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Construction firms 鈥� long known as slow adopters of technology 鈥� are catching up at 5G speeds. A slew of companies are providing new ways to propel the industry forward. Here鈥檚 our annual list of the best of the best for 2019:

JobFLEX

This estimating and invoicing app allows users to draw up quotes and invoices in minutes, saving time and money. It supports multiple users and produces professional-looking invoices while cutting down on paperwork.

Timesheet Mobile

This time-clock app has stayed ahead of the curve by constantly receiving improvements. It suits construction firms that employ a highly mobile workforce. The changes for 2018 include group messaging, a punch-out checklist, geo-fencing, job-costing reports, multiple pay rates and task-time reports.

VisualLive

The 2018 startup company has hit the market with a mixed-reality app that brings the power of BIM onto the jobsite. The app lets users see how a model fits with real-world conditions. VisualLive allows users to visualize and work with their designs live and in real time.

Concept3D

OK, so this isn鈥檛 an app per se, but it鈥檚 too useful to not make this list. With a desktop version that also can be used on a phone or tablet, the 3-D mapping software allows users to make interactive virtual experiences that feel as real as being there. In the real construction world, it gives workers in the field the ability to show off projects through virtual tours and even virtual reality.

DroneDeploy

It made the list for the first time last year and is back this year because of its popularity and usefulness. Imagine showing up for work on Monday and a drone is waiting for you, having already completed its automated site-safety check flight, gathered data on project progress and assessed the work you need to do to stay on track.

Autodesk

This offers a full line of powerful apps and software for architects, engineers and basically anyone in the construction industry. Autodesk offers integrated BIM tools for building design, civil infrastructure and construction. One of its most popular tool sets 鈥� AutoCAD 鈥� has been around for 20 years and helps its users build and design things faster and smarter.

PlanGrid

Remember the days when blueprints were often scattered across desks or blowing away in the field? Those days are long gone thanks to this app, which allows users to carry their blueprints in their pocket on a phone or tablet. PlanGrid, recently purchased by Autodesk, delivers productivity and allows general contractors, subcontractors and owners to collaborate from anywhere on project plans, specs and photos.

SmartBid

Consisting of bid-management systems, this preconstruction app simplifies bidding for prime, commercial and residential general contractors. With SmartBid, users can access a secure web-based and mobile platform to streamline their bid project data, documents and subcontractor communications.

Contractor Foreman

This app, which starts at $16 a month, offers features such as estimating, daily logs, punch lists, timecards, safety-meeting topics, payment and expense tracking and invoicing. Contractor Foreman was recently named a 鈥淭op New Product鈥� for 2019 by Constructech. New for 2019 is the addition of QuickBooks online integration and a scheduling system.

Fieldwire

It鈥檚 used on 300,000 jobsites around the world and continues to grow with a simple interface for plan views, task management, punch-list compilation, instant messaging and performance tracking. The transparent pricing, starting at $29 a month per user, is also a welcome feature.

ProjectManager

On the list for the second year in a row, ProjectManager offers an easy-to-use interface for task management, project plans and timesheets 鈥� and all can be updated remotely. It also contains an easy-to-read dashboard that keeps project updates at one鈥檚 fingertips.

WorkerSafety Pro

This is available for iPhones and Apple Watches and includes some excellent features. It, for instance, will notify emergency contacts when a fall is detected and includes a safety dashboard with centralized monitoring and daily start-up reminders to ensure worker protection.

Safety Meeting App

This app is designed for all construction trades and puts hundreds of safety-meeting topics at one鈥檚 fingertips. It can document required OSHA safety meetings and store current and past meetings electronically. It also offers an incident-report checklist and, best of all, meets OSHA鈥檚 required meeting laws.

Workplace Safety Inspection

This allows users to conduct workplace-safety inspections and create inspections on a mobile device. It also allows users to inspect workplaces, add photos, access saved inspections and upload completed inspections to the cloud.

Contractor WorkZone

This app was designed by a general contractor for general contractors. From connecting with clients to ensuring employees know exactly what they鈥檙e working on, the app will streamline processes and keep users from spending hours on paperwork.

DeWalt Mobile Pro

DeWalt, the maker of power tools, has also built a powerful construction calculator. This app is an all-in-one calculator system with templates for area, length, volume, stud estimations, concrete tabs and more. It also offers add-ons for trades such as carpentry, finish work, electrical work and much more.

Procore

A range of software is available for project management, safety, productivity and financials. Procore鈥檚 products are designed to streamline processes. It has around 2 million users.

FieldLens

It touts itself as allowing users to ditch the notepad, but it鈥檚 more than that. The handy app allows users to communicate in real time on projects and collaborate through photos to find and deal with problems quicker. It also integrates directly with a project management or ERP system.

BIMx

This bridges the gap between the design studio and the construction site. The app offers a hyper-model feature that gives users direct access to drawings and 3-D building models. It allows users to take their designs everywhere while also keeping the team in constant communication.

Joe Yovino is associate publisher/group editor of The Daily Reporter in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Contact him at [email protected].