{"id":73154,"date":"2025-02-25T14:00:19","date_gmt":"2025-02-25T20:00:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.projectmanager.com\/?p=73154"},"modified":"2026-04-14T16:09:59","modified_gmt":"2026-04-14T21:09:59","slug":"construction-project-dashboard","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.projectmanager.com\/blog\/construction-project-dashboard","title":{"rendered":"Why Use a Construction Project Dashboard? (Template Included)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Just as one wouldn\u2019t drive a car without a dashboard as it provides valuable information on the vehicle\u2019s speed, gas level and so on, no construction project manager should try to deliver construction projects without a construction project dashboard. A construction dashboard is one of the pillars of construction project management.<\/p>\n

Project management and program management both recommend using a construction project management dashboard and we\u2019ll explain why. In the following blog, we break down what construction project managers should include in their construction management dashboard and even offer a free downloadable construction dashboard template to help get started.<\/p>\n

What Is a Construction Project Dashboard?<\/h2>\n

A construction dashboard is a digital tool or interface that visually displays key data and metrics related to a construction project in real time. It helps project managers, contractors and stakeholders track the project’s progress, manage resources and make informed decisions.<\/p>\n

The goal of a construction project dashboard is to provide a quick, easily digestible overview that allows teams to identify potential issues early, optimize performance and keep the project on track. While there are construction project dashboards for Excel, which we\u2019ll get to in a moment, they\u2019re not as efficient as ones that are part of a larger project management software.<\/p>\n

ProjectManager<\/a> is award-winning project and portfolio management software that has real-time construction project dashboards that give a high-level overview of a project, program or portfolio of projects. Unlike other software products that make users build their dashboards, ours is up and ready to use instantly, with easy-to-read graphs and charts that show key performance indicators (KPIs) such as project health, budget, workload and more. Get started with ProjectManager today for free.<\/p>\n

\"ProjectManager's<\/a>
ProjectManager has real-time project and portfolio dashboards to better monitor projects. Learn more<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

What Should Be Included in a Construction Project Dashboard?<\/h2>\n

A construction project management dashboard typically includes several key sections to provide a comprehensive overview of the project\u2019s status. Here is a list of some of the most important metrics to look for when using a dashboard.<\/p>\n

Project Progress Overview<\/h3>\n

This gives a snapshot of how the project is progressing relative to the original plan. It can include the percentage of work completed compared to the total project, key project milestones<\/a> and whether they\u2019ve been reached, an overview of the current status of critical tasks and a summary of current activity happening on-site, such as inspections, installations, etc.<\/p>\n

Project Cost Overview<\/h3>\n

This section focuses on the financial aspects of the project. It includes a comparison between the initial budget and the actual costs incurred so far, a more granular view of costs, projected future costs and potential overages or savings and how money is flowing through the project and whether there are any concerns around cash flow management.<\/a><\/p>\n

Project Timeline Overview<\/h3>\n

In this area of the construction project dashboard, insights into the scheduling and timeline of construction projects are provided. These can include a Gantt chart<\/a>, which is a visual timeline showing the overall project and key activities. The critical path can also be illustrated, which identifies tasks essential to the overall project\u2019s completion and whether they\u2019re on schedule. There\u2019s also deadline tracking, showing if milestones and deadlines are being met or at risk of delay, and highlighting any delays and their impact on the overall schedule.<\/p>\n

Workload Analysis Overview<\/h3>\n

Here is where resources are assessed, managed and allocated. It gives insights into how workers are distributed across the project, including labor allocation to see any potential labor shortages or surpluses. Resource utilization<\/a> monitors the use of equipment and materials to ensure that they\u2019re being effectively deployed. Workload balance is observed to ensure that tasks are appropriately divided and that no part of the project is over- or under-resourced. Productivity metrics track worker efficiency and productivity, potentially comparing it to industry standards or past projects.<\/p>\n

Construction Project Dashboard Template for Excel<\/h2>\n

The best way to understand a construction dashboard is to use one. While project management software<\/a> has better dashboards that update in real time, those who aren\u2019t ready to upgrade can download this free construction dashboard template for Excel<\/a>.<\/p>\n\"Construction<\/a>\n

While not as robust as dashboard software, this free template gives users a chance to get a status report on construction projects. There are three charts, one providing an overview of the construction schedule<\/a>, another the budget, comparing spent against project costs and a project timeline.<\/p>\n

Benefits of Using a Construction Project Dashboard<\/h2>\n

Using a construction dashboard offers a variety of benefits that can significantly improve how a project is managed and executed. Here are some key advantages.<\/p>\n