has timeline management too, Float would be quite redundant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"custom-btn\"><a href=\"https:\/\/app.plaky.com\/signup\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Manage tasks <em>and<\/em> schedules in Plaky<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"whats-new-in-float\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">What\u2019s new in Float?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Float recently added the option to estimate schedules using Roles. This means that you can use a role, e.g., \u201cQA\u201d, to schedule time for that role\u2019s tasks, before you even employ someone to fulfill it. So, you can prepare and manage timelines in earlier <a href=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/learn\/project-management\/phases-project-management\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">project phases<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Available for: <\/strong>web, Android, and iOS<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Plan<\/strong><\/th><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Pricing<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Starter<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\">$7\/user\/month*<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Pro<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\">$12\/user\/month*<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Enterprise<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\">POA<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>*billed annually<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group pro-tip\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p><strong>\ud83d\udca1 Plaky Pro Tip<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Looking to learn more about handling and planning project finances? Here are a few articles you might be interested in:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/learn\/project-management\/cpi-in-project-management\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Cost Performance Index (CPI): What It Is and How to Calculate It<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/learn\/project-management\/eac-in-project-management\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Estimate at Completion (EAC): Definition, Formula, and Examples<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"6-jobber-best-for-managing-jobs-and-subcontractors\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">#6 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.getjobber.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Jobber<\/a> \u2014 best for managing jobs and subcontractors<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Jobber is an industry-specific employee scheduling software that gives construction companies ways to manage jobs and finances and make sure all work is done on time and at the right location.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"why-choose-jobber\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why choose Jobber?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Jobber is a good pick for managers who can\u2019t manage their jobs and subcontractors on-site, as it gives different ways to track that actual work is being done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th><strong>Pros<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>Cons<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>&#8211; Time and location tracking<br>&#8211; Various reporting options<br>&#8211; Good schedule management<\/td><td>&#8211; Frustrating UI<br>&#8211; Very expensive paid plans<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>I like Jobber\u2019s focus on project tracking \u2014 for finances, schedules, clients, etc. However, the feature I think stands out the most is time and location tracking.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Construction managers often need to employ subcontractors, which can be risky (subcontractors who aren\u2019t part of your team are more prone to time theft). Jobber\u2019s mobile app mitigates this, as with it, workers can:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Input time manually,&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Start a timer themselves, or&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Set up an automatic timer that starts as they arrive on-location.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>They can also easily see which location they need to go to with Jobber\u2019s map. On top of that, <em>you<\/em> can see where they are and the time they\u2019re tracking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I found this great for managers who can\u2019t be present on-site \u2014 it helps you make sure teams are doing the actual work.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Plus, if you integrate with FleetSharp, you can check out the speed, direction, and fuel capacity of each company vehicle. This way, you ensure everything is running safely and according to your plan.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"794\" src=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Tracking-time-and-location-in-Jobber.png\" alt=\"Tracking time and location in Jobber (source: Jobber\u2019s help page)\" class=\"wp-image-14753\" srcset=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Tracking-time-and-location-in-Jobber.png 1200w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Tracking-time-and-location-in-Jobber-453x300.png 453w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Tracking-time-and-location-in-Jobber-1110x734.png 1110w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Tracking-time-and-location-in-Jobber-768x508.png 768w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Tracking-time-and-location-in-Jobber-18x12.png 18w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Tracking time and location in Jobber (source: Jobber\u2019s help page)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>There are more tracking options in Jobber that I liked, like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Reporting<\/strong> \u2014 Jobber offers a wide variety of reports, sorted into financial, work, and client reports. This gives you plenty of ways to make sure your project health is up to standard.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Schedule management <\/strong>\u2014 The schedule tab gives you a visual overview of the project timeline. I especially like that unscheduled items are right next to your schedule, so you can drag them into the timeline whenever you\u2019re ready.