Before electronic plans, subcontractors had little choice but to sift through mountains of project drawings to find something applicable and interesting to them. Construction automation changed the game in the 1990s and again in the mid-2000s.

Electronic plans were introduced just prior to the 1990s eliminating the need for paper ones. Construction professionals easily find their plans digitized, organized, catalogued, and synchronized by using plan rooms and online project centers. This step alone allows companies to be more socially responsible by minimizing paper waste. Not only does this save time but it reduces the cost of distributing paper plans and specs across the project life cycle. The ability to markup plans, complete the takeoff, and communicate the bid all electronically provides a way that is environmentally friendly. Being a part of building green isn’t a sacrifice when both time and money savings are recognized by multiple parties in the process. Building green begins with the commitment to do just that—from design to plan to build.

The quantitative measurement and bid estimating process went paperless long before the post-win project management process. Once onscreen takeoff eliminated paper plans, the project manager and foreman were buried in paper—binders of paper that the foreman used to manage the site. The foreman (the most valuable resource onsite) was now tied to a trailer, trapped in an office, or chained to a gang-box, sifting through paper.  The introduction of tablet technology in the mid-2000s is transforming field project management. The project manager and foreman are no longer stuck copying and sending papers back and forth regarding the project process or to clarify an aspect of the plans. Plans, change orders, and RFIs are all sent electronically from the tablet in the field to the project manager’s laptop, wherever he might be. In addition, with automation in the hands of the foreman, at the jobsite location, when an issue arises there are fewer delays and improved steps to resolutions.  

Building green is more than just eliminating paper though. It also means finding ways to reduce material waste, create a better delivery process for materials, and a more accurate oversight of the crew. Construction technology and automation enables project managers to line out the men, knowing how much material will be needed and how long the work should take. Up-to-date stocking reports minimize the chance that excessive materials are ordered and/ or delivered to the wrong area or floor.

All contractors are interested in reducing costs, saving time, and eliminating material waste and punch work items. Takeoff, estimating, and project management automation result in these very benefits. Technology eliminates paper plans, paper faxing or mailing, as well as shows the exact work that should be done—when, where, and how much material is needed. Building green and technology are not mutually exclusive, they are mutually beneficial.