PlanGrid is a management and blueprint solution for architecture and construction businesses. It uses a digital interface to create different markups and plans for certain projects. You can collaborate with different members of your team via this software, from the architects to the field workers. With this online blank canvas, PlanGrid lets you build better structures at a quicker pace and for higher profits.
PlanGrid Features
This software contains several office management features that help you run all aspects of your business smoothly. Various locations and appropriate blueprints can be selected for viewing and revision. Data entry, reports, and storage can be set automatically in such a way that fits your specifications. Finally, different teams and departments can access the program to work with you on your projects.
Document Management
This feature shows how PlanGrid covers all important digital files for smoother production and planning. Tasks can be assigned on the dashboard to different members of your staff. Documents online can be uploaded and sent to your team using a drag-and-drop interface.
Submittals are the most important files this feature focuses on. They can be identified by status and checked for reviews and approvals. Items in each form can be automatically sent to different subcontractors. You can choose which submittals to download for storage and revision. You can also create a spec book in order to have a submittal log on the internet.
Aside from blueprints, contracts can also be organized. You can check on current and upcoming commitments in order to keep track of your production schedule. Daily logs of your workers’ tasks can be archived. These logs are taken in as part of the reports later on.
Progress Tracking
This feature lets you stay on target with your projects with useful guiding tools. Markups can be added to different blueprints and projects, which makes it easier to keep an eye on changes. You can calibrate these to fit your dimensions on the drawings. Links can also be added to show documents or photos for better references in parts of the graph.
Your people can also add notes to tasks and schedules in order to highlight unfinished and finished work. Reports based on data from the project can be generated at will. These include dates, times, and audit trails. Different sheets can be shaded with different colors to show changes or construction that needs to get finished.
Administration Suite
You and your administration team can also work to keep data information secure. Each admin has access to a single sign-on ID (SSO ID) for faster access to all administrative features. Permission can be given and assigned to different individuals or members of the team to edit documents.
You can assign different types of users to place limitations on individual access. Certain freedoms and features can be made available to each, ranging from deleting projects to managing teams and departments.
To ensure the safety of information, only certain file formats can be uploaded. This is in order to prevent hackers from accessing the data. Daily scans are in place to watch over vulnerable areas and files. PlanGrid uses Amazon Web Services (AWS) for its cloud-storage, whose data centers are protected by several authentication keys. Payment details of clients are not stored to prevent issues and sensitive data leaks.
PlanGrid Benefits
Thanks to a simple interface and access to several data sheets, PlanGrid shines through its in-depth focus on creating faster digital blueprints. Changes and revisions can be highlighted and made with very little difficulty. Additional information for each detail, such as photos and notes, can be attached via links.
The security detail on PlanGrid is also commendable. Having client information in storage through separate cloud-based servers highlights the software provider’s focus on quality protection. With daily scanning and multiple key authentication processes in place, you can rest assured that all of the data on your company and your clients are well protected.
PlanGrid Pricing
PlanGrid offers a free trial for 21 days. Should you be interested in buying the product, there are three different package deals that will charge you for every user, every month. Each deal is only limited by the number of sheets. This can range from over 500 sheets to an unlimited number.
Regardless of which plan is purchased, you have access to all of the following basic features:
- Comprehensive reporting – Uploaded in specific file formats, you can check on different reports with criteria. This includes progress reports, safety inspections, and checklists.
- Team sync – Different team members can collaborate with you and get updates.
- Hyperlinking
- Version control – Although you can revise blueprints, different versions of your files are saved for future history checks.
- Automated data sheets – Submittals and reports can be automatically sent to you for analysis. You can also send it to other members.
- Admin console – This is the command center for users with admin privileges.
- Security – Protects all of your data and documents via AWS.
- Private workspaces – Teams can create different digital workspaces so they can focus on their own unique workflows.
- Sheet comparison – Check on different sheets of blueprints in a layered format.
The first deal is called “Nailgun,” which charges $39 per user per month, and gives you access to 550 sheets. If your company works with up to 10 different clients a year and has a tight monthly budget, this could save you money and heighten your efficiency.
The second deal is called “Dozer,” which charges $59 per user per month, and brings the sheet limit to 5000. This works if your company has more than ten clients and you have a larger back office.
The last paid deal is “Crane.” It is the most expensive at $119 per user every month but gives you access to unlimited sheets. With the wide scope this service offers, you can consider using this for your company if there are more than 20 clients at a time and several teams at your disposal.
Conclusion
PlanGrid is an intuitive system for digital architecture. Features that stand out include having several sheets at your disposal, layered comparisons, automated analytics reporting, and a tight security system. It’s a good fit for medium- or large-sized companies with a reliable set of clients. If your company works in construction and prefers to bring a modernized and paperless approach towards managing your business, PlanGrid is an option that’s recommended to you.