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Lead and request tracking <\/strong>\u2014 Like other construction-focused tools, you have separate Leads, Requests, and Quotes tabs in Jobber. This lets you keep all information in one place and centralize your lead-to-job pipeline.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"628\" src=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Managing-your-construction-schedule-in-Jobber.png\" alt=\"Managing your construction schedule in Jobber\" class=\"wp-image-14754\" srcset=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Managing-your-construction-schedule-in-Jobber.png 1200w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Managing-your-construction-schedule-in-Jobber-573x300.png 573w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Managing-your-construction-schedule-in-Jobber-1110x581.png 1110w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Managing-your-construction-schedule-in-Jobber-285x150.png 285w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Managing-your-construction-schedule-in-Jobber-768x402.png 768w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Managing-your-construction-schedule-in-Jobber-18x9.png 18w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Managing your construction schedule in Jobber<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>However, I didn\u2019t like the UI. Sure, it\u2019s visually appealing, but functionally, I was struggling.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s just a few issues I had with it:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>It took me a while to figure out I <em>needed<\/em> to input the address to save clients or requests. So, you can\u2019t input leads with undetermined locations.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Expense reports felt incomplete to me. For example, if I add something as an expense item, it shows up in the report. However, if I add a cost to a line item, it doesn\u2019t.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You can\u2019t add item categories to quotes, so you and your clients are stuck with a <em>long<\/em> list to sift through while reviewing them.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>On top of this, Jobber places a high price on its plans, and with no free plan option, it\u2019s only accessible to teams with enough excess budget.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"whats-new-in-jobber\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">What\u2019s new in Jobber?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Jobber\u2019s newest feature is an AI assistant that can generate quotes automatically. You give it a request, and by leveraging details, past quotes, and saved templates, Jobber\u2019s AI can generate a quote in seconds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Now, as for the quality of the quote \u2014 you\u2019ll still have to review it to make sure everything is up to par.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Available for: <\/strong>web, Android, and iOS<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th><strong>Plan<\/strong><\/th><th colspan=\"2\"><strong>Pricing<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Core<\/td><td colspan=\"2\">$29\/user\/month*<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Connect<\/td><td colspan=\"2\">$129\/month*, for up to 5 users, $29\/user\/month* for additional users<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Grow<\/td><td colspan=\"2\">$249\/month*, for up to 10 users, $29\/user\/month* for additional users<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Plus<\/td><td colspan=\"2\">$449\/month*, for up to 15 users, $29\/user\/month* for additional users<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>*billed annually<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n<div class=\"container plaky-gradient-landing-2 pt-5 ps-lg-5 z-0 mb-5  \" >\n    <div class=\"d-flex flex-column flex-lg-row align-items-center justify-content-center justify-content-lg-between gap-1 gap-lg-5\">\n        <div class=\"banner-text text-center text-lg-start text-white\">\n            <span class=\"translation-block lh-1 fs-16 text-white\">\n                Affordable construction management software            <\/span>\n            <p class=\"translation-block mw-300 fs-12 mb-2\">Jobber\u2019s usefulness is overshadowed by its <em>steep<\/em> price and unintuitive UI. Instead, try an alternative that\u2019s affordable <em>and <\/em>reliable \u2014 like Plaky by CAKE.com!<\/p>\n            <div class=\"cta-btns pt-4 d-flex align-items-center justify-content-center justify-content-lg-start gap-4 mb-4 mb-lg-0\">\n                <a aria-label=\"Sign up\" href=\"https:\/\/app.plaky.com\/signup\" class=\"btn rounded py-1 px-2 fs-12 btn-light\">\n                    Sign up                <\/a>\n                                <a aria-label=\"Learn more\" class=\"text-white px-2 fs-12\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/construction-management-software\">\n                    Learn more                <\/a>\n                            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        <picture>\n            <source srcset=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-blog\/theme\/images\/banners\/landing-2@2x.png 2x\" alt=\"Plaky logo\" media=\"(min-width: 998px)\" \/>\n            <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"max-w-350 img-fluid \" src=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-blog\/theme\/images\/banners\/landing-2.png\" alt=\"Plaky screenshot\" \/>\n        <\/picture>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n    \n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"7-autodesk-build-best-for-enterprises\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">#7 <a href=\"https:\/\/construction.autodesk.com\/products\/autodesk-build\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Autodesk Build<\/a> \u2014 best for enterprises<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Autodesk Build is a part of the Autodesk Construction Cloud \u2014 a collection of apps made for construction agencies. Build focuses on project, budget, quality, and safety management.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"why-choose-autodesk-build\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why choose Autodesk Build?