Not long ago, working on a construction project meant relying heavily on emails, phone calls, and face-to-face meetings to share updates, review plans, and make decisions.
However, in today’s work environments, where teams are often geographically dispersed and deadlines are tight, traditional text-based communication and document-sharing methods no longer cut it. Different time zones, communication barriers, and lack of real-time collaboration can hinder project progress.
Visual collaboration tools are a game-changer in streamlining workflows and enhancing communication for construction teams. More than just a digital whiteboard, these innovative platforms allow for real-time communication and document sharing with built-in features like video conferencing, screen sharing, live annotation, and digital markup tools. Below, we review seven of the best visual collaboration tools specifically designed to meet the unique needs of construction projects.
What to look for in visual collaboration software
When you’re researching the many visual collaboration tools available in today’s market, it’s important to keep a checklist of the features and capabilities that best suit your construction project needs and initiatives. These could include anything from functionality for remote collaboration to powerful annotation tools or anything in between! Below, we’ll examine some of the most beneficial features for modern construction, architecture, and engineering teams.
Real-time collaboration
Construction projects’ sheer scale and complexity make real-time collaboration an invaluable feature in visual collaboration platforms. Real-time collaboration improves teamwork in brainstorming sessions, regardless of location. Team members can share ideas, leave comments, and simultaneously make changes to documents and diagrams, promoting efficient communication, quick decision-making, and faster project completion.
Visual elements
Since construction project workflows often involve complex ideas, designs, blueprints, and schematics, visual collaboration tools need to support various file types, including PDF, CAD, and BIM. Look for platforms that support a wide range of visual elements.
Task management
Effective task management should integrate seamlessly with visual tools, enabling teams to assign tasks and deadlines, monitor progress, and track changes in real time. This integration eliminates the need for separate platforms (which often lead to information silos and confusion) and enables smooth project flow, efficient resource allocation, and clear assignment tracking.
Annotation tools
Robust annotation tools enable construction teams to provide feedback directly on visual elements like plans, diagrams, and blueprints. These tools allow for live annotation and markups from remote teams, making it easier to communicate changes and suggestions clearly.
By highlighting specific areas, adding text comments, and drawing directly on the visual element, teams can quickly identify and address potential issues. This reduces the risk of miscommunication, delays, and costly mistakes.
Accessibility
A visual collaboration tool should be accessible and user-friendly for all team members, regardless of technical expertise. The platform should have a simple, intuitive interface, clear navigation, and a minimal learning curve. It should also be accessible on multiple devices, including desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones, to accommodate the various needs of construction teams on-site and in the office. Additionally, look for tools that offer offline capabilities so team members can access and work on documents without an internet connection if needed.
The best visual collaboration tools for construction projects
It’s important to remember that every construction project is unique, and what works for one team may not work for another. To choose the best visual collaboration tool, consider the specific needs of your project, team, and budget. Here are seven top-rated visual collaboration tools selected for their robust features, ease of use, and reliability in the construction industry.
1. ActiveDraft
ActiveDraft is a simple yet effective browser-based construction collaboration solution that centralizes document collaboration, file management, real-time PDF markups, and task tracking. It’s designed for architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) developers, builders, contractors, and site managers to streamline communication and collaboration throughout the project lifecycle.
ActiveDraft offers unmatched flexibility and ease of use. You can easily add or remove users, align workflows, and control permissions to ensure effective collaboration.
Key features of ActiveDraft include:
- Efficient team collaboration tools
- Dedicated workspace to centralize your projects, files, tasks, and activity threads
- Effortless file management for various file types such as AutoCAD DWGs, blueprints, and contracts
- Powerful annotation tools for live markups, comments, and changes to documents
- Comprehensive task management with customizable workflows and deadline tracking
- Access management to regulate permissions, control user access, and monitor project activity
Pricing
AcriveDraft offers a free Starter tier to get started with the platform’s features and capabilities.
2. Fieldwire
Powering over 1 million job sites worldwide, Fieldwire is an all-in-one construction project management platform that streamlines task management, schedule tracking, document sharing, and issue reporting. The platform caters to project managers, general contractors, architects, designers, specialty contractors, and foremen to simplify complex project frameworks. You can coordinate efficiently, track performance, and capture as-built data to create a complete record of your project.
Key features of Fieldwire include:
- Plan viewing and version control for large blueprints, maps, and schematics
- Efficient task management with automatic alerts for deadlines, changes, and issues
- Real-time collaboration through in-app messaging and chat
- Powerful reporting and analytics templates to track project progress and performance
Pricing
Fieldwire offers a free Basic plan suitable for small teams wanting to try out the platform’s basic features. You can upgrade to one of the following paid plans for more advanced capabilities:
- Pro $39 per user per month
- Business $59 per user per month
- Business Plus $79 per user per month
3. Bluebeam Revu
If you want a powerful, intuitive PDF solution for construction projects, Bluebeam Revu might be up your alley. The software is designed specifically for professionals in AEC to create, edit, markup, and collaborate on PDF documents.
