Free Construction Management Software For Mac
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Managing a construction project is a huge endeavor. When broken out into its parts—project management, bid management, reporting, etc—the entire process can seem overwhelming.
While construction management software offers a holistic solution to all of these problems, it can be expensive (for example, from our own estimations, construction bidding software costs an average of $1,468 and a median of $750).
While I can’t recommend choosing seven different software options to solve seven different problems, these free and open source construction management software quick-fixes can patch up your manual construction processes—without you having to spend a dime. They are listed below in alphabetical order.
2-Plan Project Management Software
Get started with the new Project, starting at $10.00 per month. Learn more Stay organized, focused, and in charge. Tackle anything from small projects to large initiatives. You may or may not be a project manager, but now you can be the boss of any project with a powerful, easy-to-use app. CoConstruct is the #1 highest rated custom home builder & remodeler software. Starting at $49/mo, it's the only all-in-one construction software with single-entry, spreadsheet estimating that allows you to enter your measurements and formulas once, and have that information flow through the estimate, specs, selections, bids, proposals, change orders, budgets, including to and from QuickBooks. The free project management software for Mac trial is free, but after that you need to pay some €145.00 to purchase the full product. There are numerous features, which means that it will take some time to get used to the interface. User Review/Comments: “Merlin has everything we need to plan our projects.
As I mentioned in “The Top 6 Free and Open Source Project Management Software for Your Small Business,” 2-Plan is a phenomenal free and open-source project management solution. Their 2-Plan Desktop version is particularly good for construction because it is robust enough to handle complicated projects with tightly-aligned deadlines.
Mac Os Project Management Software
2-Plan Desktop syncs with iOS, offers work breakdown and project breakdown structures, forecasting options, and top-down and bottom-up planning, along with free extensions (risk management is likely most interesting to construction professionals).
Unfortunately, like the other options listed above, 2-plan is tough to learn—they offer no support except for an extensive, difficult-to-navigate manual.
Have you used 2-Plan before? Leave a review!
Efficient Calendar Free
For construction companies looking for a lightweight scheduling software application that runs on Windows, Android, and iOS, definitely check out Efficient Calendar Free.
The calendar application is essentially a system that combines calendar functionality, task tracking, and project management in one spot. It’s all locally hosted, which is great for construction companies worried about cloud security issues.
The local hosting can be a problem though; Efficient Calendar does not import .ics files. For people hoping to import their iCalendar, look elsewhere!
Estimate
If you’re a large construction firm with a civil or EPC client base, consider downloading Estimate before shelling out the big bucks for construction estimating software.
Estimate is another free and open source construction software solution for estimating. It’s largely an analytical tool; use it to estimate how long your project will take, do cost analysis, and tender evaluation. Take these features to the next level with industry-specific calculators for electrical, tile, concrete, maintenance, and more, all included in the software.
Estimate complete free package even offers the tools to audit your own business, manage your documents, and control your material resources.
Estimator Application
Want to spend no dollars and zero cents on a cost estimating software? Enter Estimator Application.
It’s not a particularly pretty piece of software—it’s really mostly a spreadsheet with pre-filled out equations largely used by contractors—but it’s a handy tool particularly for construction companies looking to estimate larger projects and use that data to produce proposals. The application syncs with Excel and runs on Java so it can be used from anywhere.
The only drawback of Estimator Application is that it is difficult to learn how to use. There is no support, and the tutorial is somewhat clunky to get through.
GenieBelt
GenieBelt is a fully functional construction management system that costs users absolutely nothing. That’s right: unlimited users and unlimited tasks. Users can opt to pay for more file storage (the free version comes with a hard cap on 50 files and only a one month audit trail), but the software is robust enough to handle most small construction business’ needs.
GenieBelt provides a bird’s eye view of all your projects, visual displays for project progress, document management, tasks, space for drawings, and in-app communication features.
More importantly, GenieBelt’s Android and iPhone apps are just as functional as the main app. Users get notifications on site, can report in, and update tasks while out on the field.