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Autodesk Build is a comprehensive tool with plenty of features for managing construction workflows \u2014 which makes it perfect for large companies with multiple teams that need to track every little thing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Pros<\/strong><\/th><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Cons<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">&#8211; Nice UI organization<br>&#8211; Detailed file sharing<br>&#8211; Customizable reports<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">&#8211; Steep learning curve<br>&#8211; Expensive paid plans<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>For such a detailed tool, I like the way Autodesk Build is organized. Sure, the UI is monotone, but it\u2019s easy to navigate.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Every project is segmented into 4 pages, all of which are filled with options and tabs to help you view your project from every angle:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Docs,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Build,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cost management, and&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Insights.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>When you\u2019re <a href=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/manage-multiple-projects\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">dealing with multiple projects<\/a> and different teams, you need a way to properly organize it \u2014 and Build\u2019s pages give you exactly that. Even as part of a larger Autodesk suite, it still manages to stay centralized.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Besides centralization, there\u2019s another benefit in Build that helps enterprises \u2014 Bridge projects. Large companies often deal with multiple projects and need a way to facilitate <a href=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/cross-functional-collaboration\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">cross-functional collaboration<\/a>, or even handle project handoff.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, Build\u2019s solution is the Bridge tab, where you can share copies of project information, without sacrificing data security.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"656\" src=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Using-Bridges-in-Autodesk-Build-to-share-files-between-projects.png\" alt=\"Using Bridges in Autodesk Build to share files between projects\" class=\"wp-image-14755\" srcset=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Using-Bridges-in-Autodesk-Build-to-share-files-between-projects.png 1200w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Using-Bridges-in-Autodesk-Build-to-share-files-between-projects-549x300.png 549w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Using-Bridges-in-Autodesk-Build-to-share-files-between-projects-1110x607.png 1110w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Using-Bridges-in-Autodesk-Build-to-share-files-between-projects-768x420.png 768w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Using-Bridges-in-Autodesk-Build-to-share-files-between-projects-18x10.png 18w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Using Bridges in Autodesk Build to share files between projects<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Some other cool features that I found useful for large construction companies in Build are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>File management <\/strong>\u2014 Besides being organized, I appreciate Build\u2019s editing tools for uploaded files. You can draw, add text, and even add approval stamps to documents. This way, there\u2019s no time wasted downloading, editing, and then reuploading files.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Schedule management <\/strong>\u2014 With more task management options than other tools, like custom fields, dependencies, references, etc., Build\u2019s task scheduling is clearer and easier to prioritize with. I also like the option to create a critical path, as it helps you estimate minimal project length.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Insights<\/strong> \u2014 Each insight tab (dashboard, quality, safety, etc.) comes with pre-made cards and can be customized with more. I like that I could resize them, add new ones, and move cards around to get the right overview of project health.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"674\" src=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Editing-and-approving-PDFs-in-Builds-files-tab.png\" alt=\"Editing and approving PDFs in Build's files tab\" class=\"wp-image-14756\" srcset=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Editing-and-approving-PDFs-in-Builds-files-tab.png 1200w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Editing-and-approving-PDFs-in-Builds-files-tab-534x300.png 534w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Editing-and-approving-PDFs-in-Builds-files-tab-1110x623.png 1110w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Editing-and-approving-PDFs-in-Builds-files-tab-768x431.png 768w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Editing-and-approving-PDFs-in-Builds-files-tab-18x10.png 18w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Editing and approving PDFs in Build&#8217;s files tab<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>But, with so many features, there\u2019s bound to be a learning curve \u2014 and this curve is <em>steep<\/em> in Autodesk Build.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While the app\u2019s tab organization is clear, figuring out what you can do with specific features is difficult.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The worst offender of this was the Cost management page. Now, I\u2019m no accountant, so I expected a challenge, but I absolutely couldn\u2019t figure out budgeting in Build for the life of me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This will definitely lead to a long onboarding process \u2014 and after that, an even longer setup before you can even kickstart your project in Build.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"whats-new-in-autodesk-build\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">What\u2019s new in Autodesk Build?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Recently, Autodesk Build enhanced its Cost management tab, adding improvements to the e-signature adapter and compliance.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The platform has also added several updates to Asset management, making the tab simpler for visual overviews and giving workers QR code access so that they can tag assets in the field more easily.