The secret to a smoothly running construction site: interference management.

Discover how construction site interference management can impact your project’s timelines, budget and overall quality. Learn how to manage conflicts and communication effectively.

Have you ever noticed how chaotic a construction site can become without effective planning and communication? Construction issue management on a construction site is a crucial aspect of the success of any construction project; if not properly handled, issues can lead to delays, additional costs, and safety concerns. Managing issues is a complex task that requires organization, method, and quality in work. To turn every issue into a task to be resolved and promptly communicate directives for their resolution within the shortest possible time, try a construction software for free: with support for tracking issues to resolution, you’ll see for yourself how it can improve issue management and optimize your projects.

What is a Site Interference?

Before delving into interference management, it’s important to understand what it is. A site interference occurs when there are conflicts or obstacles that hinder the normal progress of planned activities. These obstacles can take many forms, including:

• Conflicts among subcontractors: when two or more subcontractors work in the same space and create coordination problems.
• Overlap of activities: when planned activities overlap, causing delays.
• Resource limitations: the lack of necessary equipment or labor to complete an activity.
• Unforeseen changes: changes to the project or specifications that affect ongoing work.

Why is effective interference management crucial?

Poorly managed interferences can cause delays and cost overruns, jeopardizing the overall quality of the project. For example, scheduling conflicts between two activities could result in a delay of several weeks; a conflict among subcontractors can lead to inefficient site utilization, thus slowing down the overall project progress.
Without adequate control, interferences can lead to significant delays. Furthermore, interferences often result in additional costs. If reorganizing work or addressing unforeseen changes is required, this can translate into unexpected expenses that threaten the budget.

Types of Site Interferences

There are several types of interferences, each with a different impact on the project.

Conflicts among Subcontractors

Conflicts among subcontractors can arise when different teams work simultaneously in the same space. A simple example of why accurate planning is essential to prevent conflicts could be the electrical installations phase that interfere with plumbing work.

Overlap of activities

Overlapping activities occur when work phases overlap, causing confusion and delays. For instance, if flooring is laid before electrical installations are completed, problems can arise.

Resource limitations

The lack of resources, such as equipment or labor, can hinder project progress. It’s essential to plan ahead to avoid sudden shortages.

Unforeseen Changes

Unforeseen changes in the project can lead to serious interferences. These changes can result from client decisions or discoveries during the construction phase. Accurate documentation is crucial to managing such situations.

The role of the Project Manager

The project manager is key to effective interference management on a construction site. They must have a comprehensive view of the project and skills in planning and communication. They are responsible for coordinating activities, resolving conflicts, and ensuring that the project proceeds smoothly. They must possess communication and leadership skills.

Planning for Interference Management

Before commencing any project, creating a detailed plan that includes measures to manage potential interferences is essential. Here are the main steps:

1. Identification – identify potential interferences. Involve subcontractors and gather detailed information about planned activities.
2. Evaluation – assess the impact level of identified interferences. Determine which interferences are most critical for the project.
3. Planning – develop a detailed plan to manage interferences. Assign responsibilities and establish a timeline.

Effective Communication

Effective communication is crucial for interference management. Using tools such as regular meetings, text messages, emails, and management software can make this process smoother in order to keep all parties informed of the project’s status. There are communication tools specific to the AEC industry that significantly improve communication by enabling efficient collaboration with different teams through file sharing, digital models, project information, and online documents.

construction issue management – Effective communication

Monitoring and Documentation

Continuous monitoring of interferences is essential. Monitor activities and document each interference, the steps taken to resolve it, and its impact on the project. Moreover, to prevent errors and interferences on the construction site, it’s essential to always have all project documentation up to date and accessible from a mobile device. This documentation will be invaluable in case of disputes or change requests.

Using interference Management Software

Using specialized software for interference management can significantly simplify the process. These tools enable better planning, documentation, and communication. In this regard, I recommend trying usBIM.resolver for free, a project management software that can help you address potential interferences before they become serious, manage documentation, and communicate more effectively.

Conclusion

The success of a project relies on effective interference management. Managing interferences on a construction site is crucial to avoiding delays, additional costs, and safety issues. A competent project manager is essential, along with precise planning, effective communication, and continuous monitoring. Additionally, by using construction management software, you can optimize your construction project. Don’t miss the opportunity to improve your interference management: try it for free now.