FIELDWIRE APP

PRATIK SHARAD DEOGEKAR (CEE 422 – RESEARCH ASSIGNMENT)

OUTLINE

• Motivation
• Fieldwire Overview
• Main Functionalities of Fieldwire
i. Plans
ii. Tasks
iii. Documentation
iv. Photo Documentation
v. Field Guide (iOS)
• Critical Evaluation
• Conclusion
NEED FOR MOBILE COMPUTING IN
CONSTRUCTION
• Large construction projects
are typically 80 percent over
budget and take 20 percent
longer than anticipated.
• Construction industry has not
yet embraced new digital
technologies despite
significant long-term benefits
• R&D and IT spending in
construction is less than 1%
of revenues (vs 3.5% – 4%
for auto and aerospace
Source: 1)Global Projects Database, IHS Herold, Nov 19,
2013 sectors)
2)McKinsey Report: Imagining Constructions
Digital Future
 TRENDS IN MOBILE COMPUTING
Source: 1) JB Knowledge survey 2017, 2018
2) https://www.fieldwire.com/blog
• 93% of survey respondents in
a survey conducted by JB
knowledge indicated
preference for mobile device
over laptop.
• 3 main reasons for general
contractors to use mobile
apps are :-
i. To capture and store photos,
videos
ii. For daily reporting
iii. For time management
 FIELDWIRE OVERVIEW

• Fieldwire is a mobile task

management platform that helps
in performing job site
coordination.
• Designed for general contractors,
sub-contractors, architects and
developers
• Helps the user collaborate on
Schedule Tasks plans and projects, document
issues on the fly, schedule and
View Plans
manage tasks in real time.
• Unlimited data storage but there
is a restriction on the number of
projects and sheets based on the
type of account (basic, business,
 CREATING A PROJECT

• A project is generally created using the

desktop version of Fieldwire.
• The main steps to be followed after creating a
project are:-
A. Uploading a plan
Plans can be uploaded directly from a local disk
on your computer or they can be imported from
box/ dropbox. Setting categories
Used to subdivide different tasks. Ex:- concrete,
plumbing.
C. Inviting your team
Invite team members to the project and
Source:
https://console.fieldwir collaborate on the project. Source: Fieldwire Video tutorials
e.net 4/31
 MANAGING YOUR TEAM

• 3 permission levels – admin, member

and follower.
• Admins – Generally project managers,
project engineers and superintendents.
They are the only ones that can upload
new plans, set up categories and fully
close out tasks by verifying them.
• Members – Generally foremen and
subcontractors. They can see all the
plans, files, reports and add markups.
They can set a task as complete but
can’t verify
Source: https://help.fieldwire.com/hc/en-
us/articles/205654334
• Followers – Clients andFieldwire
Source: designVideo
teamtutorials
members. They can 12/31see the files and
plans but are not involved with task
creation and completion.
 MAIN FUNCTIONS OF FIELDWIRE

FIELDWIRE APP

PLANS DOCUMENTATION PHOTO

TASKS
i)Maintained i)Progress reports DOCUMENTATION
i) Priority sorting
electronically ii)RFIs i) Photos
ii)Tracking–schedule
ii)Updated on the go iii)Change order ii) Videos
control
iii)Keep track of
versions
SECTION I: PLANS
UPLOADING PLANS

• Plans can be uploaded from the

computer or can be sourced from
box/dropbox.
• The application automatically
processes plans by reading sheet
numbers (bottom right).
• Multi-page sheets can be uploaded.
• Can create hyperlinks between 2
plans to provide alternate views of
the same floor.
• Plans uploaded from box/dropbox
are automatically updated. Such
Source: https://console.fieldwire.net Source: Fieldwire Video tutorials
plans are marked5/31
with a blue tick.
 ADVANCED PLAN MANAGEMENT

• Plans can be organized into different

folders such as civil, structural,
architectural, electrical
• Plans can also be subdivided into
Overall Plans
multiple tags. Example:- Plans can be
subdivided into different buildings.
This can help link civil, architectural
Civil
Electric and electrical plans of a particular
al building.
Structural Architectural
• Scales on the plan are automatically
detected. However, they can be
changed by the user if required.
Source: Fieldwire Video tutorials
6/31 • Plans with various layers (photos,
attachments) can be exported to
others as an email link.
 PLAN VERSION CONTROL