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Available for: <\/strong>web, Windows, Android, and iOS<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Plan<\/strong><\/th><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Pricing<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Autodesk Build<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\">$140\/month*<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>*billed annually<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"8-notion-best-for-customizable-workflows\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">#8 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.notion.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Notion<\/a> \u2014 best for customizable workflows<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Notion is primarily a note-taking app \u2014 but its flexibility and sheer range of options makes it an okay tool for construction scheduling too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"why-choose-notion\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why choose Notion?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Notion is a tool jam-packed with customization options that\u2019s a good pick for managers who want to invest time in creating a completely personalized construction schedule.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Pros<\/strong><\/th><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Cons<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">&#8211; Highly customizable<br>&#8211; Good timeline view<br>&#8211; Large selection of templates<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">&#8211; Too cluttered with options<br>&#8211; Not intuitive<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>From the get-go, Notion doesn\u2019t resemble other PM tools. But, that might be a good thing \u2014 it\u2019s unique because it\u2019s highly customizable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Everything works in the form of <em>Pages<\/em>, which are simply collections of data. You\u2019re always met with a blank page, and you can add:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Basic blocks<\/strong> \u2014 text, headings and subheadings, sub-pages, dividers, etc.,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Media<\/strong> \u2014 files, links, images, audio and video, etc.,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Databases<\/strong> \u2014 collections of pages (they function like boards in your average PM tool),<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Advanced blocks<\/strong> \u2014 table of content, diagrams made from code, current page location, etc.,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Inlines<\/strong> \u2014 mentions (whether a person or a page), dates and reminders, emojis, etc., and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Embeds <\/strong>\u2014 integrations with a bunch of apps like GitHub, Zoom, OneDrive, etc.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>This is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, Notion lacks the structure that other tools have, so it takes quite a bit of time to set up.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On the other hand, it makes for a <em>very<\/em> customizable app, so you can personalize it however much you want.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"674\" src=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Setting-up-a-construction-scheduling-board-in-Notion.png\" alt=\"Setting up a construction scheduling board in Notion\" class=\"wp-image-14757\" srcset=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Setting-up-a-construction-scheduling-board-in-Notion.png 1200w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Setting-up-a-construction-scheduling-board-in-Notion-534x300.png 534w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Setting-up-a-construction-scheduling-board-in-Notion-1110x623.png 1110w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Setting-up-a-construction-scheduling-board-in-Notion-768x431.png 768w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Setting-up-a-construction-scheduling-board-in-Notion-18x10.png 18w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Setting up a construction scheduling board in Notion<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Here are some more features in Notion I found useful for construction scheduling workflows:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Community-powered templates <\/strong>\u2014 Templates are a great way to get started quickly and easily, and Notion has 100 construction-focused templates, as well as 15 construction scheduling templates. This way, you can skip at least some of the time wasted in setting up Notion.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Timeline view<\/strong> \u2014 Databases can be viewed as timelines. They function like Gantt charts, with plenty of customization options, which help you manage workloads and deadlines.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Dependencies<\/strong> \u2014 While on the timeline, you can simply connect 2 tasks and create a dependency between them. Then, the dependencies are easy to notice, and you can make sure there are no bottlenecks or other risks to your workflow.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"662\" src=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Setting-up-dependencies-in-Notions-timeline-view.png\" alt=\"Setting up dependencies in Notion's timeline view\" class=\"wp-image-14758\" srcset=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Setting-up-dependencies-in-Notions-timeline-view.png 1200w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Setting-up-dependencies-in-Notions-timeline-view-544x300.png 544w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Setting-up-dependencies-in-Notions-timeline-view-1110x612.png 1110w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Setting-up-dependencies-in-Notions-timeline-view-768x424.png 768w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Setting-up-dependencies-in-Notions-timeline-view-18x10.png 18w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Setting up dependencies in Notion&#8217;s timeline view<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Though there\u2019s no automation in Notion\u2019s free plan, there is a limited, trial version of the&nbsp; AI assistant. However, I didn\u2019t find this assistant very useful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I tried using Notion AI to find comments in task cards (or more accurately, task <em>pages<\/em>). It gave me an answer \u2014 an option that doesn\u2019t exist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That leads me to my biggest issue with Notion: it\u2019s so hard to find anything because the app is so cluttered with customization options. I was losing my mind just trying to find the simplest comment option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And with no support in the free plan, I\u2019m stuck with a steep learning curve and an unhelpful AI assistant. This leads to way too much time wasted looking for specific options and features \u2014 so Notion is only right for managers who have plenty of time on their hands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n<div class=\"container plaky-gradient-landing-1 pt-5 ps-lg-5 z-0 mb-5  \" >\n    <div class=\"d-flex flex-column flex-lg-row align-items-center justify-content-center justify-content-lg-between gap-1 gap-lg-5\">\n        <div class=\"banner-text text-center text-lg-start text-white\">\n            <span class=\"translation-block lh-1 fs-16 text-white\">\n                A Notion alternative that doesn\u2019t limit support            <\/span>\n            <p class=\"translation-block mw-300 fs-12 mb-2\">Want support that doesn\u2019t hallucinate? Try Plaky by CAKE.com and get 24\/7 human support, whichever plan you choose!<\/p>\n            <div class=\"cta-btns pt-4 d-flex align-items-center justify-content-center justify-content-lg-start gap-4 mb-4 mb-lg-0\">\n                <a aria-label=\"Sign up\" href=\"https:\/\/app.plaky.com\/signup\" class=\"btn rounded py-1 px-2 fs-12 btn-light\">\n                    Sign up                <\/a>\n                                <a aria-label=\"Learn more\" class=\"text-white px-2 fs-12\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/compare\/notion-alternative\">\n                    Learn more                <\/a>\n                            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        <picture>\n            <source srcset=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-blog\/theme\/images\/banners\/landing-1@2x.png 2x\" alt=\"Plaky logo\" media=\"(min-width: 998px)\" \/>\n            <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"max-w-350 img-fluid \" src=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-blog\/theme\/images\/banners\/landing-1.png\" alt=\"Plaky screenshot\" \/>\n        <\/picture>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n    \n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"whats-new-in-notion\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">What\u2019s new in Notion?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Notion most recently introduced AI Agents \u2014 an addition to their AI roster that can handle anything on the board for you, e.g., assign tasks, draft documents, or build a launch plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This addition to Notion\u2019s AI isn&#8217;t available on the free plan, and I couldn\u2019t test it \u2014 so I remain sceptical, given my experience with Notion AI.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Available for: <\/strong>web, Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Plan<\/strong><\/th><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\"><strong>Pricing<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Free<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\">$0 for 1 user<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Plus<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\">$10\/user\/month*<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Business<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\">$20\/user\/month*<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Enterprise<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\">POA<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>*billed annually<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group pro-tip\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p><strong>\ud83d\udca1 Plaky Pro Tip<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Notion is also very popular as a note-taking and general productivity app. See how it compares to some other notable names in that niche:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/notion-vs-evernote\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Notion vs. Evernote<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/obsidian-vs-notion\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Obsidian vs. Notion<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/notion-vs-asana\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Notion vs. Asana<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"other-construction-scheduling-tools\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Other construction scheduling tools&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Unfortunately, we had to cut some popular tools from this list.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is mostly due to a lack of free trial or free plan, or an unnecessarily complicated signup process \u2014 we only wanted to test out apps that you could check out, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But, we believe they still deserve an honourable mention. These apps are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Microsoft Project,<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Primavera P6,<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Outbuild,<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Procore,<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Buildertrend, and<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Jobthread.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"benefits-of-using-construction-scheduling-software\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Benefits of using construction scheduling software<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re not using a construction scheduling tool, and your project is still running well, you might fall into an \u201c<em>if it\u2019s not broken, don\u2019t fix it<\/em>\u201d mindset.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, these tools don\u2019t just fix issues \u2014 they also add plenty of benefits to your projects. Some of the key ones are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Boosted efficiency<\/strong> \u2014 Scheduling features in construction apps can help you create a more efficient timeline, improving your productivity.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Improved clarity <\/strong>\u2014 Task management features give your team a more transparent insight into project tasks, so there\u2019s no more confusion.