With Ireland embarking on an ambitious investment phase in public and private infrastructure, the need for effective project management has never been greater. As construction projects become larger and more complex, are traditional project management methods struggling to keep up?
Good project management ensures projects are delivered on time, within budget and to the highest quality standards. However, many construction businesses still rely on disconnected systems – separate finance and estimating tools, or a mix of spreadsheets and manual processes, says Ray Ryan, chief executive of The Noledge Group. “This leads to duplication, errors and a lack of real-time visibility, causing delays in data transfer from site to office, slower payments, and cash flow issues.
“Without a centralised system, project management suffers – scope creep becomes harder to control, inefficiencies grow and resource allocation becomes reactive rather than strategic. Ultimately, businesses struggle to track financial performance and profitability, increasing the risk of missed deadlines and reputational damage.”
Artificial intelligence (AI) is starting to transform project management in construction by addressing many of the challenges caused by disconnected systems, says Ryan. “Intelligent automation can reduce manual data entry, minimising errors and improving efficiency.
“AI-driven analytics provide real-time insights into project costs, resource allocation and financial performance, helping businesses make proactive decisions rather than reacting to delays or budget overruns.”
By streamlining processes and improving visibility, AI is helping construction firms move away from spreadsheets and siloed systems towards more connected, data-driven operations, Ryan says.
One of the biggest challenges to AI’s deployment in the construction industry is data, says Tom Carey, infrastructure delivery partner at EY Ireland. “To help clients unlock the benefits of AI, at EY we are working with organisations across the sector to develop data strategies that will allow AI models to function effectively and deliver meaningful results. There is no doubt that AI will disrupt project management, providing opportunities to deliver better outcomes quicker.”
Effective project controls require real-time visibility, accurate data and streamlined processes, says Ryan. “A connected system that integrates financials, estimating and resource management ensures that teams can monitor costs, timelines, and risks in one place.
“Proactive forecasting and reporting are also critical – without real-time insights it’s difficult to prevent scope creep, cash-flow issues or scheduling conflicts. Strong project controls rely on standardised workflows, automation to reduce manual errors and clear communication between site and office. When these elements work together businesses can keep projects on track, improve profitability and reduce risk.”
In most cases projects veering off course can be saved with a reset of vision, scope, budget or schedule, but this is dependent on both the timing of the realisation that the project is no longer on track and the reasons why this is so, says Conor Daly, infrastructure delivery partner and head of transport consulting at EY Ireland.
“Many problems with projects can be traced back to poor decisions at an early stage,” says Daly. “For example, setting budget parameters when the scope is not properly developed or fully understood, or ill-defined project governance or accountabilities. The earlier the problems are identified in the project life cycle, the greater the opportunity to rectify them.”
Industry expertise is essential when implementing an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system, such as Sage Intacct or NetSuite for the construction sector, says Ryan. “A deep understanding of project complexities, financial challenges and operational workflows ensures a solution that best fits the organisation’s needs. But expertise alone isn’t enough – having a local partner makes all the difference.
“From initial consultation to implementation and ongoing support, working with a team that understands the construction industry and is readily available to assist ensures a smoother transition and long-term success. With hands-on guidance every step of the way, customers get more than just a system – they get a trusted partner invested in their business.”
