The last couple of days I’ve been getting emails fired at me from AIA PMKC about digital submissions of projects and digital tracking of transmittals, submittals, RFI’s etc. This is an exciting topic for me because I really hate trying to keep track of emails and project files in paper form. Something important ALWAYS gets lost in the chaos.
In these emails there are several software platforms that have been mentioned that I’ve done some very cursory research on. Bluebeam PDF Revu, an alternative to Adobe Acrobat is the first one that really caught my eye. First because of the price (it’s approx. $500 cheaper than Adobe) and second because of the advanced markup capabilities specifically designed for Autocad and Revit. If anyone out there has any experience with this software, please post a comment and let me know. I’m seriously thinking of switching over from Acrobat, but I’d like some practical critique of the software first.
The next software platform that caught my eye is Newforma for project management integration. This is a software platform that manages all of the digital data that accumulates during the course of a project; i.e. transmittals, emails, submittals, RFI’s, ASI’s, the works. There doesn’t seem to be any information on cost (I expect it not to be cheap considering the level of integration they describe), but in the interest of streamlining the accumulation of digital data on a project, I’m thinking it may be worth it. Again, anyone with experience with this platform or others like it, please post some comments and links.
Digital submission of construction drawings and contract documents is where we need to be headed and software platforms like these make me excited for the near future of our profession.
r | one studio architecture
architecture and design in the 21st Century
r | one studio architecture 
BluBeam is really cool software and packed with features and niceties for the price. I have a demo copy that I have been playing with and one of the best tools that it has, beside tracking of comments and edits, is the pdf comparison. It can take two PDF (of the same thing obviously) that were issued at different times and highlight the difference between the two. This is really nice to have when receiving drawings from consultants or shop drawings from the contractor that have been revised or issued under separate packages.
It also allows you create your own library of markup tools based on what you create or have created. Also, way easier to use than Acrobat.
I look forward to learning about these programs through your blog. I hate the paper trail for stuff like this.
Scott,
I got myself the demo copy as well. So far, LOVE IT. One of the things it has above and beyond Adobe is the text. It’s so friggin easy to add text to a pdf, cloud, mark up, add leaders without all the annoying crap like text window boxes that are only two colors, etc. I’m nearly sold.
Marj,
Check out Bluebeam PDF Revu. It’s pretty sweet and cheap! Integrates with Autocad or Revit, has a batch plot function which is nice and the digital mark up capabilities are very nice. Florida now allows digital submission of drawings in most counties (not duval as far as I’m aware). I’m not sure if Georgia has tackled this issue yet or not. May want to make a call to your building department. It’s where we’re headed though, so cities need to catch up.