For users who want to upgrade to have more files, storage, and a full audit trail, pricing starts at £20 (about $30) per project per month.
Open Workbench
Open Workbench has gone through many iterations; you may have known it as “Project Manager Workbench (PMW) or Project Workbench (PW). Either way, it’s been available to the public as a piece of open source software since 2000. It’s most direct competitor? Microsoft Project. (If you’re interested in other competitors, check out our list of the best Microsoft Project alternatives.)
Open Workbench is a project management tool that focuses on effort more than scheduling requirements, so this may be a new project management approach for construction managers. With that said, Open Workbench is almost feature-to-feature the same when compared to Microsoft Project; it’s an incredibly robust free alternative.
Unfortunately, CA Technologies has largely abandoned Open Workbench (going as far as shutting down its original promotional site). This means that CA Technologies is not actively updating the file. However, Open Workbench still gets 50 to 150 downloads per day and still has an active help forum.
OpenDocMan
OrangeScrum
OrangeScrum is a free, open-source project management tool with a robust community that is always adding new features and add-ons for the software.
OrangeScrum is a project management tool and not specifically a construction management tool, but unlike many project management tools it is geared toward the construction industry, among others. The tool is best for small- and medium-sized businesses.
Free Construction Management Software For Mac And Pc
The software simplifies project management and allows users to create and manage unlimited projects, users and tasks. It also aims to help you collaborate with remote teams and offshore partners and clients. It features resource and task planning, monitoring and control, as well as file sharing through Dropbox and Google Drive.
Wrike
Wrike is another general free project management tool, but it is also adaptable for a construction manager. Wrike creates “building blocks of work,” breaking up larger goals into smaller pieces with due dates and files that can be attached. You can track your overall progress in a construction project with this tool.
The software also enables you to initiate work with a request forms function, allowing you to prioritize projects with your team and get them done faster.
Free Construction Management Software For Mac Free
Wrike has a strong collaboration aspect to it, allowing you to view everyone’s changes to documents in real time. It also enables you to upload or link and edit documents in just about any format and through services provided by Microsoft, Google and Dropbox. There’s a live activity stream providing real-time updates on project activity if you like tracking your project on the go.
For small construction companies with a tech-savvy crew, OpenDocMan is an incredible free and open-source document management system. Companies must self-host on LAMP or WAMP. Running through Apache/IIS, users can use OpenDocMan for any number of functions, including hosting an unlimited number of files, file expiration, revision history, and detailed search.
OpenDocMan offers upgraded versions, including an option that includes hosting and training. While OpenDocMan is largely intuitive, there is a learning curve for new users.
More?
At the end of the day, construction managers are better off paying for integrated construction management software. Instead of mashing together different software options for different tasks, they should invest in one central option, cutting down on costs and procedure.
But with that said, these four options will help your construction business fix problems relating to cost estimating and drawing, documenting, and project management. I’m sure there are other great free and open source construction-specific software options available—what did I miss? Let me know in the comments below!
And if there’s construction management software that should have made this list—or definitely doesn’t belong here—leave a review to let us know!
Looking for Construction Management software? Check out Capterra's list of the best Construction Management software solutions.
Struggling to keep your head above water? Manage your deadlines, deliverables, and resources more effectively by utilizing the best project management software for your needs.
Over the years, project management has morphed into an umbrella term, comprising of a wide array of solutions from comprehensive portfolio management tools to personal work management solutions. Some of it comes with a steep price, but others won’t cost you a dime.
If you’re willing to sacrifice a few premium features, the best free project management software might make a good fit for your needs. Below, you’ll find our top six favorites for Mac computers.
Microsoft Construction Management Software
Best Project Management Software for Mac
A quick search on Google will lead to an overwhelming amount of options and information on the best project management tools today. So you don’t have to test every single one of them, we’ve made a list of our top six favorites, specifically for Mac devices.