Bluebeam Revu’s highly customizable document collaboration, markup, and annotation tools ensure efficient communication and decision-making throughout the project lifecycle. Its built-in collaboration digital workspace, Studio, supports real-time collaboration, document sharing, and project tracking among team members, regardless of their physical location.
Key features of Bluebeam Revu include:
- PDF creation, viewing, editing, and markups
- CAD plug-ins and workflows for seamless integration with AutoCAD, Revit, and other CAD software
- Powerful project tracking and reporting features
- Studio collaboration space that enables real-time document sharing and markup
Pricing
Bluebeam Revu offers three plans:
- Basic $240 per user
- Core $300 per user
- Complete $400 per user
All the plans include access to Bluebeam Cloud on the web and mobile and Bluebeam Revu for Windows desktop, technical support via phone and email, and unlimited storage.
4. ProContractor
Viewpoint offers ProContractor, a cloud-based, all-in-one construction project management solution built for construction teams seeking simplicity, visibility, and control over the entire project lifecycle. It offers a clean, organized, and efficient interface that allows teams to move seamlessly from ideation to project completion.
With ProContractor, you can manage financials and cost control, equipment and inventory, document control, project scheduling, and estimating.
Key features of ProContractor include:
- Estimating and bidding tools to win more profitable business
- Project management tools for cost control, document control, scheduling, and contract management
- Accounting and job costing capabilities to track project financials and performance
- Real-time reporting and analytics for accurate project insights and decision-making
Pricing
ProContractor offers a customized pricing model based on your specific business needs. You must contact Viewpoint’s customer support for a quote.
5. SiteMax
SiteMax is a complete job site management solution designed for construction teams of five to 1,000+ employees. It helps owners, developers, general contractors, and subcontractors simplify and automate tasks like safety management, daily reporting, quality control, and workforce management to improve productivity and efficiency on the job site. Project teams can organize and track plans efficiently by linking photos, RFIs, tasks, punch items, and collaboration with permission-based access.
Key features of SiteMax include:
- Task management and scheduling for efficient project planning and execution
- Timecard to track, manage, and report on labor costs and productivity
- Safety management with customizable checklists and forms, safety incident reporting, and analytics
- Daily reporting with photo and video capture, weather tracking, equipment usage logs, and notes
Pricing
SiteMax offers three plans to cater to different business sizes and needs. With an annual contract, plans are priced as follows:
- Lite $19 per user per month for unlimited collaborators
- Pro $319 per month for five users. (Additional users can be added for $43 per user per month)
- Power $479 per month for five users. (Additional users can be added for $67 per user per month)
6. Buildertrend
Buildertrend is a cloud-based visual workspace software designed for residential construction teams that streamlines efficiency, communication, and collaboration among team members. It caters to home builders, remodelers, and specialty contractors, helping them manage jobs, finances, materials, schedules, and client relationships from one central location.
Key features of Buildertrend include:
- Project management tools for job scheduling, budgeting, document control, and change order management
- Customer relationship management (CRM) features including lead and proposal management, customer portal access, and referral generation
- Financial management tools for cost estimating, accounting integrations, and purchase orders
- Materials and time tracking features for efficient inventory management and labor cost monitoring
Pricing
Buildertrend offers three plans based on the number of projects a user needs to manage. With an annual contract, pricing is as follows:
- Essential $449 per month
- Advanced $719 per month
- Complete $989 per month
Each pricing package includes access to Buildertrend Learning Academy, unlimited projects and users, and seamless integrations with QuickBooks, HubSpot, and Salesforce.
7. Revizto
Revizto is a real-time issue-tracking software for construction designed to improve collaboration and BIM project coordination. It’s suitable for AEC professionals who want to streamline workflows and enhance productivity on complex construction projects.
The platform uses BIM intelligence to connect project stakeholders and allow them to identify, assign, and track issues in real time. They can detect and resolve conflicts early on, reducing costly reworks and delays in construction.
Key features of Revizto include:
- Real-time issue tracking and resolution for efficient project coordination
- Interactive 2D/3D models for enhanced visualization and decision-making
- Immersive, true-to-scale VR experiences for design validation and client presentations
- Seamless integration with popular BIM and CAD software such as SketchUp, Revit, and Navisworks for streamlined workflows.
Pricing
Revizto offers a subscription-based pricing model starting at $600 per user per year. A free trial is available for users to test the software before committing to a subscription.
Elevate your construction projects with ActiveDraft
Visual collaboration tools are the way forward for modern construction projects. By utilizing software that streamlines communication, organization, and project management, construction teams can save time, reduce errors and rework, and ultimately deliver successful projects.
ActiveDraft stands out as a powerful visual collaboration tool with its intuitive interface, real-time collaboration capabilities, and customizable features. From the initial design stage to project completion, ActiveDraft keeps stakeholders connected and informed for increased productivity and efficiency.
Get started for free to discover first-hand how ActiveDraft can elevate your construction projects.
