To find out, Procore partnered with Dodge Construction Network to publish Quantifying the Value of Project Management Software for Construction, a SmartMarket Brief that reveals how adoption maturity directly impacts ROI for both owners and contractors.

About the Research

This is one of the most comprehensive studies ever conducted on the ROI of construction management software. Dodge Construction Network surveyed more than 1,500 construction professionals across North America, EMEA, and ANZ, including 733 general contractors, 461 specialty contractors, and 369 owners. 

Respondents were grouped by adoption expertise:

  • Light adoption: Just started using the products

  • Moderate adoption: Comfortable with core features

  • Advanced adoption: Skilled in utilizing most features

  • Optimized adoption: Mastery of the products 

(Source: Dodge Construction Network, 2025)

The respondents were asked whether their use of project management software led them to experience 62 specific benefits in four categories–data, process, project performance and business benefits. Across every category, one pattern stood out: ROI increases dramatically with user expertise.

  • 82% of optimized users agree they’ve seen overall project performance benefits, compared to just 31% of light adopters

  • 85% of optimized users agree they’ve seen stronger process improvements than 43% of light adopters

(Source: Dodge Construction Network, 2025)

Efficiency starts with connection

The study found that even light adopters benefit from efficiency gains — from data visibility to team communication and collaboration. Multiple research projects conducted by Dodge have linked these gains to improved project and business outcomes. Thus, even using the software sets up organizations for success.

In fact, the jump from “using software” to “optimizing software” is transformative:

Benefit

Agreement % for light adoption

Agreement % for optimized adoption

Improved collection and distribution of information

55%

90%

Reduced reliance on manual methods (spreadsheets/paper)

53%

90%

Improved accuracy of project data

61%

93%

Improved quality of communication

54%

92%

These improvements save time, but more importantly, they lay the foundation for every other ROI outcome. Nearly half of all optimized users report saving five or more hours per week on project coordination and data management tasks.

Managing loss & risk: Building predictability

Construction teams using project management software at higher levels of expertise are significantly less likely to face costly delays, rework, and disputes than light adopters, as the table below reveals.

Risk reduction metric

Agreement % for light

Agreement % for optimized

Reduced project delays

19%

83%

Projects completed on schedule

30%

76%

Projects within budget

31%

79%

Fewer disputes reaching litigation

17%

76%

The takeaway? Technology maturity helps organizations achieve risk maturity. Firms with optimized adoption don’t just move faster, they operate with fewer surprises, safer jobsites, and more predictable margins.

Turning data into decisions

The findings reveal a correlation between data accuracy and decision-making.

Benefit

Agreement for light adoption

Agreement for optimized adoption

Improved accuracy and reliability of data

61%

93%

Increased confidence that data is visible and actionable

59%

86%

Improved ability to make data-driven decisions

37%

90%

Increased confidence in real-time updates

60%

85%

Optimized users are more than twice as likely as light users to make better, faster business decisions. These insights lead directly to improved forecasting accuracy, more substantial cost control, and higher margins:

  • 77% of optimized contractors reported higher profit margins (vs. 17% in the light group).

  • 83% reported improved cash flow management (vs. 13% reporting light cash flow).

The bottom line: ROI isn’t instant — it’s earned

The SmartMarket Brief quantifies what many in the industry already suspect: Innovation moves fast, but investing in expertise increases ROI.

These findings suggest that organizations that pair technology investment with user training, leadership alignment, and process consistency will see the greatest returns, including:

  • Improved productivity and communication

  • Fewer delays, disputes, and safety incidents

  • More confident decision-making and stronger financial results

Get the full story

Download Quantifying the Value of Project Management Software for Construction from Dodge Construction Network and Procore to explore the complete set of data, adoption-level charts, and ROI benchmarks for owners and contractors.

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