A new report from Dodge Construction Network, in partnership with Procore Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: PCOR), has highlighted the measurable value of project management software for construction owners and contractors. The Quantifying the Value of Project Management SmartMarket Brief finds that while project management tools benefit all users, organisations with advanced digital skills achieve far greater improvements in efficiency, profitability, and overall project performance.
“The construction industry is at an inflection point where realising the full potential of technology requires more than just implementation. The data shows that investing in technology alone isn’t enough; it must be paired with an investment in people,” said Kris Lengieza, VP, Global Technology Evangelist at Procore. “Optimising adoption transforms a valuable tool into an engine for margin growth and operational excellence.”
Donna Laquidara-Carr, Director of Industry Research at Dodge, added, “Across every metric we measured, including cost control, schedule performance, and productivity, organisations with advanced project management software skills delivered measurably better outcomes. The takeaway is not only that technology creates value, but that strong digital competency reliably amplifies it.”
The study surveyed over 1,100 owners and contractors, evaluating how project management software impacts performance across four key areas: data analysis, process efficiency, project outcomes, and business results. Respondents were grouped by expertise level—from basic users to highly skilled adopters.
Immediate Benefits for All Users
Even organisations with limited software adoption reported tangible gains:
- Most basic users noted improvements in data quality and accuracy, reducing errors and miscommunication.
- Over 50% reported better collaboration and communication, supported by access to more reliable data.
- More than 70% of owners said the technology helped them manage a higher construction volume, while over half of contractors saw improved productivity and operational efficiency.
Greater Skill, Greater Reward
The report revealed a strong link between higher user proficiency and increased benefits. Over 80% of highly skilled users reported gains across all major performance categories, compared with 31–66% among less experienced users.
Key performance improvements among advanced users include:
- 83% reduced overhead costs by at least 5%.
- 77% reported higher profit margins, with a median increase of four percentage points.
- 77% saw productivity gains among senior leadership teams, and 69% among project management and finance teams.
- 76% reduced project delays by an average of five days or more.
Measurable Impact for Owners
Owners with strong digital expertise experienced major advances in capital efficiency and project delivery:
- 90% said the software enabled them to manage more projects.
- 88% reported their projects now meet or exceed quality standards.
- 83% noted improved cash flow and fewer project delays.
The findings underline the growing importance of digital skill development in construction, with both owners and contractors demonstrating that technology—when effectively adopted—can deliver immediate and lasting returns.
Full results from The Quantifying the Value of Project Management SmartMarket Brief can be found at www.construction.com/resource/construction-management-value.
