BidTool.net: An integrated web-based approach for commercial bid data management and networking
The Need
A single integrated point of access was required for real time reporting and access to all pre-plan and pre-bid commercial construction data. This system was to allow the construction industry to quickly track, manage, and retrieve construction information quickly and efficiently. Also a web-based system will allow 24 X 7 access to bid data and enable industry networking.
The Technology
BidTool is basically a web-based portal that allows the distribution and transfer of key commercial construction project data. Owners, architects, designers, engineers, estimators, contractors, material suppliers & construction professionals find track and manage everything from architectural plans specifications and renderings to action items and scheduling requirements such as bid due dates, pre bid meetings and bid results. The web-based portal has mainly 3 areas of operations:
1. Find Projects: Enables subscribers new up-coming projects
2. Drawings and specifications: A searchable database of electronic files of drawings and specs.
3. Find Companies: A database of companies according to type of organization, trade, location etc.
The Benefits
1. Project Database: This feature provides one central portal for the dissemination and transfer of commercial construction project data.
2. Instant project notification: Eliminates the time investment needed to find track and manage commercial construction projects and contact information from multiple sources, such as print, web, fax, email, hard copy plans, specs, and word of mouth.
3. Instant notification of addendums: Any addendums are automatic and electronic. Updates are made to the virtual planroom. This ensures contractors have the most current set of electronic plans and specs at all times. Eliminating much of the risk associated with hard copy prints that are out of date or specification.
4. Project tracking: This is a basic feature that instantly notifies contractors of local projects that are in the initial design phase or bidding stages. Allows contractors to work with engineers, designers, architects, and owners early navigate the pre-plan process early enabling business networking. BidTool provides leading construction suppliers the opportunity to introduce the latest cost saving technology before a construction project is underway.
5. Searchable database: The BidTool service offered by CRT, Inc. delivers a version that allows the keyword or trade search of hardcopy specifications that are scanned into a database from any data source. This eliminates much of the cost associated with hard copy plan and spec acquisition. Most importantly the OCR feature saves time. Countless hours are lost everyday because estimators must physically scan by eye, convert from various formats, print, resize, re-read or call to confirm spec book data.
Status
All features are currently past the design and testing phases. The service is currently offered via web browser and does not require software download for 90% of the functionality. Currently, Bidtool has more than 2,000 commercial construction companies subscribing to the service. For customer reviews, new users may refer to: http://bidtool.net/testimonials.aspx
Barriers
The service is available on web enabled pc's operating with windows, NT, XP OS. BidTool works over most- but not all Browsers. On screen takeoff requires the download of additional 3rd party software that is supported by the manufacturer.
Refrences
Reviewers
Review in Progress
Disclaimer Statement
Neither the Construction Industry Institute nor Purdue University in any way endorses this technology or represents that the information presented can be relied upon without further investigation.