The 7 Best Capital Project Management Software

Procore is a cloud-based construction project management software that provides tools for project management, financials, quality and safety, and field productivity. Its mobile app and web-based platform make it easy for contractors, architects, and owners to manage their projects from anywhere.

Why I picked ProCore: I picked ProCore because it’s probably the most well-known turnkey software platform in industry for capital project management. What sets Procore apart is its seamless integration of innovative tools. It combines and features that enhance project communication, collaboration, and documentation. With cloud-based accessibility, it also has user-friendly mobile apps and real-time data capabilities. 

Procore is great for the consultant-contractor relationship at all phases of a project, and particularly during construction. With the volume of documentation and information that needs coordinating and expediting, this is an excellent tool. I love the user interface especially and the excellent dashboarding functions also help the owner keep on top of everything. Whether in the office or the field, ProCore has a great suite of mobile and desktop apps to keep everyone singing from the same song sheet.

Ideal User Groups: Owners, architects, engineers, and contractors.

Ideal Project Type: Large, complex projects.

ProCore Standout Features and Integrations

Features include streamlined communication and document management, automated workflows and field productivity, project financials and cost control, quality and safety management, BIM modeling and coordination, and mobile app for on-the-go access.

Integrations include accounting tools like QuickBooks, Sage 300 Construction and Real Estate, Viewpoint, Office tools like Microsoft Office, Google Suite, Dropbox, and collaboration tools like Microsoft Teams and Slack.

CMiC is a construction project management software that provides tools for project management, financials, and field operations. Its all-in-one solution and cloud-based platform make it ideal for contractors, architects, and owners working on large, complex projects.

Why I picked CMiC: This one is really worth highlighting as it’s a fully integrated capital project management software solution. CMiC’s comprehensive features set includes project management, financials, resource planning and a bunch of collaboration tools. I particularly enjoy the end-to-end integration, which gives me enhanced visibility for improved decision-making.

CMiC is primarily designed for the construction industry, catering to companies of all sizes. Its main use case lies in providing a comprehensive platform for project management, financials, resource planning, and collaboration. CMiC works well for construction companies as it allows for centralized data management, real-time visibility into projects, streamlined workflows, and effective cost control. The standout features of CMiC include its fully integrated suite of modules and analytics capabilities. Mobile access is standard, along with scalability to meet the evolving business needs. 

Ideal User Groups: Large construction firms.

Ideal Project Type: Large and complex projects.

CMiC Standout Features and Integrations

Features include financials and cost control, project management and scheduling, BIM modeling and coordination, document management and control, mobile access for on-the-go productivity, and resource management.

Integrations include QuickBooks, Sage 300 Construction and Real Estate, Viewpoint, Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and Microsoft Teams.

Fieldwire is a construction project management platform that offers a really user-friendly interface and some powerful features for project collaboration.

Why I picked Fieldwire: I wanted to highlight Fieldwire because it really stands out for streamlining complex workflows among project stakeholders, especially on the contractor side and at the construction phase of a project. Like many of the other platforms I’ve reviewed here, Fieldwire makes document sharing and real-time progress tracking easy. Communication is key (in any setting) and especially so with capital projects. The clear and transparent communication channels Fieldwire enables make all the difference.

Fieldwire works well for the construction phase of projects, though it can be utilized throughout the entire project lifecycle. It is especially well-suited for field workers and construction professionals who value efficient task management. The real-time collaboration and document control features, combined with a great user interface, mobile app support, and integrations with Building Information Modelling (BIM) software and office tools, come in really handy for productivity when on the job.

Ideal User Groups: Large construction firms

Ideal Project Type: Projects with complex specifications and requirements.

Fieldwire Standout Features and Integrations

Features include document management and control, project collaboration tools, workflow management, real-time reporting and analytics, and integration with Building Information Modelling (BIM) tools.

Integrations include SAP, Oracle, Sage, Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and Dropbox.

Now a part of the Autodesk Construction Cloud, BIM 360 is a construction management software that helps you predict safety hazards, proactively manage quality, automate tasks, and reduce rework so that you can control costs and stay on schedule.

Why I picked Autodesk BIM 360: I needed to highlight this tool because of its advanced Building Information Modelling (BIM) capabilities (which makes sense, as it’s in the name!). Again, it’s great for cross-team collaboration due to the real time access to 3D models, designs and documentation. It has cloud-based and mobile platform support, which really aids efficiency throughout the project lifecycle.

