What is construction document management software?

Construction Document Management Software (CDMS) or construction document control software is a cloud-based digital solution designed to manage, store, and share construction project documents such as designs and drawings, RFIs, contracts, proposals, bids, job orders, permits, and more. It creates a central repository of all project documents, allows construction professionals to upload, update, and collaborate on documents online,  and facilitates easy access to the latest and updated version of any document. This streamlines construction document management and ensures that the right information is available to all teams working on a construction project, whenever they need it.

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Key features to look for in a construction document management software or a document control software

When selecting a CDMS, it's essential to consider the following key features:

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• Document Storage and Retrieval: A CDMS should offer centralized cloud-based document storage, allow users to search for and access documents from anywhere, and retrieve documents with ease. 

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• Version Control: The right CDMS should maintain different versions of documents and allow users to track the history of document revisions. This ensures that users are working on the most up-to-date information.

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• Collaboration Tools: To effectively replace paper-based workflows on a construction project, the CDMS should offer collaboration tools such as real-time editing of documents, adding comments, and making annotations.

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• Security and Access Control: Construction project documents contain sensitive financial and legal information and need to be safeguarded against unauthorized access and security breaches. Choose a CDMS with strong security measures such as user authentication, role-based access control, and data encryption.

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• Mobile access: The CDMS should allow teams working in the field to access documents, upload photos, and log progress reports from their mobile devices.

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• Offline capabilities: A CDMS should allow construction crews working on remote sites with limited/no internet connectivity to access documents and log their daily updates with photos.

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• Integration Capabilities: The right CDMS should be able to integrate with other software systems in your construction company’s tech stack, such as project management tools, accounting software, and BIM (Building Information Modeling) platforms.

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Top 15 construction document management software

1. Kyro
2. Raken
3. Procore
4. eSUB Software
5. Builderstorm
6. AutoDesk Docs
7. Contractor Foreman
8. RedTeam
9. SafetyCulture
10. Oracle Aconex
11. BlueBeam
12. BIM 360
13. Trimble e-Builder
14. Newforma Konekt
15. Viewpoint
    
    

1. KYRO

KYRO is an AI-powered all-in-one solution aimed at SMBs in the construction industry. It packs the functionality to manage projects and construction documents under a single roof, eliminating the need to switch between multiple tools. Its key features include:

• Cloud-based document control: KYRO allows you to easily store, organize, and share your project document controls with all teams on the construction project. KYRO's robust search capabilities makes document retrieval a breeze.
  
  
• Secure access control: KYRO lets you manage access permissions to control which users/teams have access to sensitive project documents. You can prevent unauthorized access and safeguard against data breaches.
  
  
• Document redlining and annotations: Field crews can annotate drawings and documents on KYRO to send precise, scale-accurate updates to the project office. This keeps everyone informed on the latest ‘as-built’ progress.
  
  
• Robust integrations: KYRO connects with the most popular cloud storage solutions like Box, Dropbox, Google Drive etc. via a two-way information sync.
  
  

Pricing:

Free trial available.

Paid plan starts at $21/user/month for the basic plan and $42/user/month for pro plan if billed annually.

Custom plans are also available based on business requirements.

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2. Raken

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Raken helps boost field-office communication and safety management for general contractors. While they primarily cater to enterprise clients, they provide plenty of options for general contractors and trade contractors of smaller sizes. Their key features are:

• Centralized document control: Raken provides cloud storage for all project information. Construction crews can store, organize and access key project-related documents and safety documents from one place.
  
  
• Online editing and annotation: Send forms to multiple recipients via email. You can download and complete them on web or mobile, plus add text, pictures, drawings, and annotations.
  
  
• Document history with timestamps: Raken automatically adds date and time stamps to reports, photos, and project documents when they are uploaded. You can keep track of how tasks are progressing at the construction site with accurate data.
  
  
• Mobile data capture: Field crews can submit daily progress reports by recording and uploading photos and videos from their phones. Raken automatically organizes visual data into galleries for easy access. 

Pricing:

Free trial available; 

Information about paid plans is not listed on the website. 

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3. Procore

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Procore provides solutions for the entire lifecycle of a construction project, from pre-construction to managing project finances. Some of their key features are:

• Secure, unlimited storage for project documents: Procore ensures your project documents are securely backed up on multiple server hard drives, making sure you never lose access to your critical project documents. You also get unlimited storage.
  
  
• Permission-based access control: Procore makes sure only users with the right permissions are allowed to upload, view, and download project documents.
  
  
• Upload, access from any device: Users can either upload files to Procore’s Documents Tool, or email them as attachments from any system including mobile devices.

Pricing:

Free plan is not available. 

Information about paid plans is not listed on the website. External sources estimate plans starting anywhere between $350-$375/month/user.

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4. eSub Software

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eSUB is designed to make trade contractors and sub-contractors more efficient with tools for project management, document management, and field communications. Their key features are:

• Centralized project document management: eSUB allows trade contractors to organize, track, and manage their construction project documents in one centralized location.
  
