PowerPoint Generation for Construction

Overview

Create professional PowerPoint presentations for construction projects using python-pptx. Generate stakeholder updates, progress reports, and bid presentations with automated data visualization.

Construction Use Cases

1. Project Progress Presentation

Generate monthly progress update slides.

from pptx import Presentation
from pptx.util import Inches, Pt
from pptx.enum.chart import XL_CHART_TYPE
from pptx.chart.data import CategoryChartData
from pptx.dml.color import RGBColor
from pptx.enum.text import PP_ALIGN

def create_progress_presentation(project_data: dict, output_path: str) -> str:
    """Create project progress presentation."""
    prs = Presentation()
    prs.slide_width = Inches(13.333)
    prs.slide_height = Inches(7.5)

    # Title slide
    title_slide = prs.slides.add_slide(prs.slide_layouts[0])
    title_slide.shapes.title.text = project_data['project_name']
    title_slide.placeholders[1].text = f"Progress Report - {project_data['report_date']}"

    # Executive Summary slide
    summary_slide = prs.slides.add_slide(prs.slide_layouts[1])
    summary_slide.shapes.title.text = "Executive Summary"

    summary_text = summary_slide.placeholders[1]
    tf = summary_text.text_frame
    tf.paragraphs[0].text = f"Overall Progress: {project_data['overall_progress']}%"

    p = tf.add_paragraph()
    p.text = f"Schedule Status: {project_data['schedule_status']}"
    p = tf.add_paragraph()
    p.text = f"Budget Status: {project_data['budget_status']}"
    p = tf.add_paragraph()
    p.text = f"Safety: {project_data['safety_status']}"

    # Schedule Progress Chart
    add_schedule_chart(prs, project_data['schedule_data'])

    # Budget Chart
    add_budget_chart(prs, project_data['budget_data'])

    # Key Milestones
    add_milestones_slide(prs, project_data['milestones'])

    # Issues & Risks
    add_issues_slide(prs, project_data.get('issues', []))

    # Photos
    if project_data.get('photos'):
        add_photos_slide(prs, project_data['photos'])

    prs.save(output_path)
    return output_path


def add_schedule_chart(prs: Presentation, schedule_data: dict):
    """Add schedule progress chart."""
    slide = prs.slides.add_slide(prs.slide_layouts[5])
    slide.shapes.title.text = "Schedule Progress"

    chart_data = CategoryChartData()
    chart_data.categories = schedule_data['phases']
    chart_data.add_series('Planned', schedule_data['planned'])
    chart_data.add_series('Actual', schedule_data['actual'])

    chart = slide.shapes.add_chart(
        XL_CHART_TYPE.COLUMN_CLUSTERED,
        Inches(1), Inches(1.5),
        Inches(11), Inches(5),
        chart_data
    ).chart

    chart.has_legend = True
    chart.legend.include_in_layout = False


def add_budget_chart(prs: Presentation, budget_data: dict):
    """Add budget status chart."""
    slide = prs.slides.add_slide(prs.slide_layouts[5])
    slide.shapes.title.text = "Budget Status"

    chart_data = CategoryChartData()
    chart_data.categories = ['Budget', 'Committed', 'Spent', 'Forecast']
    chart_data.add_series('Amount ($M)', [
        budget_data['budget'] / 1_000_000,
        budget_data['committed'] / 1_000_000,
        budget_data['spent'] / 1_000_000,
        budget_data['forecast'] / 1_000_000
    ])

    chart = slide.shapes.add_chart(
        XL_CHART_TYPE.BAR_CLUSTERED,
        Inches(1), Inches(1.5),
        Inches(11), Inches(5),
        chart_data
    ).chart


def add_milestones_slide(prs: Presentation, milestones: list):
    """Add key milestones slide."""
    slide = prs.slides.add_slide(prs.slide_layouts[5])
    slide.shapes.title.text = "Key Milestones"

    # Create table
    rows = len(milestones) + 1
    cols = 4
    table = slide.shapes.add_table(rows, cols, Inches(0.5), Inches(1.5), Inches(12), Inches(0.5 * rows)).table

    # Headers
    headers = ['Milestone', 'Planned', 'Actual/Forecast', 'Status']
    for i, header in enumerate(headers):
        table.cell(0, i).text = header

    # Data
    for i, ms in enumerate(milestones, 1):
        table.cell(i, 0).text = ms['name']
        table.cell(i, 1).text = ms['planned_date']
        table.cell(i, 2).text = ms.get('actual_date', ms.get('forecast_date', 'TBD'))
        table.cell(i, 3).text = ms['status']


def add_issues_slide(prs: Presentation, issues: list):
    """Add issues and risks slide."""
    slide = prs.slides.add_slide(prs.slide_layouts[1])
    slide.shapes.title.text = "Issues & Risks"

    if not issues:
        slide.placeholders[1].text = "No critical issues at this time."
        return

    tf = slide.placeholders[1].text_frame
    for i, issue in enumerate(issues):
        if i == 0:
            tf.paragraphs[0].text = f"• {issue['description']} ({issue['status']})"
        else:
            p = tf.add_paragraph()
            p.text = f"• {issue['description']} ({issue['status']})"


def add_photos_slide(prs: Presentation, photos: list):
    """Add site photos slide."""
    slide = prs.slides.add_slide(prs.slide_layouts[5])
    slide.shapes.title.text = "Site Progress Photos"