• If a desktop computer is used to

upload the plan, any conflicts
between different versions of the
same plan are detected by
Fieldwire.
• Fieldwire saves all the different
versions of the plan with
watermarks indicating old plans.
• All the attachments, markups and
hyperlinks for a particular plan are
copied from the old version to the
Bookmark to indicate old version new version.
of plan.
Figure: Old (left) and new (right) version of the same • Thus, the complete history of
plan. change in plans is stored
Source: Fieldwirewhich is
Video tutorials
7/31
especially useful for tracking
change orders.
 FILES AND HYPERLINKS

• In contrast to plans which are stored

as individual sheets, files are kept in
a bound multi-page document.
• Specifications, change orders, RFIs
(Request For Information), reports,
submittals, shop drawings,
Source: operation and maintenance
Fieldwire
Video
manuals are stored using the files
tutorials option.
8/31 • Typically stored as word, excel and
PDF files.
• The files can be attached to a plan
Document (CIP concrete
specifications) added as a hyperlink as a link. Example:- I can link a
on the plan change order to a certain plan.
• Helps the project team be up to date
on the latest document and
 MARKUPS AND ANNOTATIONS

Task
The overall plan can be marked
Links
up with the following options:-
Markup
i. Task – indicate the location on
Shape
Text Box the plan which the task
Dimensio corresponds to
n ii. Link – attach a photo,
Textbo Adding document or a hyperlink to
x progress another plan
photo at an iii. Markup – To highlight a
Marku location
p certain region of the plan
iv. Shape – To draw a shape in a
Hyperlink to particular plan area
Task plan with
v. Text box Source:
– To write notes
Fieldwire Video in a
tutorials
alternate
view particular9/31
plan area.
EXPORTING PLANS

• Plans can be exported using a premium

Fieldwire account
• This feature generates an email with a
zip file of the plan exports, which can be
downloaded/ forwarded to others
• Plans can also be exported a PDF
• The layers are kept live which enables
text box editing and markup
modification.
• All the links – documents, photos,
hyperlinks remain live on the plan
Source: Fieldwire Video tutorials
11/31
SECTION II : TASKS
CREATING TASKS

• Categories for different tasks are created

when creating a new project. Typically, they
are subdivided based on trades. Example:-
concrete, drywall, electrical, plumbing.
• A task is generally dropped as a pin on the
plan and can have the following attributes:-
i. Priority : Priority 1 is the highest priority
ii. Category
iii. Assignee : The person to whom the task is
assigned gets an instant email notification
iv. Start – end date : Indicates the expected
schedule of the task.
v. Manpower Source: Fieldwire Video tutorials
vi. Cost 10/31
 ADVANCED TASK FEATURES

• Tasks can be used for anything from

inspections, QA/QC work, punch item or
general team communication.
• Use of the “@” sign in the comments sections
allows the user to change the attributes such
as category, assignee.
Some of the additional attributes available are:-
• Check lists– The assignee clicks once for
complete, twice for incomplete and thrice for
not applicable.
• Related tasks - These are added to indicate a
Source: Fieldwire
Video tutorials relation between different tasks and are
14/31 especially helpful for work coordination.
• Hashtags - “#” can be used to group some
tasks together. Example:- I can group all tasks
in a location together using a certain hashtag.
 MANAGING TASKS

• Tasks can be filtered and sorted by category, assignee, time, hashtag plan
• Tasks can also be marked verified by the admins.
• Task attributes can also be edited. Example:- If one of the task assignees is
on vacation, I can assign it to another person easily.
Source: Fieldwire Video tutorials
15/31
TASK NOMENCLATURE

• Tasks can be differentiated based on their

attributes as follows:-
i. Shape – A pin shaped icon indicates that the
task is associated with a particular location. A
diamond shaped icon indicates that the task is
associated with a plan but no specific location on
it while a square shaped icon indicates task that
pertains to the overall project and not to a
specific plan
ii. Color – Red indicates priority 1, Orange indicates
priority 2, Yellow indicates priority 3, Green
indicates completed tasks and Blue indicates
verified tasks
iii. Category - Letters inside the task icon indicate
the category. Example:- CO (Concrete), SA
(Safety), DR (Drywall)
 TASK VIEWS

Gantt view – tasks reported by start and end date

Calendar view – tasks

associated with a certain Stats view – tasks sorted by category, number and priority
date
 EXPORTING AND IMPORTING TASKS

