The AEC Workflow - Adobe Acrobat and PDF for Architecture, Engineering, and Construction - page 13

Viewing PDF Plans
There are numerous CAD programs available, and numerous viewers have been developed to make the
CAD drawings available. It is not uncommon for one project to require three viewers to display drawings.
PDF is a logical solution to the problem of inappropriate viewers, by converting all drawing types to
PDF and then viewing with either Acrobat or Adobe Reader. Although some CAD viewers have a few
specialized advantages over PDF, Adobe is rapidly advancing Acrobat to meet the challenge. Bentley, the
creator of MicroStation, has realized the advantages of one format and now users can make PDF files
directly from MicroStation V-8 2004.
With the development of an ISO Standard PDF/E (PDF/Engineering), eventually all CAD programs
will require PDF file-generating capabilities.
An Electronic Bidding Process
Figure 2.2 illustrates the electronic bidding process with one bidder. This is more like a design/build
project. In this particular figure the Facilities Manager is the owner's representative or designer. An
electronic PDF package is prepared from the various design programs. Security and digital signatures are
added to the package to protect the content.
The Builder's Project Manager (PM) determines the various disciplines that need to work on the
estimate and enables Adobe Reader's commenting capabilities for their review. Figure 2.2 does not include
the process of receiving bids from subcontractors.
Once the estimate is finished, the PM completes the bid, digitally signs the document, and then
electronically returns the information to the Facilities Manager for review by the project team. The
Facilities Manager digitally signs the documents, and electronic copies are archived and forwarded to the
Project Manager.
The electronic process saves a great deal of time, as well as the expense of printing, shipping,
duplicating, collating, and reshipping the plans, specifications and contracts.
Summary
In this chapter we looked at two different processes for developing and administering a project workflow.
In the first example, you saw how a traditional AEC project is developed and administered using a paper-
based method. In the second example, a design/build workflow is illustrated, using an electronic PDF-based
workflow.
Exercises
1. Using Figure 2.1, and the information outlined in this chapter, identify the processes in a traditional
paper-based workflow.
2. Using Figure 2.1, determine areas in which savings could be realized by using an electronic
workflow rather than a paper-based workflow.
3. Using Figure 2.2, examine a workflow that has been traditionally paper based, and determine ways
to convert the workflow to an electronic format.