    # Arrange up to 4 photos in grid
    positions = [
        (Inches(0.5), Inches(1.5)),
        (Inches(6.5), Inches(1.5)),
        (Inches(0.5), Inches(4)),
        (Inches(6.5), Inches(4))
    ]

    for i, photo in enumerate(photos[:4]):
        left, top = positions[i]
        slide.shapes.add_picture(photo['path'], left, top, width=Inches(5.5))

2. Bid Presentation

Create bid/proposal presentations.

def create_bid_presentation(bid_data: dict, output_path: str) -> str:
    """Create bid presentation for client."""
    prs = Presentation()

    # Title
    title_slide = prs.slides.add_slide(prs.slide_layouts[0])
    title_slide.shapes.title.text = bid_data['project_name']
    title_slide.placeholders[1].text = f"Proposal by {bid_data['company_name']}"

    # Company Overview
    overview_slide = prs.slides.add_slide(prs.slide_layouts[1])
    overview_slide.shapes.title.text = "About Us"
    tf = overview_slide.placeholders[1].text_frame
    tf.paragraphs[0].text = f"Years in Business: {bid_data['company']['years']}"
    for qual in bid_data['company']['qualifications']:
        p = tf.add_paragraph()
        p.text = f"• {qual}"

    # Project Understanding
    understanding_slide = prs.slides.add_slide(prs.slide_layouts[1])
    understanding_slide.shapes.title.text = "Project Understanding"
    tf = understanding_slide.placeholders[1].text_frame
    for i, point in enumerate(bid_data['understanding']):
        if i == 0:
            tf.paragraphs[0].text = f"• {point}"
        else:
            p = tf.add_paragraph()
            p.text = f"• {point}"

    # Approach
    approach_slide = prs.slides.add_slide(prs.slide_layouts[1])
    approach_slide.shapes.title.text = "Our Approach"
    tf = approach_slide.placeholders[1].text_frame
    for i, step in enumerate(bid_data['approach']):
        if i == 0:
            tf.paragraphs[0].text = f"{i+1}. {step}"
        else:
            p = tf.add_paragraph()
            p.text = f"{i+1}. {step}"

    # Team
    team_slide = prs.slides.add_slide(prs.slide_layouts[1])
    team_slide.shapes.title.text = "Project Team"
    tf = team_slide.placeholders[1].text_frame
    for i, member in enumerate(bid_data['team']):
        if i == 0:
            tf.paragraphs[0].text = f"{member['role']}: {member['name']}"
        else:
            p = tf.add_paragraph()
            p.text = f"{member['role']}: {member['name']}"

    # Pricing Summary
    pricing_slide = prs.slides.add_slide(prs.slide_layouts[5])
    pricing_slide.shapes.title.text = "Investment Summary"

    # Add pricing table
    rows = len(bid_data['pricing']['items']) + 2
    table = pricing_slide.shapes.add_table(rows, 2, Inches(2), Inches(2), Inches(8), Inches(0.5 * rows)).table

    table.cell(0, 0).text = "Description"
    table.cell(0, 1).text = "Amount"

    for i, item in enumerate(bid_data['pricing']['items'], 1):
        table.cell(i, 0).text = item['description']
        table.cell(i, 1).text = f"${item['amount']:,.2f}"

    table.cell(rows-1, 0).text = "TOTAL"
    table.cell(rows-1, 1).text = f"${bid_data['pricing']['total']:,.2f}"

    # Schedule
    schedule_slide = prs.slides.add_slide(prs.slide_layouts[1])
    schedule_slide.shapes.title.text = "Proposed Schedule"
    tf = schedule_slide.placeholders[1].text_frame
    tf.paragraphs[0].text = f"Duration: {bid_data['schedule']['duration']}"
    p = tf.add_paragraph()
    p.text = f"Start: {bid_data['schedule']['start']}"
    p = tf.add_paragraph()
    p.text = f"Completion: {bid_data['schedule']['end']}"

    prs.save(output_path)
    return output_path

3. Safety Report Presentation

Generate safety meeting presentations.

def create_safety_presentation(safety_data: dict, output_path: str) -> str:
    """Create safety meeting presentation."""
    prs = Presentation()

    # Title
    title_slide = prs.slides.add_slide(prs.slide_layouts[0])
    title_slide.shapes.title.text = "Safety Report"
    title_slide.placeholders[1].text = f"{safety_data['project_name']} - {safety_data['period']}"