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Easy <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/learn\/project-management\/risk-management-in-project-management\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>risk mitigation<\/strong><\/a>&nbsp;\u2014 With all your tasks and timelines in one place, you can quickly react to any issues.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Better resource allocation<\/strong> \u2014 With a detailed overview into your team\u2019s availability and budget management, you\u2019ll resolve your resource-related issues.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/project-collaboration\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Enhanced collaboration<\/strong><\/a> \u2014 Your teams are more motivated, productive, and efficient when they\u2019re given a place to communicate easily.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Project health insight<\/strong> \u2014&nbsp;Most tools let you generate reports that give you a detailed insight into the progress and the state of your project.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"best-practices-and-expert-recommendations\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Best practices and expert recommendations<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>But, the best advice comes from long-time use of construction scheduling tools. So, we spoke to experts with extensive software experience and asked them to share some tips on using these tools with us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"1-create-schedules-based-on-measurable-quantities\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">#1 Create schedules based on measurable quantities<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the experts we talked to is <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/yadsenapathy\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Yad Senapathy, PMP<\/a>, an experienced project management professional and PMP trainer, who says you shouldn\u2019t just list tasks by name. Instead, you base them on measurable quantities:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns pro-blockquote is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Yad-Senpathy.png\" alt=\"Yad Senpathy\" class=\"wp-image-14793\" srcset=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Yad-Senpathy.png 600w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Yad-Senpathy-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Yad-Senpathy-12x12.png 12w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em>\u201cI divide the work packages into quantifiable units, like 500 cubic meters of concrete or 1,000 square meters of drywall.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>As Yad says, this can help your team stay on track and make it easier for you to track tasks:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns pro-blockquote is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Yad-Senpathy.png\" alt=\"Yad Senpathy\" class=\"wp-image-14793\" srcset=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Yad-Senpathy.png 600w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Yad-Senpathy-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Yad-Senpathy-12x12.png 12w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em><em>\u201cIn one of my projects, [with this technique], the team was kept up to speed, resource bottlenecks were reduced, and they could reduce the idle labor hours by 18% since everyone could see the progress in measurable units and plan around them.\u201d<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"2-pay-attention-to-human-resource-allocation\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">#2 Pay attention to human resource allocation&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Our second tip comes from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/daniel-vasilevski-88a6a41bb\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Daniel Vasilevski<\/a>, who\u2019s been in the electrical industry for 10+ years. He says that the key to construction scheduling tools is full human resource visibility:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns pro-blockquote is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Daniel-Vasilevski-headshot.png\" alt=\"Daniel Vasilevski\" class=\"wp-image-14767\" srcset=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Daniel-Vasilevski-headshot.png 800w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Daniel-Vasilevski-headshot-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Daniel-Vasilevski-headshot-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Daniel-Vasilevski-headshot-12x12.png 12w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em>\u201cI must be aware of which of my electricians are on a residential callout and which are tied up on a commercial job that will take 2 full days.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Without a proper overview of resources, this issue would lead to bottlenecks, work overload, and so many scheduling issues:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns pro-blockquote is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Daniel-Vasilevski-headshot.png\" alt=\"Daniel Vasilevski\" class=\"wp-image-14767\" srcset=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Daniel-Vasilevski-headshot.png 800w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Daniel-Vasilevski-headshot-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Daniel-Vasilevski-headshot-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Daniel-Vasilevski-headshot-12x12.png 12w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em>\u201cAn appropriate board provides me with a birds-eye view of work placements and avoids double-booking. It must also allow me to project the overtime hours in order to bring in another licensed electrician or extend the deadlines until a blowout happens.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"custom-btn\"><a href=\"https:\/\/app.plaky.com\/signup\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Manage your team in Plaky<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"3-keep-the-board-alive\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">#3 Keep the board alive<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Daniel shared another useful tip for using PM tools \u2014 you need to feed them regular data:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns pro-blockquote is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Daniel-Vasilevski-headshot.png\" alt=\"Daniel Vasilevski\" class=\"wp-image-14767\" srcset=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Daniel-Vasilevski-headshot.png 800w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Daniel-Vasilevski-headshot-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Daniel-Vasilevski-headshot-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Daniel-Vasilevski-headshot-12x12.png 12w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em><em>\u201cI make sure every site supervisor updates job progress daily, even if it is as simple as \u201850% complete, inspection booked.