In a perfect world, everyone involved in a construction project works from the same playbook. They all use the same tools and processes to share critical information with each other in real time. Project managers in the field keep the accounting team in the office continually apprised of the project’s status and immediately alert them when any necessary changes or issues arise. Meanwhile, the accounting team has a full view and understanding of the project from pre-bid to closeout. They assist the project managers by reviewing bids for accuracy, conducting background checks on vendors and subcontractors, adjusting financial data where needed and more. The result is a project that is completed on time and under budget, with few disruptions.

Yet, few—if any—projects operate in this way. In the real world, communication and collaboration between the field and the office is often hampered by missing or incomplete data, delays in relaying information and insufficient means to alert parties when important changes or updates are made.

The development of technologies such as specialized construction software, mobile devices and cloud computing have helped ease some of these project pains in recent years. However, achieving true collaboration between the office and the field requires streamlining both technology and business practice.