NBS software improves use of project documentation

Recent NBS software developments are starting to change the way the industry uses NBS documentation. Enhancements to the NBS product range now allow electronic sharing of data with contractors, clients and within project teams to help users work more efficiently. Software development manager, Dr Stephen Hamil, outlines the details.

Electronic use of NBS documentation

All NBS desktop products have been enhanced to allow the issue of documents in PDF format. A specification written using NBS Building, an architect's instruction within NBS Contract Administrator, or a schedule of work within NBS Scheduler, can be issued as a PDF. Traditionally the architect would print the document, sending it in the post to the main contractor. This eventually led to a significant amount of photocopying on the part of the contractor to disseminate the documents amongst subcontractors.

This situation does not apply any more with improvements to our software. The release of the NBS Tools software means documents in NBS native format can be distributed around a project team and viewed by all.

NBS Tools is a free download designed so team members such as clients, contractors and subcontractors can quickly view and print off a specification or schedule of work. NBS has in effect exposed the full publishing capability of its software products to the construction industry for free.

The publishing component within NBS Scheduler has the additional capability to publish a schedule of work by specific trade. For example, a contractor may create a PDF of just the items of work that are relevant to the bricklayer or the glazier. This can easily be done even if the contractor has not subscribed to any NBS products. All they have to do is download the free NBS Tools software.

For a larger project, contractors will usually be responsible for packaging the work. Within the NBS Building publishing component, the contractor can select the relevant work sections and issue these to the specific trade.

Contractor input

NBS Scheduler has a cost tracking module that allows the priceable items of work to be tracked throughout the construction phase. Each month the valuations for the work completed on site can be added electronically by the contractor directly into the NBS cost tracking spreadsheet.

These valuations can be returned to the architect or contract administrator by email, checked and then used as a basis for calculating payment.

These continuous improvements to the NBS products are helping organizations work more efficiently and are aiding the communication between internal and external project team members.

NBS customer John Wilson is director of John Kirk Wilson Ltd, an NBS Scheduler subscriber:
"We are very impressed with the recent improvements we have seen with NBS Scheduler. The ability for us to share documents electronically with the client and main contractor is a strong feature. However, we particularly like the cost tracking functionality where the main contractor can enter valuations each month and email this back to us."

Related NBS information:

Articles:

• Cost tracking within NBS Scheduler

Selected links:

• NBS Contract Administrator
• NBS Scheduler

Updated November 2011

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