1. Monday.com
Easily one of the best project management software for Mac, Monday.com is celebrated for its simple, user-friendly interface. From there, you can keep tabs on all your activities, your employees, and your deadlines. You can also assign tasks to team members and track their progress from a single dashboard. With a highly-intuitive design, you can plan ahead and identify potential bottlenecks.
Monday.com is ideal for large teams as it has the capability to make task tracking a much simpler endeavor. It also includes helpful integrations to link Slack, Zapier, Jira, Mailchimp, Shopify, Bitbucket, Google Calendar, and other your favorite tools. With this software, cross-functional teams can keep track of each other’s works consequently empowering them to achieve their goals and have fun while getting things done.
✅ PROS:
- Simple, user-friendly, and highly-customizable dashboards
- Integrates with your favorite tools
- Automates workflow
⛔️ CONS:
- Doesn’t have a free version
2. Zoho Projects
A powerful free project management software, Zoho Projects has mobile and desktop versions. It is ideal for small business teams. As it comes with essential collaboration tools, team members can communicate effectively and get more things done on time. Not only that, its collaboration tools can extend to clients, vendors, and consultants.
Of course, Zoho Projects also has the right project management features that allow its users to plan, monitor, and assess their outcomes without hassle.
Perhaps the best thing about Zoho Projects is integration. Other than the Zoho apps, it integrates with Google Apps, Gmail, MS Office, QuickBooks, MailChimp, and a few social media platforms.
✅ PROS:
- Supports seamless team collaboration
- Delivers in-depth insights
- Integrates with Zoho and third-party apps
⛔️ CONS:
- Free version has limited features
3. Basecamp
Another contender in our lineup of the best project management software for Mac is Basecamp. This one allows you to upload files, share assets, discuss project details, and schedule and assign tasks.
This workhorse has been around since 2004, and although it has been updated, it still feels antiquated and does not include the rich, powerful features of some of the other project management options we have discussed. Essentially Basecamp is more of a collaboration tool than project management software.
✅ PROS:
- Flexible software for collaborating with teams
- Easy setup and online tutorials
- Automated scheduling notifications via email
- Group chat and messaging boards
- Calendar view
⛔️ CONS:
- Confusing interface that appears unfinished
- No Gantt charts or resource management tools
- Very pricey, especially for small teams
- Navigation is inflexible
4. Jira
If you are looking for more serious project management software for Mac, Jira may be your best bet. It is the #1 tool used by agile teams using Scrum, Kanban, & hybrid models for workflow and project management.
Using Jira, you can create multiple projects and check in on them via the roadmap to see where every task and user stands. The ticketing component makes it easy to ping a colleague regarding an open task. You can even attach large files (zipped, images, documents, and videos). Jira makes it easy to track every tiny aspect of a project in seamless detail.
✅ PROS:
- Reasonably priced
- Gantt, Kanban, and portfolio views
- Milestone tracking
- Powerful features
- Helpful messaging and collaboration tools built-in
⛔️ CONS:
- Confusing interface and hard to learn
- The cloud-based version is slow
- No timestamp on changes (hard to track)
- No in-person training available
5. Asana
In keeping with our theme of the best project management software for Mac, Asana stands out as an impressive project management tool. Although the interface may at first be confusing for some, it quickly starts to make sense. The Kanban view makes it easy to organize and move through a complex workflow with your team.
Asana’s pricing is tiered with added features as you go up a level. You can use Asana online or via the PC, Mac, and iOS apps. If you want full-fledged, fun collaboration for your teams, you can’t go wrong with Asana.
✅ PROS:
- Flexible and feature-rich for the higher tiers
- Timeline and Kanban views
- Administrative controls
- Create private teams and projects
- Priority support
- Integrates with other services and apps
- Automation
⛔️ CONS:
- No time-tracking
- A bit pricey, especially at the enterprise-level
6. Wrike
Wrike might be a cloud-hosted free project management software, but it’s available on Mac platforms as well. This award-winning tool is used by thousands of businesses, from startups to big corporations. It gives teams the flexibility to juggle multiple projects and activities simultaneously, empowering them to collaborate effectively towards the same goal.
