December 20, 2002—Construction Communicator, a Web-based construction management service introduced by Richard Sampson Associates, automates the contract-administration process and enables architects, engineers, contractors, and construction managers to track Requests for Information, Requests for Proposals, and other up-to-date information online.
Using intuitive online forms, subcontractors can directly input information that the general contractor either answers directly or submits to the architect. Similarly, the architect either answers the questions directly or forwards them to the design consultants. The architect posts the responses on the Web, where they are available for all project members to see. Throughout the process, the information is updated in real time.
The service also features:
- CMLog—a summary of the outstanding items between the general contractor and architect. Automatic counters track the elapsed response time, enabling the construction manager to identify delays and prioritize outstanding actions.
- A simple graphical interface that enables team members to begin using the service within about thirty minutes, with minimal instruction or support.
- Password protection, which allows the construction manager and other team members appropriate access within a secure extranet environment, while protecting confidentiality where necessary.
Construction Communicator can handle communication for small to mid-sized construction projects (including design build projects) that have the conventional organizational structure (general contractor/subcontractors, architect/consultants and construction manager).
A short demo of the service is available online. For more information, call 925/467-1196 ext. 11, or e-mail.