• This option allows you to copy tasks from one project

to another or within the same project.
• This helps save time on project with repeated tasks,
such as multi-family residential projects
• Tasks are imported with their attributes including
Building Building title, priority, category, assignee, dates, position on
1 Plan 2 Plan plan, location etc.
• However, they have no actual content such as
photos, messages or files and act as a blank template
that can be populated.
• Tasks are exported as a csv file which is sent as an
email. The csv file can be modified before being
Source: Fieldwire Video tutorials 16/31
imported to another project
• Example:- Tasks can be copied from one building to
another if the 2 buildings have the same plans.
 SCHEDULING

• Project schedules have become more fast-paced than

ever before and its critical to meet every deadline all
General within budget.
Contractor • Calendar and Gantt view can be used to assign and
distribute work through tasks.
Assign and coordinate • Everyone on the project is able to coordinate their
tasks work and update tasks with important information or
Sub Sub Sub communicate any delays through messages and
Contracto Contracto Contracto photos. Thus, long meetings are no longer required to
r1 r2 r3 track progress.
• There is an option to filter out the tasks and change
Source: Fieldwire Video tutorials 17/31 the end date based on the communication from the
field.
• Helps the project manager understand if the tasks
were completed on time and manage productivity
and control project schedule.
SECTION III : DOCUMENTATION
 GENERATING REPORTS
Source: Fieldwire Video tutorials 18/31
• Reports are a key way to keep your team up to date
and notify people who aren’t directly involved in
tasks, such as clients or designers.
• This functionality is available only for premium
accounts.
• 3 types of reports are available:-
i. PDF summary – List of tasks and current status
ii. Detailed PDF – Detailed information of each task
(photos, checklists, messages) and a lot of
customizability options
iii. CSV reports – Excel files that are really useful at the
end of a project for history purposes.
• Reports are sent as an email link and auto-reporting
can be set to prepared and send reports at regular
intervals. Example:- Every week
 POSTING RFI AND CHANGE ORDER

• RFIs can be imported into the files section of

Fieldwire either from your computer or from
box/dropbox.
• Once these files are stored they can be linked
to the relevant location on a plan using the
attachment option on the plan.
• This ensures that all of the team are aware of
this RFI as they get to work in this area.
• Similarly change orders can be marked up on
the plan.
• Tasks related to RFI and change orders can
be created and tracked using the task
Source: Fieldwire Video tutorials 28/31 management feature in Fieldwire.
 FORMS

• This feature in Fieldwire needs a business account

Daily report form • All the major disparate paper forms get
consolidated into one easy-to-use platform.
• Status • These forms are now easier to complete and one
• Assignee gets all the benefit of transparent tracking of who
• Date did what, when and why?
• Weather • 4 types of forms:-
• Temperature (High) i. Daily reports
and (Low) ii. Inspection requests
• Any schedule
iii. RFI’s
delays?
iv. Timesheets
Example of daily form v. Each form contain a customizable template that
Source: Fieldwire Video tutorials needs to be filled out by the assignee. This is then
29/31 send to the general contractor.
CUSTOM FORMS

• These forms are in addition to the 4 default form types mentioned on

the previous slide
• Custom form builder allows modifications to be made either to the
default forms or build one from scratch designed to exactly match the
construction company’s processes.
• Anyone in the project team can use the forms to fill out information
from any device whether back in the office or on their mobile devices
in the field.
Source: Fieldwire Video tutorials
30/31
 PUNCH LISTS

• Punch list refers to a list of repairs and

incomplete work items remaining at the end of
a project that must be finished before a
contractor can receive payment.
• Using Fieldwire for punch list adds both speed
and structure to your closeout process.
• General contractor is able to run a better walk
through and assign work directly to the people
responsible for getting things done.
• Punch lists are created in the form of tasks
which are assigned to each room.
Source: Fieldwire Video tutorials 23/31
• Checklists are added to each punch list to
indicate the items that need to be inspected.
SECTION IV : PHOTO DOCUMENTATION
 PROGRESS PHOTOS

• Photos are a great way to document an

issue/observation or just the overall
progress of your project.
• Photos can be directly pinned to a location
straight from the mobile device (tablet,
mobile phone)
• Uploading progress photos directly onto
your plans through the app is particularly
useful because you eliminate the extra work
of going back to the office to download, sort
and affix the photos to the correct location.
• The variety of photos associated with a
location also provides a rolling history of the
Source: Fieldwire Video tutorials 26/31 progress in one location over the entire
project life.
 TASK PHOTOS