    # KPIs
    kpi_slide = prs.slides.add_slide(prs.slide_layouts[5])
    kpi_slide.shapes.title.text = "Safety KPIs"

    # Add KPI boxes
    kpis = [
        ('Days Without Incident', str(safety_data['days_without_incident'])),
        ('Total Recordable Rate', f"{safety_data['trir']:.2f}"),
        ('Near Misses Reported', str(safety_data['near_misses'])),
        ('Toolbox Talks', str(safety_data['toolbox_talks']))
    ]

    for i, (label, value) in enumerate(kpis):
        left = Inches(0.5 + (i % 2) * 6)
        top = Inches(1.5 + (i // 2) * 2.5)

        shape = kpi_slide.shapes.add_shape(1, left, top, Inches(5), Inches(2))
        shape.text = f"{value}\n{label}"

    # Incidents (if any)
    if safety_data.get('incidents'):
        incident_slide = prs.slides.add_slide(prs.slide_layouts[1])
        incident_slide.shapes.title.text = "Incidents This Period"
        tf = incident_slide.placeholders[1].text_frame
        for i, incident in enumerate(safety_data['incidents']):
            if i == 0:
                tf.paragraphs[0].text = f"• {incident['date']}: {incident['description']}"
            else:
                p = tf.add_paragraph()
                p.text = f"• {incident['date']}: {incident['description']}"

    # Focus Areas
    focus_slide = prs.slides.add_slide(prs.slide_layouts[1])
    focus_slide.shapes.title.text = "Focus Areas This Week"
    tf = focus_slide.placeholders[1].text_frame
    for i, focus in enumerate(safety_data['focus_areas']):
        if i == 0:
            tf.paragraphs[0].text = f"• {focus}"
        else:
            p = tf.add_paragraph()
            p.text = f"• {focus}"

    prs.save(output_path)
    return output_path

4. Lookahead Schedule Presentation

Generate 3-week lookahead slides.

def create_lookahead_presentation(lookahead_data: dict, output_path: str) -> str:
    """Create 3-week lookahead presentation."""
    prs = Presentation()

    # Title
    title_slide = prs.slides.add_slide(prs.slide_layouts[0])
    title_slide.shapes.title.text = "3-Week Lookahead"
    title_slide.placeholders[1].text = f"{lookahead_data['project_name']}"

    # Week by week slides
    for week_num, week_data in enumerate(lookahead_data['weeks'], 1):
        slide = prs.slides.add_slide(prs.slide_layouts[5])
        slide.shapes.title.text = f"Week {week_num}: {week_data['date_range']}"

        # Activities table
        rows = len(week_data['activities']) + 1
        table = slide.shapes.add_table(rows, 4, Inches(0.3), Inches(1.5), Inches(12.5), Inches(0.4 * rows)).table

        # Headers
        for i, header in enumerate(['Activity', 'Area', 'Crew', 'Status']):
            table.cell(0, i).text = header

        # Data
        for i, activity in enumerate(week_data['activities'], 1):
            table.cell(i, 0).text = activity['name']
            table.cell(i, 1).text = activity['area']
            table.cell(i, 2).text = activity['crew']
            table.cell(i, 3).text = activity['status']

    # Resource Needs
    resource_slide = prs.slides.add_slide(prs.slide_layouts[1])
    resource_slide.shapes.title.text = "Resource Needs"
    tf = resource_slide.placeholders[1].text_frame
    for i, need in enumerate(lookahead_data.get('resource_needs', [])):
        if i == 0:
            tf.paragraphs[0].text = f"• {need}"
        else:
            p = tf.add_paragraph()
            p.text = f"• {need}"

    prs.save(output_path)
    return output_path

Integration with DDC Pipeline

# Example: Generate monthly progress presentation from project data
import pandas as pd

# Load project data
schedule_df = pd.read_excel("schedule_data.xlsx")
budget_df = pd.read_excel("budget_data.xlsx")

# Prepare presentation data
project_data = {
    'project_name': 'Downtown Office Tower',
    'report_date': 'January 2026',
    'overall_progress': 67,
    'schedule_status': 'On Track',
    'budget_status': '2.3% Under Budget',
    'safety_status': '45 Days Without Incident',
    'schedule_data': {
        'phases': schedule_df['phase'].tolist(),
        'planned': schedule_df['planned_pct'].tolist(),
        'actual': schedule_df['actual_pct'].tolist()
    },
    'budget_data': {
        'budget': budget_df['budget'].sum(),
        'committed': budget_df['committed'].sum(),
        'spent': budget_df['spent'].sum(),
        'forecast': budget_df['forecast'].sum()
    },
    'milestones': [
        {'name': 'Foundation Complete', 'planned_date': '2025-06-01', 'actual_date': '2025-05-28', 'status': 'Complete'},
        {'name': 'Structure Complete', 'planned_date': '2025-12-15', 'actual_date': '2025-12-10', 'status': 'Complete'},
        {'name': 'Envelope Complete', 'planned_date': '2026-03-01', 'forecast_date': '2026-02-28', 'status': 'On Track'}
    ]
}

create_progress_presentation(project_data, 'reports/monthly_progress_jan2026.pptx')

Dependencies

pip install python-pptx

Resources

• python-pptx: https://python-pptx.readthedocs.io/
• Chart Types: https://python-pptx.readthedocs.io/en/latest/user/charts.html