\u2019\u201c<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Frequent updates build your team\u2019s habit of using the project board \u2014 and in turn, you can track <a href=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/kpi-project-management\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">project KPIs<\/a> with ease:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns pro-blockquote is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Daniel-Vasilevski-headshot.png\" alt=\"Daniel Vasilevski\" class=\"wp-image-14767\" srcset=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Daniel-Vasilevski-headshot.png 800w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Daniel-Vasilevski-headshot-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Daniel-Vasilevski-headshot-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Daniel-Vasilevski-headshot-12x12.png 12w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em><em><em>\u201cThat small step keeps the board alive and accurate, which, in turn, allows me to run multiple projects without losing track of commitments.\u201d<\/em><\/em><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"4-choose-a-tool-with-visual-clarity\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">#4 Choose a tool with visual clarity<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>We also spoke with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/michael-feazel-61801783\/?originalSubdomain=pr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Michael Feazel<\/a>, who\u2019s been in the roofing business for over 30 years. He says the key to construction planning software is visual clarity:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns pro-blockquote is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"689\" height=\"689\" src=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Michael-Feazel-headshot.png\" alt=\"Michael Feazel\" class=\"wp-image-14771\" srcset=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Michael-Feazel-headshot.png 689w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Michael-Feazel-headshot-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Michael-Feazel-headshot-12x12.png 12w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 689px) 100vw, 689px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em>\u201cA well-designed board or calendar lets you quickly see which crews are where, what\u2019s happening each day, and how long each phase is expected to take.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Michael also notes that this ease of use is especially important when it comes to Gantt charts and schedules:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns pro-blockquote is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"689\" height=\"689\" src=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Michael-Feazel-headshot.png\" alt=\"Michael Feazel\" class=\"wp-image-14771\" srcset=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Michael-Feazel-headshot.png 689w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Michael-Feazel-headshot-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Michael-Feazel-headshot-12x12.png 12w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 689px) 100vw, 689px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em>\u201cOur teams (and when I say our teams, our dealers across the country) rely heavily on drag-and-drop timelines to adjust for weather delays or material holdups without starting from scratch.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<div class=\"container plaky-gradient-landing-3 pt-5 ps-lg-5 z-0 mb-5  \" >\n    <div class=\"d-flex flex-column flex-lg-row align-items-center justify-content-center justify-content-lg-between gap-1 gap-lg-5\">\n        <div class=\"banner-text text-center text-lg-start text-white\">\n            <span class=\"translation-block lh-1 fs-16 text-white\">\n                Easy-to-use construction timeline software            <\/span>\n            <p class=\"translation-block mw-300 fs-12 mb-2\">An intuitive tool helps you control your entire construction schedule with no time wasted on figuring features out. So try the most intuitive tool out there \u2014 Plaky by CAKE.com!<\/p>\n            <div class=\"cta-btns pt-4 d-flex align-items-center justify-content-center justify-content-lg-start gap-4 mb-4 mb-lg-0\">\n                <a aria-label=\"Sign up\" href=\"https:\/\/app.plaky.com\/signup\" class=\"btn rounded py-1 px-2 fs-12 btn-light\">\n                    Sign up                <\/a>\n                                <a aria-label=\"Learn more\" class=\"text-white px-2 fs-12\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/construction-management-software\">\n                    Learn more                <\/a>\n                            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        <picture>\n            <source srcset=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-blog\/theme\/images\/banners\/landing-3@2x.png 2x\" alt=\"Plaky logo\" media=\"(min-width: 998px)\" \/>\n            <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"max-w-350 img-fluid \" src=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-blog\/theme\/images\/banners\/landing-3.png\" alt=\"Plaky screenshot\" \/>\n        <\/picture>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n    \n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"faq\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">FAQ<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"what-makes-for-good-construction-scheduling-software\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">What makes for good construction scheduling software?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Good construction scheduling software will have all the features you need to run a construction project \u2014 schedules, time tracking, resource management, progress insight, etc. The best tools are the ones that are easy to learn and comprehensive but intuitive. That way, they won\u2019t waste any of your time while onboarding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"custom-btn\"><a href=\"https:\/\/app.plaky.com\/signup\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Want to check all these boxes? Try Plaky!