BIM 360 is best for architects, engineers and contractors (rather than owners). It’s exceptionally useful for complex design coordination and teams involved in clash detection. For me, the standout features are it’s ability to facilitate real time collaboration and track project and design changes. Obviously, the clash detection features are excellent, and it does a great job of managing data-rich 3D models.

Ideal User Groups: Large construction firms.

Ideal Project Type: Simple to medium-sized projects.

Autodesk BIM 360 Standout Features and Integrations

Features include BIM collaboration and coordination, document management and control, issue tracking and resolution, mobile access for on-the-go productivity, real-time updates and collaboration, and safety and quality management.

Integrations include QuickBooks, Sage 300 Construction and Real Estate, Viewpoint, Microsoft Office, Google Suite, Dropbox, Microsoft Teams, and Slack.

Oracle Primavera is a construction platform that helps you invest in the right projects to ensure maximum return on investment and shareholder value.

Why I picked Oracle Primavera: Primavera is an especially great package if you care about project performance data. I like how it’s particularly suited to capital-intensive industries, such as oil and gas, construction, and utilities, where measuring and monitoring the value of an investment, and the returns on that investment, matter.

Its main use case is capital project portfolio management (PPM) for organizations handling complex projects. These organizations often have significant resources, multiple stakeholders, and intricate scheduling requirements. Primavera works exceptionally well in this context. It allows users to efficiently manage progress, risks, timelines and resources on multiple projects. With its advanced capabilities, Primavera enables organizations to make informed decisions based on real-time data. Standout features include its ability to handle large-scale projects with intricate dependencies, perform critical path analysis, and integrate with other enterprise systems for seamless data exchange. Its scalability and flexibility make it suitable for organizations of various sizes, from small teams to enterprise-level operations.

Ideal User Groups: Large construction firms.

Ideal Project Type: Large and complex projects.

Oracle Primavera Standout Features and Integrations

Features include Portfolio management, resource management, schedule management, risk management, cost management, and BIM integration.

Integrations include QuickBooks, SAP, Microsoft Dynamics, Sage, Microsoft Office, Google Suite, Dropbox, Microsoft Teams, and Slack.

Aconex is a construction project management platform from Oracle that helps you capture a complete project record and minimize disputes through an unalterable audit trail.

Why I picked Aconex: A notable aspect of Aconex is its strength in managing complex construction project documentation and workflows. I really like how it offers a centralized platform that allows stakeholders to collaborate. You can share and track documents and information in real-time: great for communication and streamlining processes. Its ability to handle large volumes of project documentation (like drawings, contracts, and RFIs) while ensuring version control and audit trails, certainly sets Aconex apart.

Aconex is primarily designed for large scale construction projects. It’s standout features include its ability to handle vast volumes of project documents, and very importantly, provide comprehensive audit trails. It also excels in bringing together multiple parties, such as contractors, architects, and project owners. 

Ideal User Groups: Large construction firms.

Ideal Project Type: Large and complex projects.

Aconex Standout Features and Integrations

Features include document management and control, project collaboration, workflow management, real-time reporting and analytics, and BIM integration.

Integrations include SAP, Oracle, Sage, Microsoft Office, Google Suite, Dropbox, Microsoft Teams, and Slack.

Bluebeam Revu is another popular software option for construction projects. It offers a unique markup tool for reviewing and editing construction documents, which simplifies the document review process. The software is suitable for small to large construction projects and is popular among architects, engineers, and contractors.

Why I picked Bluebeam Revu: This is my “go to” app everyday of the week when it comes to collaborating on 2D documents (drawings etc) and PDFs. The markup features are tailored specifically for the construction industry, and you can create custom toolsets for maximum productivity. Revu is a staple in every capital project manager’s tool box in my opinion.

Revu works for anyone in the capital projects space, though it’s likely architects, engineers and contractors are going to use it the most. If you rely on PDF documentation for communication and collaboration, this is for you. The standout features of Bluebeam Revu include the advanced PDF markup abilities, customisable toolsets and automation of repetitive tasks.

Ideal User Groups: Architects, engineers, and contractors.

Ideal Project Type: Small to medium-sized projects.

Bluebeam Revu Standout Features and Integrations

Features include document management and control, automated workflows, BIM collaboration and coordination, real-time updates and collaboration, mobile access for on-the-go productivity, and customizable dashboards and reports.

Integrations include QuickBooks, Sage 300 Construction and Real Estate, Viewpoint, Microsoft Office, Google Suite, Dropbox, Microsoft Teams, and Slack.