Leading project-specific web site applications

According to Peggy Smedley, editor of Constructech magazine, the leading programs for project-specific Web sites are:
Primavara Prime Contract
Buzzsaw
Meridian
Constructware
Bricsnet
Standardization through alphabet soup
As contractors scratch their heads over the various programs and formats for Web-based project management, a virtual alphabet soup of organizations is working on a common data format that will could leave everybody on the same (Web) page.
An interchangeable standard for construction diagrams is pending from the Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) International Alliance for Interoperability (IAI), which is in turn a division of the International Standards Organization (ISO). The IFC system is a common standard for architectural and construction CAD graphics. The standard uses 3-D format, allowing architectural CAD users to swap design diagrams between competing proprietary programs with no data loss. The system works well with 3-D diagrams, which are now the industry standard, but has a hard time with older, 2-D drawings.
As the development work on the standard IFC set for graphic representation continues, there have been moves to extend its scope to project management data like change orders, bid tabulations and other non-graphical documents.
However, in August of 1999, AEC software giant Bentley Systems announced its development of AEC XML — an eXtensible Markup Language-based specification for data exchange in the industry. Documents developed in XML can be read like an HTML document by any browser, but can also be queried like a database using keywords in what are otherwise blocks of plain text. According to Peggy Smedley of Constructech magazine, AEC XML is the direction the industry seems to be going.
Construction Management Applications
While the industry giants create their own proprietary applications for Web-based collaboration tools, packaged software and web-based applications are available for construction and design firms of more modest means.
Buzzsaw
The Buzzsaw.com Construction Manager workflow application, which is offered by CAD software developer Autodesk, improves accountability by allowing members to create, distribute and track changes to the full range of building project documents. Recognizing that each project team is unique, Buzzsaw.com’s open and flexible system allows users to define workflow functions. What’s more, Construction Manger provides easy-to-use routing and tracking information, and also supplies a homepage for each team to display project description and team information.
More information: www.buzzsaw.com
e-Builder
First into the market with a project-specific Web site suite, e-Builder did not lead the way in top-of-mind-awareness among contractors SBT interviewed. Clients include AOL, Staples Center Arena — plus Miami, Dade and Fulton counties in Florida. The Web-based system has been described by Forbes magazine as “a digital document manager that lets you view drawings, schedules, contracts and specs allowing all phases of construction to stay in line.” The suite of applications includes Team Builder 5.0, ConstructionCAM, Team Site, e-Builder Desktop and e-Builder Print Driver.
More information: www.e-builder.net
Bricsnet
Bricsnet positions itself differently than its competitors by coming at project-specific Web sites from a different industry angle. Bricsnet describes itself as “the leading global provider of IT solutions for corporate real estate executives. Bricsnet technology bridges the gap between the construction and real estate sectors, providing commercial building owners a unified platform to manage the design, construction and operations of their buildings.”
More information: http://www.bricsnet.com/
Primavera
Primavera provides scheduling and project management applications for a number of industries, and its construction product line currently leads the pack in terms of use in the field. Construction offerings include Primavera Enterprise, Expedition, PrimeContract, Primavera Project Planner and SureTrak Project Manager.
More information: http://www.primavera.com/