Project Controls are integral to the successful execution of construction projects, especially when delivering projects on time and within budget. In an exclusive interview with Bhavin Lakhani, a seasoned expert in Project Management and Controls, we delve deep into the significance of Project Controls in the Construction Industry and how they contribute to the successful completion of major projects.
Hayley Chowdhry: Bhavin, thank you for joining us today. Let’s dive right in – could you explain what “Project Controls” means in the context of the construction industry?
Bhavin Lakhani: Thank you for having me! In the Construction Industry, Project Controls are basically the processes and tools used for the planning, monitoring, and control of a project’s schedule, costs, and scope. It ensures that everything about the project is recorded and addressed, so that upon completion, it meets the targeted time, cost, and quality criteria agreed upon. Cost control, schedule management, risk management, and performance monitoring constitute project controls typically. Such is extremely valuable in dealing with the enormous complication that normally comes about from construction projects of high magnitude.
Hayley Chowdhry: In your experience, why are project controls so important to successfully deliver major construction projects?
Bhavin Lakhani: Construction is a multifaceted industry involving contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and regulatory demand. Effective project controls ensure the components all coordinate to perfection. Effective project controls establish a transparent structure for overseeing schedules, resources, and financials. They empower project teams to identify possible challenges and proactively address risks before they disrupt the project. Without effective project controls, the likelihood of cost overruns, delays, and miscommunication increases, which can greatly affect the success of the project.
Hayley Chowdhry: Could you give us an example of how project controls help in practical terms during the construction process?
Bhavin Lakhani: Of course, taking the big commercial building project as an example. The first step is establishing a detailed schedule, resource distribution, and cost estimates. When construction commences, it is time to implement project control processes. On-going monitoring of the progress of the project allows the team to check if the work is going according to a plan and if spending is still within the forecasted budget. Project controls help teams adjust the schedule in case of delays – for example, due to weather conditions or a supply chain disruption-forecast the impact of the delay and make informed decisions that keep the project on track.
Another Example is cost control, suppose there is an unexpected rise in the prices of materials, Project controls will enable the teams to promptly appraise the financial implications and adapt procurement strategies, renegotiate with suppliers, or find substitute materials without compromising the project’s budget and quality.
Hayley Chowdhry: How do project controls contribute to maintaining the balance between quality, time, and cost?
Bhavin Lakhani: Project controls are all about monitoring and correcting. Sometimes, the three basics of quality, time and cost are referred to as the “Iron Triangle” of project management. The key purpose is to oversee the relationship of these three. Project controls give a real-time overview of the progress of the project given these objectives. This would be the case when, say, the schedule of a project is running a little behind schedule and the controls team will need to consider reviewing the effect of accelerating on costs and/or quality. Alternatively, with increasing expenses, they may study offsetting such expenditures without compromising quality.
The project controls will also facilitate the forecasts, which are essential for any proactive decision. Any deviation from the budgeted cost or time can be quickly identified ahead of time to take corrective measures. This proactive approach will help avoid last-minute compromises that may affect the overall success of the project.
Hayley Chowdhry: Looking ahead, what do you think are the biggest challenges the construction industry will face in terms of project controls, and how can they be overcome?
Bhavin Lakhani: Managing uncertainty is one of the most significant challenges for the construction economy, as external factors such as material price volatility, labor shortages, and geopolitical events are proving hard to predict. These outside forces can significantly disrupt schedules and budgets. In response to these challenges, project control teams need to adopt agility and incorporate contingency plans in their planning. It’s about mitigating impact through proactive risk management and scenario planning.
Another challenge is the general digitization of the industry. Some firms have taken up the technological challenges, while others are still doing it at their own pace. The standardization of processes and platforms in project control and technology allows for smooth communication and data exchange among teams, hence the impact on project outcomes.
Finally, there is the issue of the talent retention and development of the project control profession. While construction projects are increasingly becoming complex, the demand for competent professionals in project control is equally on the rise. Companies should, therefore, invest in training programs and professional development to ensure that their teams are current in terms of the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate these complexities.
Hayley Chowdhry: Bhavin, thank you so much for sharing your insights. Project controls are essential to the success of construction projects, particularly in today’s challenging environment.
Bhavin Lakhani: Thank you! It was my pleasure. Project controls are a fundamental aspect of successful project delivery, and as the construction industry continues to transform, the significance of project controls will only grow. Good planning, monitoring, and control keep the projects moving through the inevitable challenges to allow successful project outcomes delivery to all stakeholders.
