The days of architects and contractors pouring over large rolls of blueprints are long gone. Now, companies digitize construction plans and documents and can view them on tablets on site, from their offices, or on the go.
But digital documents can come with their own problems. When you’re managing dozens of documents with multiple versions, emailing them back and forth with different stakeholders, it can be a challenge to keep track of everything.
That’s where software like Fieldwire comes in. This tool lets you house all your documents in one centralized location and enables construction teams to collaborate in real time using cloud-based technology.
Not sure if Fieldwire is right for you? Below, we’ll outline what to look for in construction management software, and highlight five great Fieldwire alternatives that may work better for your business.
Top features to look for in Fieldwire alternatives
The best Fieldwire alternatives have sophisticated document collaboration along with other integrated project management features that make collaboration on the job site easy, including:
Centralized team and document management
There’s a reason why the construction management software industry has exploded, making paper blueprints irrelevant. These tools make it simple to keep everyone on the same page throughout the construction project lifecycle.
Cloud technology is what allows everyone to access the same documents — and more importantly, the same version of those documents — from anywhere, anytime. It ensures everyone is looking at the most up-to-date blueprints and construction plans.
This streamlined document management and version control will allow you to speed up work while avoiding miscommunications and errors.
Advanced file management
Sophisticated file management keeps all your documents organized. It allows you to control permissions, ensuring every user sees only what they’re permitted to see. This means you can keep all the important details in one intuitive place. But it also means that advanced security should be a priority to protect your sensitive data.
Real-time collaboration on documents
The best construction management software allows different users to comment on and edit files from wherever they are. This takes efficiency to the next level — no more emailing documents back and forth, eliminating uncertainty about where to find the latest approved version.
Task management and tracking
Comprehensive project management tools allow you to create and track project tasks. Turn document markups into tasks assigned to the appropriate person, monitor your team members’ progress on multiple projects, and check off milestones with ease.
Scalability
You don’t want to have to switch tools as your business grows. Scalability is key to successful growth. Find a software system that can easily accommodate larger, multi-faceted projects so that you’re already prepared when bigger opportunities come along.
The 5 best Fieldwire alternatives
With a better sense of what features to look for, take a moment to consider which are most important for your company’s unique use cases. Are you scaling rapidly? Make sure the tool you choose can support that growth with minimal hiccups. Do you need a better system for organizing documentation and ensuring everyone on the team can access what they need? Prioritize a tool with seamless document management and collaboration.
Let’s look at five leading Fieldwire alternatives that may be a better fit for your business’s needs and bottom line.
1. ActiveDraft
This sophisticated, secure browser-based software ensures easy collaboration, fewer mistakes, and faster project delivery. With user-friendly document collaboration, streamlined projects, and scalable architecture, ActiveDraft will be your single source of truth on the worksite.
Documents are easily accessible — but only visible to those who need them. With a multitude of document markup tools, you can update files with ease and instantly push the latest change orders to everyone on the team.
This comprehensive solution is best for any team working collaboratively on small-to-medium-sized projects. Instead of juggling different tools, everything from collaboration to task assignments can happen in one unified place with ActiveDraft.
Technical drawings, blueprints, permits — you can manage all of your construction documents effortlessly with ActiveDraft.
Key features
- Intuitive, centralized document management
- Real-time collaboration with in-app markup tools and user tagging
- Scalable project management and task tracking
- Ability to create and assign tasks from document markups
- Versioning control
- Advanced security features
- Access from any device with an internet connection, including Android and iOS
2. Contractor Foreman
This multi-featured application is designed to meet multiple needs within a simplified platform. With management features for financials, people, projects, and documents, it covers a lot of ground yet doesn’t specialize in any one area.
Contractor Foreman is best for smaller construction and contractor teams who want an all-in-one app but don’t need highly advanced functionality.
Key features
- Scheduling and work orders
- Billing and invoicing
- Timecards for employees
- Document markup
3. Touchplan
Built to help construction teams manage the challenges of labor shortages and supply chain issues, Touchplan focuses primarily on project planning. This collaborative tool aims to make planning among stakeholders more efficient, reducing budget and schedule slippage.
Touchplan is best for teams working on large-scale projects who are seeking to optimize their project timelines.
Key features
- Collaborative tools for building plans in partnership with stakeholders
- Mobile access
- Robust data and analytics
- Dashboard views for easy overviews of projects and bottlenecks
4. Autodesk Construction Cloud
Autodesk Construction Cloud is a high-end, hefty tool, similar to Procore. Built by combining Plangrid and BIM 360, this solution merges document and project management with asset and cost management. Because Autodesk is a legacy company, the software integrates with a variety of solutions, like Sharepoint.
This might be the best option if you can afford the high pricing and require cost management and software integrations.
Key features
- Project management tools
- Centralized document management
- Financial management features
- Several software integrations
5. Buildertrend
This software, primarily designed for home builders, focuses on project and materials management, as well as sales. It includes robust CRM tools with great customer support and management functionality, allowing you to build your pipelines directly in the app.
If you’re a home builder working on smaller projects who is primarily seeking business management solutions, Buildertrend could be the software solution for you.
Key features
- Project scheduling
- Customer management, including a customer-facing portal
- Ability to track sales leads in-app
- Materials tracking
- Invoicing
Simplify your project management and collaboration with ActiveDraft
Despite its advantages, Fieldwire isn’t a perfect fit for every construction company. If you’re looking for an alternative to Fieldwire, you’ll want to focus on solutions that provide powerful tools for efficient document management and collaboration.
ActiveDraft empowers real-time collaboration on project plans and makes it easy to keep your documents organized. With this tool, you can keep everyone on the same page and deliver projects faster.
Join the architects, general contractors, remodelers, engineers, and other construction professionals who are streamlining their document management with ActiveDraft.
Ready to work smarter? Sign up for ActiveDraft today.
