PMIS: An emperical study of their impact on project managers and project success

Research confirms that PMIS can be an important tool to improve project managers effeciency and effectivenes. Organizations that do not have a PMIS for managing their construction program should seriously consider one.  But, becareful with selecting the right one.  Research also confirms that selecting the wrong one can have the opposite effect on your construction program and project managers besides being a waste of money. 

".......the result of this research show that the use of project management information system is in fact advantageous to project managers.  Improvements in effectiveness and efficiency in managerial tasks were obseverd here in terms ofbetter project planning, scheduling, monitoring, and control.  Improvements in productivity were also observed in terms of timelier decision-making. Advantages obtained from PMIS use are not limited to individual performance but also include project performance.  These systems were found to have direct impacts on project success, as they constribute to improving budget control and meeting project deadlines as well as fullfilling techincal specificatons.  One can therefore conclude that PMIS make a significant contribution to project success and should continue tobe the object of project managment research."

Louis Raymond, Fracois ergeron, International Journal of Project Management, June 7, 2007.

Crate & Barrel Reduces Construction Cost with OPMIS

At the COAA National Conference in Las Vegas, John Moebes of Crate & Barrel did a fantatsic job with showing us how Crate & Barrel has reduced their construction "Transaction Costs" by using their Owner's PMIS and BIM.  Projectmate is the software that Crate & Barrel uses for centralizing all their program management information.  It was great to hear how they have been able to reduce their construction cost and that the retail industry also believes that mandating the use of an Owner's PMIS is the most effective way to manage their construction program. The link to the Crate & Barrel OPMIS presentation portion is listed below.

Lean It or Leave It! How Crate & Barrel Reduces Transaction Costs (OPMIS Presentation Portion)

COAA National Conference-Nov. 2011

COAA National Conference in Las Vegas was fantastic.  Sam Neider and I presented on how important it is for the Owner to take charge of the BIM process if the Owner wants to maximize the benefits of using BIM.  Also covered how BIM collaboration can be improved by centralizing all the model files in the Owner's PMIS (OPMIS).  The link to the presentation is below.

Owner Takes Charge of the BIM Process: UTSW's Proactive Approach

Architect Transmitting Drawings via OPMIS

Here is a good example how we have centralized the issuance of all the contstruction documents via our OPMIS.  The architect uploads the construction documents to the appropriate folders and then creates a Work Flow Form to send the drawings to the contractor.  All the key individuals receive a copy of the notice.  The contractor then acknowledges receipt of the drawings and uses the form to create a change order if the revised construction documents require one.  When a change order is issued through our process, all the supporting documents are linked including this A/E: Document Issue form which allow us to quickly have access to all corresponding back up that explains the change order. This is also a good example how the notice looks and is transmitted via e-mail to everyone. 

Architect Issues CDs va OPMIS Example

OPMIS Usage at UTSW

I am sharing the the following report which indicates our current use of our OPMIS.   As you will notice, there are several modules we are using extensively and others we are not using at all.  All organizations are different so it is very important to for the OPMIS is to be flexible to meet the needs of the institution. During implementation, we started only with the Cost, Contact and Forms Modules.  After a year of using it, we started using the Process Module and Submittal Modules.  Schedule Modules are being used for documeting milestones and creating cashflows.  The following link provides access to the report in a pdf format if you would like to print.

 UTSW OPMIS Usage Report

Field Observation-How to Track in OPMIS

 The following is a good example of how A/E Field Observations that include deficiencies can be tracked by the OPMIS.  In this case, the structural engineer uploaded their report to the OPMIS QC Folder and then attached it to a Project Issue form to track resolution of the deficiencies.  If the Field Observations do not have any deficiencies that require any action to be taken, they will upload to the folder and send directly to a preselected group of individuals that would like to receive Field Observations.  I am planning to add this to our OPMIS Manual as standard procedure for future projects.  I am also planning to share our updated OPMIS Manual via this blog by the end of Novemeber.

 Owner's Proactive BIM Approach

Last week,Sam Neider and I presented at the e-Builder conference on how important it is for the Owners to be proactive in the BIM process to maximize the BIM benefits on their projects.  The following are the top three points of the presentation.

1. Oner must take the lead in the BIM process if he or she wants to maximize the benefits of BIM during construction and facilities management.
2. BIM Execution Plan is critical to organizing the BIM process early during the design process.
3. Owner should require their PMIS to be used for updating and sharing the models is developed by the A/E and contractor.. 

e-Builder did a fantastic job with the conference and they continue to improve the Owner's PMIS by pushing for new enhancements that help the Owners with managing their construction projects.  The link to the folder is provided below if you would like a copy of the presentation.

BIM Presentation at e-Builder Conference 2011