Spreadsheets have always been a frequently used in land development. They record site details, track progress of property and budgets. Spreadsheets can still work well for smaller portfolio managers and for relatively simple projects.

However, management based on spreadsheets can be limited when it comes to large development projects with longer time frames or even when teams spread across offices, making coordination increasingly difficult.

The land development industry is beginning to shift towards using cloud-based systems that allow for more structured and connected management.

The role of spreadsheets

Spreadsheets provide greater flexibility. They allow developers to organise site information, whilst creating financial models to track the progress and cost of projects in an easily adaptable format.

Recording details such as:

• • land ownership 
  • planning status and application dates
  • costs and predicted budgets
  • key contacts

Difficulties of spreadsheet-based management 

As a project progresses, it is possible for information such as revised cost estimates, legal documents and consultant reports to gradually accumulate over time, making it increasingly more difficult to separately review and organise data.

The system can become harder to manage which could result in different versions of data circulating between teams. Similarly, important information may end up spreading across separate files and devices, rather than being accurately concentrated into as single form.

This is practically challenging as teams may be working based on outdated information and decision-making can become significantly slower as information has to be manually gathered and checked.

It is not that spreadsheets do not work well, but instead that they are not designed to handle complex development projects that have multiple phases.

The move towards cloud-based systems

One of the solutions to this problem is cloud-based platforms. Instead of using different files, information about projects becomes accessible from one place that provides real-time updates as well as consolidating data in one place. As opposed to using various documents, the team can use one portal where site data, finance, plans etc can be monitored more effectively in a connected way.

This makes it easier for the whole process of development to become more consistent.

Centralised information

One of the biggest benefits of cloud computing technology is its enhanced visibility.

When the project info is kept in one place, the developer has a clearer idea of:

• • the position of the site in the process of development
  • the performance of the budget compared to expectations
  • if key milestones are met
  • any developing risks or delays

Without having to look for the data from different places, the team can concentrate on making decisions based on on the analysis.

Automated administration

There are numerous development processes that involve routine administration. This could be related to creating status updates, managing deadlines, or coordinating reporting schedules.

More and more cloud-based software solutions are becoming available in automating some of this process.

For example, automation can be used to:

• flag future planning deadlines
• update project dashboards
• notify relevant teams of new information 
• produce standard reports on multiple projects

Automation doesn’t replace decision-making, but it can aid in administration and standardise processes.

Collaboration across teams

Development usually includes contributions from planners, surveyors, legal counsel, financial specialists, architects, and project managers. The relevant teams will often be working in different organisations and geographical locations, thus software facilitates based on the cloud enables greater collaboration as there is improved access the same data source.

This can improve communication and reduce duplicated work. Decisions are based on up to date information rather than outdated versions. This is especially useful for multi-year projects

This is especially useful for multi-year projects as it can improve both coordination and delivery.

The role of enterprise platforms

With increased reliance on big data in the industry, many companies have started using enterprise software for portfolio and project management.

Software solutions offered by companies such as Oracle Corporation help in consolidating information related to land, projects, and finances in one digital place.

This can benefit land developers through improved reporting, enhanced controls over projects, and visibility throughout the entire development cycle.

Conclusion

The use of spreadsheets is still helpful in land development when dealing with smaller projects and during early analysis stages. But as projects are becoming more complex with broader information, cloud solutions are proving to be efficient management tools.

Digital platforms manage data efficiently, automating some processes, which promotes greater collaboration among team members.

Future articles will explore how predictive analytics can support the value of land and planning decisions, how developers are using integrated data to identify opportunities beyond markets, and how digital systems are becoming long-term portfolio strategy.