  
• Create and share project documents: eSUB cloud makes it easy for contractors and subcontractors to create RFIs, change orders, submittals, etc. Secure storage on the eSUB cloud allows easy sharing of documents between teams, facilitating efficient communication.
  
  
• Mobile access: eSUB makes it easy for field crews to capture and share construction project information from any mobile device.
  
  

Pricing: 

Free plan is not available.

Information about paid plans is not listed on the website.

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5. Builderstorm

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Builderstorm is a project management and document control software built for construction companies. The unified platform enhances visibility for all stakeholders, and maintains an audit trail of project activity to hold teams accountable. Here are some of their key features:

• Document management: Builderstorm provides centralized cloud storage for all project documents, project drawings, RFIs, submittals, training certifications etc. and enables easy access to users with access control. Teams can use a digital form creator that pulls in project data, supports digital signatures, and allows digital tracking of document approvals to replace paper-based workflows.
  
  
• Access control: Builderstorm allows companies to invite all teams and stakeholders to a project, and manage access control with ease. Field crews can upload site photos to help project managers track progress and/or ‘as built’.
  
  

Pricing:

Free plan is not available.

Information about paid plans is not listed on the website.

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6. Autodesk Docs

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Autodesk Docs is a CDMS that streamlines construction document management, and provides a single source of truth for all project documentation for the owner, general contractor and subcontractors. Its key features are:

• Centralized document management: Store and manage all project designs, RFIs, forms, and assets in one central location. Organize project-related documents into structured folders and manage access permissions for robust security.
  
  
• Markup and review designs: Teams can collaborate on documents in real-time by adding markup. Teams can identify and fix engineering issues in designs through the use of markup in reviews. Annotations and markup also helps teams collaborate in real-time.
  
  
• Automate, track document approvals: Documents are automatically routed to the appropriate parties for review and approval. Involve multiple stakeholders and automate the review process through multi-step approval workflows. Get real-time tracking of where each document is in the approval process.
  
  
• Mobile access: Teams working from remote construction sites can review and approve documents on the go from their mobile devices.
  
  
• Integrations with BIM and authoring tools: Autodesk Docs integrates seamlessly with other Autodesk tools like AutoCAD and Revit. This streamlines workflows and reduces duplication of construction documents across multiple tools.
  
  

Pricing:

Free plan is not available.

Paid plans are priced at $500/user billed annually. Information about Enterprise pricing is not directly available on the website, we need to contact the sales team for a quote.

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7. Contractor Foreman

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Contractor Foreman allows contractors to take greater control of their projects. Their all-in-one solution helps manage all aspects of a construction project, from project management and document management to financials tools like budget tracking and invoicing. Their robust integrations with third-party applications help contractors access all project-related information in one place. Some of their key features are:

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• Central repository with unlimited storage: Contractor Foreman provides easy storage and retrieval of drawings, plans, and photos. Project documents are automatically organized into a file folder structure. Construction teams can create backups of their project documents on Dropbox or Google Drive using the Zapier integration.
  
  
• Markup and online editing: Contractors can annotate plans, markup photos, redline drawings or other PDF’s, and edit Word/Excel documents directly on the Contractor Foreman platform - without having to download and upload edited files. Share files with your clients in bulk via email.
  
  
• Manage RFIs and submittals: Contractors can create RFIs and submittals electronically. Architects and engineers can easily approve submittals without having to create an account or log in.
  
  

Pricing:

A 30-day free trial is available.

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Paid plans have the following tiers: $49/mo, $79/mo, $125/mo, $166/mo, and $249/mo (billed annually).

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8. RedTeam

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RedTeam is a construction project management software that is designed to facilitate faster communication, promote efficient collaboration between globally distributed field teams and manage safety at construction job sites. Some of its key features are:

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• Document and photo storage: RedTeam provides a centralized document hub which which allows contractors and trade partners to quickly access RFIs and drawing plans, and directly upload mark up PDF drawings. Architects and engineers can track plan changes and as-built conditions to ensure projects are progressing with up-to-date information. 

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• Collaboration tools: RedTeam enables seamless collaboration between the project office and field teams from pre-construction to project close. All stakeholders i.e subcontractors, architects, engineers and the project owner are invited to a project and work together on RFIs, punch items etc. 

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• Mobile app for field use: The RedTeam mobile app keeps all team members informed about project updates, changes and assignments with real-time notifications delivered directly to their phones.
  
  

Pricing:

Free trial available.

Paid plans start at $39/month/user. 

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9. SafetyCulture

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SafetyCulture is an operations management platform for construction projects that provides a cloud-based, mobile-first digital platform for gathering and managing project documents. Some of their key features are:

• Document storage and access: SafetyCulture collates and stores all construction project documents in a secure cloud-based repository with role-based access control.
  
  
• Customizable checklists and templates: Construction managers can quickly create their own task checklists with the help of AI, or choose from a vast collection of pre-built templates on the Public Library to file daily logs and field reports.
  
  
• Conduct comprehensive inspections: Construction managers can capture evidence of work progress through images and videos, provide additional context and detail through annotations, and add timestamps and signatures. Managers can generate professional reports with custom branding.
  