<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"can-i-use-construction-scheduling-software-to-track-time-and-materials\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can I use construction scheduling software to track time and materials?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Depends on the tool, but generally, yes, you can. Software like Plaky by CAKE.com, Float, and Jobber give you ways to track the time your team spends on tasks and the resources that each task requires.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"how-long-does-it-take-to-get-construction-scheduling-software-up-and-running\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">How long does it take to get construction scheduling software up and running?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This also depends on the software <em>and<\/em> the size of your project. The bigger your project, the more time it takes to set up. That\u2019s why choosing a tool that\u2019s intuitive and gives you an easy setup with templates is a lifesaver.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"custom-btn\"><a href=\"https:\/\/app.plaky.com\/signup\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Set up easily with Plaky\u2019s templates<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"what-is-the-most-popular-method-for-scheduling-construction-projects\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is the most popular method for scheduling construction projects?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/learn\/project-management\/critical-path-method\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">critical path method<\/a> is the most popular method for creating construction project schedules. This method highlights the longest sequence of dependent tasks that must be finished on time to complete a project. With it, a manager can identify which tasks are critical and which can be scheduled with more flexibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group pro-tip\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p><strong>\ud83d\udca1 Plaky Pro Tip<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re new to project scheduling or would like to learn more and refine your current method, here are a couple of articles you might be interested in reading:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/learn\/project-management\/spi-in-project-management\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Schedule Performance Index (SPI): Explained<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/learn\/project-management\/float-in-project-management\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Float in Project Management: Definition, Types, Benefits, and Examples<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"optimize-your-construction-scheduling-workflows-with-plaky\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Optimize your construction scheduling workflows with Plaky&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Instead of wasting time mulling over the pros and cons of each tool in this list, you can just go for the best overall pick \u2014 Plaky.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With it, you get a detailed and intuitive insight into your schedules, resources, and team members, while breaking down your project into clear, manageable tasks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Getting Started With Plaky\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/IYQCi9y-lNU?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Essentially, Plaky by CAKE.com promises:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Easier construction project scheduling <\/strong>\u2014 Plaky offers all the essential features a construction project team needs, from timeline management to a great mobile app. Besides this, each feature in Plaky is built with ease of use in mind, so you won\u2019t struggle while using it.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Affordable plans<\/strong> \u2014 Plaky\u2019s free plan is one of the best out there, with unlimited users, boards, and tasks, as well as a free time tracking integration and a detailed chart view. The paid plans, which offer more complex features like automations and the Gantt view, are still among the most affordable on the market, compared to other construction scheduling tools.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Security <\/strong>\u2014 To make sure your data is secure and protected, Plaky complies with multiple international standards. Besides that, you can use <a href=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/features\/board-permissions\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">board permissions<\/a> to make sure your info stays intact, and even manage user access by assigning different <a href=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/features\/user-roles\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">user roles<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Ready to improve your construction team\u2019s workflow? Sign up for a free Plaky account today.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"custom-btn\"><a href=\"https:\/\/app.plaky.com\/signup\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Try for free<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Struggling to fix scheduling issues in your construction project? Read our reviews of the top 8 construction scheduling software that could improve your timeline!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":22,"featured_media":14778,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-6806","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-comparisons"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6806","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/22"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6806"}],"version-history":[{"count":59,"href":"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6806\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":17298,"href":"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6806\/revisions\/17298"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/14778"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6806"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6806"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6806"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}