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Labor repeatable processes reduce dependence on a handful of veterans who“ know how things are done” and make it easier to distribute work across a leaner, more junior team without sacrificing quality.
These improvements are not theoretical. Newforma’ s own research and customer conversations show that when turnover spikes( sometimes with the majority of a small office changing in a matter of weeks) the ability to onboard new staff quickly depends on having a complete, consistent project record available from day one. Standardized processes and centralized information allow newly hired team members to find what they need without relying on informal handoffs, helping firms maintain momentum even as they reshuffle teams to cover gaps.
Today’ s AECO firms are under pressure to operate as efficiently as possible with leaner teams and high expectations for responsiveness. When everyone can quickly and easily access up-to-date project information, it not only boosts productivity but also reduces burnout risk by removing some of the friction that makes days longer and more stressful for overstretched staff. In a labor market where retention is as critical as recruitment, that type of working environment becomes a competitive advantage.
Labor shortages are not the only constraint shaping project delivery. Tariffs, supply chain disruptions and fluctuating demand continue to drive materials price volatility and lead time uncertainty, which can amplify the strain on project teams already stretched thin. When teams are smaller, they have less capacity to chase down missing information or rework procurement packages; missteps become more expensive. A comprehensive, up-todate source of project data gives teams earlier visibility into design changes and their downstream impact on scope and materials.
That visibility allows firms to identify risks sooner, such as changes that could trigger repricing or require substitutions, rather than discovering them after bids are submitted or orders are placed. At the same time, clearly documented change drivers— design revisions, owner clarifications, unforeseen conditions— create a defensible audit trail that supports timely, data-driven conversations around change orders when costs increase. Project and information management tools give teams answers without heroic effort, because the relevant emails, markups and approvals are already tied to the project record.
Improved information access also streamlines daily workflows. When submittal packages are complete, documentation is easy to find, and review cycles are structured and visible, fewer delays occur due to missing or incomplete information. That efficiency matters even more in a laborconstrained environment, where project engineers, coordinators and stakeholders may be covering more projects than before and cannot afford to lose hours to avoidable back-and-forth.
In a tight labor market, long decision cycles create a double bind: projects slip, and the people still on the job absorb the stress of trying to claw back time. Newforma’ s research shows that 77 percent of AECO firms report missing deadlines due to poor project and information management, including disconnected communication and coordination. Shortening decision cycles is therefore both a schedule strategy and a workforce strategy. Project and information management tools support this in several ways.
Structured routing and reminders for RFIs and submittals reduce the likelihood
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