Perhaps the best perk of using Wrike on your Mac is that the desktop app gets updated regularly. Every now and then, you can enjoy new features and functionality that will help you take your business to the next level.
Since Wrike is designed for professionals, it might take beginners a little time and effort to get used to the software.
✅ PROS:
- Robust collaboration tools
- Enterprise-class security
- Automates workflow
⛔️ CONS:
- Steep learning curve
Why do I need to Use Project Management Software for Managing my Team?
Large companies are constantly working on numerous projects. There’re big teams of people and few leaders responsible for making each project a successful endeavor. As more people become involved in project management not using a software program can be quite challenging to accomplish a project – there are many things that have to be performed in a well-organized manner.
Free Construction Estimating Software For Mac
Listed below are some reasons why you should start relying on project management tools if you want to attain your project’s deadlines.
Easy Planning
The project planning process takes a lot of time as you have to map-out all the important steps. A project management software provides you the ability to easily establish a hierarchy of tasks for effective and efficient completion. It also lets you indicate which steps are sequential and which tasks are dependent on one another. In turn, this makes it easier for the team to do their work. This is a time-saver because when the team leader knows which steps are the most important, he/she then knows which tasks to assign to whom.
Efficient Task Management
Every project out there consists of numerous tasks that you, or your team, must complete. Writing notes about what your team members are doing is sometimes impossible, especially when it comes to ongoing projects that take a lot of time to complete. This is where project management software is very useful: assign all of the important tasks to employees and monitor how they are performing. Project management becomes much easier as you have access to this data and can follow who has which tasks. Through better task management, teams work in unity. Hence, achieving incredible results and benefiting the company.
Seamless Team Workflow
Getting the whole team to work as one is often very hard to achieve, but project management software can make it much easier. Using this software solution gives a team leader a chance to always be able to see the tasks that his team is working on and which team members are involved in the task.
Furthermore, there are tasks which require more people. This is where a team leader can include several different people to collectively work on bigger tasks – while other members do smaller tasks simultaneously. Creating a seamless team workflow is something very important to attain as it contributes to a company’s sustainable future, as well as creating cohesion within a team.
Shared Documents, Calendars and Contacts
Consider that project management tools are useful as they support the storage and organization of a variety of documents. This is extremely important as a majority of projects have a high number of documents. By creating a centralized document storage plan, every team member can easily, and more quickly, edit and contribute. This feature is very important in cases where the work is outsourced to a person or a team. It is much easier to perform all the necessary tasks without sending thousands of emails with attached documents where, sooner or later, things become convoluted.
As well, having access to calendars of other team members is convenient because sooner or later, a meeting between team members has to be organized. So, having access to people’s calendar makes coordinating much easier. Make sure to share a document containing every team members’ contact information. This ensures remote team members can communicate with one another.
Free Construction Design Software For Mac
Precise Project Tracking
Tracking the time spent on every task is of great value. It allows you to collect data about team members, to know their work pace. This will make planning future projects much easier. The team leader can then make much more precise time estimations. For example, a team leader can give different types of tasks to team members throughout a project to determine their strengths. This creates better performance and faster results.
These are some of the most important reasons why you want to rely on project management tools in your company. Utilizing the latest technologies currently available maximizes the performance of project teams.
Every business needs to be armed with scalable tools that will help them overcome their growing pains. However, it doesn’t have to cost you a fortune to acquire the tools you need.
Equipped with the best project management software, you can keep all your files organized and centralized in a single platform. More importantly, you motivate your team to work together toward the same goal.
The whole workflow becomes improved, as people are capable of collaborating on a variety of tasks. This leads to a significant improvement in productivity, which leads to higher profits in the business world. High quality in a short time-frame, that’s what businesses want to achieve. Rely on project management software to get this done.