Plan Projects and Save Money with PlanGrid

Getting construction projects done on time and on-budget is a win-win for both clients and construction companies. But often times construction projects can get bogged down in red tape costing companies both time and money. Enter a software company called PlanGrid. The California-based startup offers cloud-based construction management software that aims to streamline the building process anytime, anywhere. “PlanGrid saves time, prevents rework and eliminates paper,” said a PlanGrid spokesperson, who talked to RewardExpert.com about the benefits of using the company.

Filling a Need

PlanGrid was started by Tracy Young and others in 2012. Young was working as a construction engineer building hospitals when she noticed gaps in the construction workflow – gaps that could be filled with comprehensive planning software available right at the job site. So Young and the team at PlanGrid thought about building a product that could make building projects easier. What they came up with is a software suite that is changing the face of construction. The software has “ease of use, facilitating widespread field adoption,” said the spokesperson. It essentially puts blueprints in the pockets of construction management as it is available right on a tablet. As the company website stated, “From plans and specifications to punch lists, documents and photos, PlanGrid is your single source of truth. Access all project information from wherever you are.”

Tools for Construction Success

PlanGrid offers a number of different tools within its construction management software platform, all conveniently available on mobile devices right at the job site. The markups and photos tool allows construction managers to mark-up details of changes to blueprints and also document every step of the construction process with photographs. Any changes made will sync with the rest of the team, as updates automatically go out to all those connected. Also offered are punch lists, which allow team leaders to pin certain problem areas and track their progress. Construction workers can even overlay different versions of blueprints to compare and contrast. Once that happens, PlanGrid’s version control system will automatically make sure that the latest set of blueprints pops up first. The feature also saves project history. All of these details are carefully guarded by a robust security platform.

When the Job is Done

PlanGrid’s technology is effective not just in the construction process, but after it’s completed as well. In fact, data ownership is a key part of the PlanGrid package. “PlanGrid let’s construction teams collect a comprehensive record set as they work on a project, enabling them to deliver a complete turnover package once the work is done,” said a spokesperson.

Built-in Savings

All these benefits also come with a very key perk – the ability to save construction companies a lot of money. “We’ve proven to return $15,000 per employee per year, by saving each an average of 5 hours of work per week,” commented a PlanGrid spokesperson. Some of those savings are done through the elimination of duplication. “Rework, which can be between 2 and 12% of project budget, is cut because everyone is on the latest set.” In addition, the company’s software can help save on paper costs, as it stores critical details into the cloud.

A Global Company Built for Success

PlanGrid’s customers include everyone from industrial contractors to commercial and residential builders. It is used by everyone from job site superintendents to project managers to project executives. And its technology is adaptable for any construction project. “It is scalable to projects and teams of any size,” said the spokesperson. PlanGrid also has a global presence, with offices in the United States, Canada, Hong Kong, Australia and the United Kingdom. And the future is bright for the company, which already bills itself as the world’s number one construction app. In November, it was announced that PlanGrid is being acquired by software giant Autodesk. To find out if PlanGrid is right for your business, check out www.plangrid.com.