  

Pricing:

30-day free trial available.

Paid plans start at $19/month/user. 

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10. Oracle Aconex

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Aconex provides a highly configurable project management solution that helps facilitate processes for the entire project lifecycle. Here are some of its key features:

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• Central document repository: Aconex creates a single source of truth for all project documents and provides easy access to all teams involved. Version control ensures that everyone accesses the most updated information.
  
  
• Automated approval workflows: Project teams can use and customize workflow templates to automate document reviews and approvals. Aconex maintains a comprehensive audit trail of edits to help minimize disputes.
  
  
• Customized data capture: Aconex allows you to configure data fields and templates according to your project requirements, so you can capture all the custom data points about your project as required. 

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Pricing:

Free plan is not available.

Information about paid plans is not listed on the website.

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11. BlueBeam

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BlueBeam provides a comprehensive digital project and document management solution. Their cloud platform ensures that all teams and stakeholders stay up to date about the latest plans and project progress. Here are some of their key features:

• Secure centralized storage: BlueBeam allows project documents to be securely stored on the cloud. You can invite internal and external team members to access drawings, RFIs, and make submittals from any device.
  
  
• Real-time collaboration: Team members can edit and markup plans, drawings in real-time. This helps speed up design reviews. BlueBeam lets you keep track of edits, and manage access for collaborators by configuring permission levels.
  
  
• Mobile access: BlueBeam Cloud, a cloud-based web and mobile platform, allows project teams in the office and in the field to securely access project documents from any device.

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Pricing:

30-day free trial is available.

Paid plans are priced at $260/month/user, $330/month/user, and $440/month/user (billed annually).

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12. BIM360

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The BIM360 document management platform helps construction supervisors collect and organize project documents, and provide easy access to project data to all teams involved. This allows project teams to make data-driven decisions. Some of its key features are:

• Streamlined document management: BIM360 provides a single, connected document management platform that allows project teams to efficiently store, organize, and share files with robust access and permission control.
  
  
• Design collaboration and approvals: BIM360 makes it easy to mark up drawings, documents, and models. Teams can review and comment on drawings before approving them, and finally publishing them to give access to everyone involved in the project.
  
  
• Version control: Document versioning on BIM360 automatically maintains version control on designs and drawings as users make and publish changes. Teams can view/compare previous versions and keep track of all changes made. This ensures that everyone has access to the most up-to-date version of models and drawings. 

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Pricing:

30-day free trial is available.

Paid plans are priced at $260/month/user, $330/month/user, and $440/month/user (billed annually).

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13. Trimble e-Builder

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Trimble e-Builder is an enterprise-grade for construction project and document management solution meant for project owners. Here are some of its key features:

• Document management: Trimble e-Builder provides a central repository for digitized project documents like contracts, and automatically keeps track of changes that happen over the course of the project. Project owners can use permission control to decide which stakeholders and contractors can view and amend contracts.
  
  
• Design collaboration: e-Builder allows design and construction teams to collaborate efficiently by sharing designs and as-built models. Trimble’s connected data environment allows real-time teamwork, and ensures the key stakeholders are aligned throughout the project

Pricing:

Free plan is not available.

Information about paid plans is not listed on the website.

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14. Newforma Konekt

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Newforma Konekt gives gives globally distributed project teams access to all of their project data. The platform provides a centralized cloud-based location that unifies conversations, project files, action items, and contractual workflows. Here are some of its key features:

• Centralized storage of all project documents: Newforma Konekt brings together all your project documents (any format, anysize) from multiple data sources, allowing you to manage all your project documents from one platform. Project teams can organize project files by folders for ease of navigation.
  
  
• Upload and share files: Newforma Konekt allows users to upload new files or add versions of existing files. The platform automatically detects duplicate versions of existing files to ensure all teams are working on the latest version. Konekt lets users share files with external stakeholders via email to allow them to stay connected with the project, and maintains an audit log of file access.

Pricing:

Free trial is available.

Information about paid plans is not listed on the website.

15. Viewpoint

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Viewpoint For Projects is a construction document and drawing management solution tailored for construction project teams, with robust collaboration and document management features. Some of its key features are:

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• Document management with access control: Viewpoint’s DMS allows project teams to share, manage and collaborate on construction documents from a single platform. Construction managers can control access permissions, document visibility, and approvals through a purpose-built document management system.
  
  
• Centralized single source of truth: With Viewpoint, project teams get access to Submittals, RFIs, and drawings from a single solution which ensures everyone is working on the most up-to-date documents and information. Viewpoint creates an audit trail from the first transmittal, which saves time spent on correspondence management for the document controller.
  
  
• Collaboration, annotations and markup: Project teams and users can edit and collaborate in real-time on Microsoft Office365 files - Word, Excel, and Powerpoint - from within Viewpoint. Users can annotate, timestamp and sign off on drawings digitally, which accelerates design reviews and dependent time-sensitive tasks.

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Pricing:

Free trial is not available.

Information about paid plans is not listed on the website.

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