Project Manager Tech Resistance Patterns: Why PMs Resist Technology More than Owners
Survey data shows PMs adopt software far less than Owners. Here’s why Project Managers resist technology, and how to win them over.
.jpg)
Table Of Content
When new software rolls out on a jobsite, Owners and GMs are often the ones pushing adoption. They see the ROI: better bids, streamlined workflows, fewer mistakes. But Project Managers (PMs) are different.
In a recent RiffleCM survey of 100 subcontractor leaders, 62% of Owners and General Managers reported using estimating or scheduling software. Among Project Managers, that number dropped to just 33%. PMs were also 18 points more likely to cite “takes too much time to learn” as a barrier to adoption.
The message is clear: PMs are slower to embrace new technology — and understanding why is the first step to overcoming it.
Why PMs Resist Tech
- Time Pressure: PMs operate under nonstop deadlines. A “learning curve” feels like a luxury they can’t afford.
- Workflow Disruption: Many PMs rely on familiar spreadsheets, whiteboards, or checklists. Swapping those for new tools introduces risk.
- Perceived Lack of Benefit: Owners see cost savings. GMs see operational efficiency. PMs often wonder: How does this make my day easier?
Why This Matters and How to Overcome PM Resistance
Even the best software rollout will stall if PMs don’t see value. Executive buy-in and training budgets can’t compensate for frontline resistance.
- Position PMs as co-pilots. Involve them in testing and workflow design.
- Show quick wins. Demonstrate time savings on pain points like RFIs or field updates.
- Streamline training. Deliver short, role-specific tutorials instead of long demos.
- Highlight peer adoption. PMs trust other PMs more than leadership directives.
Conclusion
PM resistance isn’t about being “anti-tech.” It’s about risk, time, and value. The survey data confirms what many subcontractors see on the ground: without clear benefits, PMs lag behind Owners and GMs in software adoption.
Address those barriers head-on, and you’ll turn skeptics into advocates — giving your rollout the best chance of success.
Eliminating Manual Errors in Construction Bids
Common questions about reducing errors and improving accuracy
What causes most manual errors in subcontractor bids?
Manual errors usually come from disconnected workflows — things like outdated spreadsheets, inconsistent templates, or rekeying the same data multiple times. When project info lives across emails, texts, and PDFs, small mistakes add up fast.
How can software help reduce bidding mistakes?
Purpose-built estimating software automates repetitive tasks like data entry, quantity takeoffs, and revision tracking. Instead of chasing down the latest drawings or retyping costs, your team works from one centralized, accurate system — cutting errors before they happen.
Is automation complicated to set up for small subcontractors?
Not with modern tools like Riffle. You can connect your email or ITB inbox in minutes, and automation starts working behind the scenes — identifying bid invites, tracking updates, and helping you prioritize the right opportunities. No IT department required.
How much time can automation actually save?
Most subcontractors save 6–10 hours per week just by eliminating manual re-entry and version confusion. That’s more time for estimating the next job, reviewing margins, or simply getting home on time.
Does automating bids mean losing control over pricing?
Not at all. Automation handles the busywork — you keep full control over pricing, scope, and judgment calls. Think of it as an assistant that gets the numbers right so you can focus on strategy.
How do I know if my team is underspending or overspending on software?
A good rule of thumb: most subcontractors invest 1–3% of annual revenue in digital tools. If you’re still running bids manually or using outdated systems, the real cost might be hidden in lost time and missed opportunities.
Why does accuracy matter so much in bidding?
Every error compounds — one missed line item or miscalculated rate can erase your entire profit margin. Accuracy doesn’t just win jobs; it protects your business from losses you don’t see coming.
How does Riffle help subcontractors eliminate manual work?
Riffle automates your bidding and project workflows from start to finish. It finds ITBs in your inbox, organizes bid invites, fills in estimating data, and tracks updates — helping subcontractors bid smarter, reduce errors, and grow revenue.
We Understand the Bottlenecks for Subs
My biggest weakness has always been follow-ups—I’m just not great at it. If I had a built-in reminder feature to follow up on projects automatically, that would be a game-changer. I’ve gotten better, but I could still use that extra nudge.
Quoting can be chaotic. You have five different contractors sending out the same bid invite, each named differently. We end up with duplicate bids on the board or miss one entirely because it was labeled another way. There is no clear procedure when invites come in from multiple people.
Stay Informed
Get the latest on subcontractor business trends, research, and tools to help you grow profitably. Delivered monthly.