States Choose Technology
November 10, 2008
Government regulations and initiatives can have an impact on how the construction industry operates—and in some cases those initiatives include the implementation of technology.
The state of Idaho is focusing on safety. As part of a statewide initiative through its Division of Building Safety, the state has decided to implement ProjectDox ePlan from Avolve Software, www.avolvesoftware.com, Scottsdale, Ariz.
The Web-based electronic file submission program allows architects and developers to access and submit construction and engineering plans to be reviewed for code compliance. This online system will help reduce paper, printing costs, and storage costs, among others.
The same software was also recently implemented in a citywide initiative in Atlanta, Ga. Through an initiative it calls ePLANS, the city will employ ProjectDox ePlan from Avolve for permit application and tracking. The online system is available for contractors who are seeking permits for commercial alterations, and will be expanded for additional permits in the future.
“By enhancing the plan submission and review processes and reducing paper usage, ProjectDox helps make doing business with Atlanta easier and greener,” says James Shelby, acting commissioner, Atlanta’s Dept. of Planning and Community Development. “We’re excited and proud to be setting the pace in this arena for the region and the state.”
With Avolve, cities and states can take the submittal and permit process to the Web, making it easier for contractors, architects, and developers to complete the necessary paperwork. Another piece of software for capital program and project portfolio management is being used at state agencies and educational institutions in the state of Ohio.
The state of Ohio began to deploy Unifier from Skire, www.skire.com, Menlo Park, Calif., to assist in planning, budgeting, design, and construction of capital projects. This follows a formal evaluation and procurement process by the state that concluded in 2007 when it chose Skire. The technology is currently in use at the Ohio Dept. of Transportation, Columbus State Community College, Kent State University, and Athens Mental Health Center.
The technology is being implemented in stages. The first stage is to apply the technology as part of the Ohio Administrative Knowledge System Capital Improvement system. The second phase will link Unifier to the state’s ERP (enterprise resource planning) system.
Unifier will allow the state to improve project management, schedule management, enable collaborative design, and integrate funding management with project cost control.
State and city governments are making efforts to reduce costs through the use of technology, which is impacting how the construction industry manages projects.