Bluebeam software is among the most popular options for construction industry professionals to manage documents and boost the efficiency of workflows. According to a California Polytechnic State University case study of Bluebeam usage in commercial construction projects, Bluebeam products offer such benefits as:
- Saving money and space: Bluebeam software allows construction professionals to access and share workflow documents and other such important documents in PDF form. Eliminating the need for paper documents saves money over the years by reducing materials costs. Additionally, using PDFS to manage documents can save space at a construction site.
- Staying organized: Relying on paper documents for construction workflow can result in major disorganization. Managing documents with Bluebeam software guards against this.
- Facilitating larger projects: Bluebeam software may be useful across a range of construction projects. The authors of the case study found it’s particularly helpful for large construction projects because it allows for the storage of all project documents within a single resource.
Those are just a few reasons construction professionals have embraced Bluebeam’s software and workflow products. This construction software helps with solutions for architects, general contractors, engineers, and subcontractors to complete projects faster, reducing risk, while making the most of the company’s return on investment. The following guide covers the basics of what these products do and how they work.
Bluebeam Workflow Products for Construction
Bluebeam Revu is a desktop program that offers the following benefits and capabilities:
- Collaboration: Bluebeam Revu’s built-in collaboration functionality, Studio, allows multiple team members to work on the same project.
- Easy Access: As long as Bluebeam Revu is installed on a desktop computer, a user can log in to Bluebeam Revu and access any of their saved projects.
- Markup tools: Any team members working on a project in Bluebeam Revu can mark up the project’s documents easily.
Bluebeam Revu also allows users to organize, markup, takeoff, and collaborate with PDF files. It is an efficient form of collaboration software for anyone working with technical files.
Bluebeam also offers a suite of web and mobile products in the form of the Bluebeam Cloud. With the Bluebeam Cloud, construction professionals can access construction documents in the field via their iOS mobile devices. Those working on Bluebeam Revu desktop projects can also share their documents with workers in the field via Bluebeam Cloud.
Bluebeam Revu and Cloud also offer integrations with other tools to allow for custom workflows.
Popular Bluebeam Workflows
Bluebeam’s integrations and related capabilities may allow for customization, but some users of these products benefit from adhering to popular workflows customers have developed already. The company specifically highlights the following workflows as examples to consider:
- Punch Workflow: The purpose of this workflow is to optimize efficiency and protect markups during punch walks and back checks.
- Estimation Workflow: Using paper for estimation and takeoff tasks is too complex and unwieldy for many. However, some estimation and takeoff workflow products offer an excess of features. Bluebeam Revu’s Estimation Workflow is ideal because it simplifies the process with only the necessary features.
- Design Review Cycle Workflow: Keeping track of markups doesn’t need to be a chore. Bluebeam Revu allows users to easily manage, share, and save markups in PDF form.
Experimenting with these workflows can help you better understand the capabilities of Bluebeam software. As you grow increasingly comfortable using these tools, you may begin to develop your own workflows with them.
Just ensure all team members using Bluebeam Revu and Bluebeam Cloud undergo proper training. Although these tools are relatively simple compared to others, thorough training can ensure you don’t hit any snags due to learning curves.
ZenTek Consultants offers software solutions and software training for professionals in the construction industry.