How to Create a Construction Dashboard with Power BI

Introduction: Why Do We Need Dashboards?

In today’s blog, we want to introduce a method for using data in construction projects that is actually useful—helping users and companies make smarter decisions during the build phase.

One of the key questions we hear constantly, especially from small to mid-size firms, is: “What is being done on a day-to-day basis, by whom, and what am I actually paying for?”

Construction sites are chaotic by nature. Information is often scattered across spreadsheets, emails, and daily logs. When you think about it, that chaos is the perfect catalyst for creating a construction dashboard. The goal is to move away from static reports and towards a dynamic tool that updates with day-to-day information and creates a synergy between your data and your 3D viewer. By using Frame, we bridge the gap between the raw numbers and the visual reality of the project.

What is a Dashboard in Construction?

A construction project dashboard is more than just a collection of charts; it is a central command center. It aggregates data from various sources—schedules, budgets, field reports, and BIM models—to provide a real-time snapshot of project health.

Why are they relevant? In an industry where margins are tight and timelines are strict, reactive management is dangerous. A dashboard allows for proactive management. It is useful for:

• Executive Overview: Giving stakeholders a high-level view without getting lost in the weeds.
• Risk Mitigation: Spotting trends (like safety incidents or schedule slippage) before they become critical issues.
• Resource Allocation: Understanding where manpower is needed most.

The “5-Second Rule” for Dashboard Design

When creating a construction dashboard design, clarity is king. At Frame, we follow the “5-Second Rule”:

If a user looks at your dashboard and cannot understand the status of the project within 5 seconds, the design has failed.

Many construction dashboard examples we see are cluttered with too much information, making them difficult to read. However, designing a clean User Experience (UX) from scratch is time-consuming.

This is where Frame steps in. We provide multiple Power BI templates that users can choose from. These templates are created with careful attention to design and best practices, allowing you to start customizing your data immediately while ensuring the best possible user experience for your team.

Learn more about Frame’s Power BI features →

What Should a Project Dashboard Include?

While every project is unique, a high-performing dashboard should generally include:

1. Schedule Variance: Planned vs. Actual progress.
2. Cost Tracking: Budget vs. Actual spend (and forecasted costs).
3. Visual Context: This is crucial. A chart says “50% complete,” but a 3D Viewer shows which 50% is complete.
4. Critical RFIs and Submittals: Identify bottlenecks in communication.
5. Safety Metrics: Days without incidents or reported hazards.

Case Study: The Construction Control Dashboard

To illustrate the power of a well-designed dashboard, let’s look at a real-world example from a current project developed in Bogotá.

The Challenge

The main issue that birthed this specific dashboard was financial friction. The developer needed to streamline payments and resolve disputes between different contractors. There was a constant disconnect between what contractors claimed was done and what the office believed was done.

The Solution

We implemented a Construction Control Dashboard using Frame and Power BI. This dashboard tracks daily execution against the baseline quantities. It connects the 3D model elements to the progress logs, providing a single source of truth.

Key Benefits Achieved:

• Streamlined Payments: By visualizing exactly what has been installed on-site, the finance team can validate invoices instantly. If the dashboard shows a wall is only 50% poured, the contractor cannot bill for 100%.
• Performance of Contractors: The dashboard breaks down progress by trade. It became immediately obvious which contractors were hitting their targets and which were causing delays, allowing for faster intervention.
• “What’s Done Today?”: Stakeholders no longer wait for a monthly report. They can see daily updates on the 3D model, highlighting exactly what work was completed in the last 24 hours.
• Smarter Decisions: With accurate data on what they are actually paying for, the office can decide which payments to hold and which to release, optimizing cash flow and maintaining leverage.

Summary

Creating a construction dashboard with Power BI does not have to be a complex coding exercise. By focusing on the questions that matter—like payment validation and daily progress—and utilizing tools like Frame to handle the visual integration, you can transform your project management.

Key Takeaways:

• Dashboards answer the critical question: “What am I paying for?”
• Follow the “5-second rule” to ensure your dashboard is actually used.
• Integrating the 3D model adds necessary context to the data.
• Real-world application (like the Bogotá case) proves that dashboards streamline payments and resolve disputes.

Conclusion

Data is only as good as your ability to understand it. If you want to move from reactive firefighting to proactive control, it is time to implement a construction project dashboard.

Ready to build your own? Check out Frame’s templates and see how easy it is to integrate your BIM models with Power BI today.

Ready to Transform Your Construction Data?

If you’re ready to implement a powerful construction dashboard for your projects, our team is here to help. Whether you need guidance on getting started with Frame, want to discuss custom dashboard solutions, or have questions about integrating your BIM models with Power BI, we’d love to hear from you.

Get in Touch →