• A regular photo hyperlink is only meant to

document progress.
• Task photos have smart features like
markups, automatic notifications, due dates
or priorities which can be used to explain an
issue.
• These photos are attached as attachment
during task messaging.
Photo • This helps the contractor have a clear visual
attached record of the issue later on which could be
within task needed to submit a change order for the fix
or just to cover any legal discrepancies in
Source: Fieldwire Video tutorials 26/31 the future.
• These photos get attached with any report
created pertaining to the task with which
they are attached.
 360O PHOTOS

• 360o Photos are a fantastic way to capture

and track progress on-site.
• The 360o camera has to be turned on and
activates it Wi-Fi. The camera transmits
photos through Wi-Fi. Hence, the mobile
device (ex:- IPad) on which Fieldwire is being
used needs to be connected to the camera’s
Wi-Fi signal.
• The process of attaching a 360o photo is
same as attaching a regular photo.
• These photos can be used to either
document progress or connected to a task
Connecting 360o camera to IPad to take that needs to be done.
site photos Source: Fieldwire Video tutorials 27/31
SECTION V : FIELD GUIDE (IOS AND
ANDROID)
 USING FIELDWIRE ON IPAD - PLANS

• Fieldwire app allows the general contractor

to increase jobsite productivity straight from
the tablet or smartphone.
• The IPad interface has all the projects listed
alphabetically along with any notifications
that indicate the current progress and future
work required.
• The mobile device offers an easy way to
carry plans electronically on the field with
the ability to zoom on any particular detail.
• You can swipe from left to right to access
Source: Fieldwire Video tutorials 19/31 different plans and you can swipe up or
down to access different versions of the
same plan.
 USING FIELDWIRE ON IPAD – TASKS,
DOCUMENTATION AND PHOTOS
• Hyperlinks, markups and tasks can be
attached to the plans directly using a mobile
device.
• Also, photos and videos can be added during
inspection to track progress etc.
• Change orders, RFIs on existing plans can be
easily pulled up on-site using the mobile
device to understand the location they are
associated with.
• Also, file attachments like RFI responses or
Source: Fieldwire Video tutorials 19/31 links to other sheets can be attached using
the hyperlink tool.
• Also, plans can be exported with markups,
hyperlink and sent to anyone (even those
who don’t have a Fieldwire account)
CRITICAL EVALUATION
ADVANTAGES

• The project managers, foremen don’t have to go back to

the trailer every time to check the plans, tasks.
• Up to date drawings are available instantaneously since
they are stored electronically.
• Smooth job site coordination can be ensured without
conducting time consuming meetings
• Daily reporting of the job progress helps in project
planning and control
• The software platform is available on the desktop as well
as mobile devices (IPads, phones)
• Saving of 5 hrs/week for every user (Source:
https://www.handle.com/save-time-and-money-constructi
on-project/
)
VERSION BASED COSTING PLANS

• Basic plan is free but limited to

5 users on a project, with
maximum of 3 projects and
250 sheets per account.
• Pro plan allows unlimited
sheets and unlimited projects
in addition to having the ability
to generate reports.
• Business plan is suitable for
complete integration of field
wire and allows integration
with cloud services, custom
forms and 360 photos
• Premier plan has greater
Source: https://www.fieldwire.com/pricing/
support resources such as
training programs but may not
be necessary.
 TYPE OF COSTS
Source:
https://www.itqlick.com/fieldwire/pricing
1) Subscription cost 2) Cost of customization 3) Cost of data migration
• Type of cost – Variable • Type of cost – Fixed • Type of cost – Fixed
(depending on the • Customization cost relates • Data migration is the
number of users and to the cost charged by migration of data from
length of subscription) vendor to add specific current software to
• Fieldwire is priced as a features catering to your Fieldwire.
subscription/service specific business • Most companies opt for
software. requirements. data migration services
• As indicated on the • Following pricing estimates from a vendor, which
previous slide- can be used:- raises the cost.
depending on the type i. Minimal (Integrate with 1- • Typical estimates are:-
of subscription chosen 2 systems) - $2500 i. 1,000 records - $500
price varies between ii. Standard (3-5 systems) - ii. 10,000 records - $2,500
$29/month (pro version) $10,000 iii. 100,000 records -
to $89/month (premier iii. Full (>5 systems) - $10,000
version) $25,000 iv. 1,000,000 records+ -
 TYPE OF COSTS (CONTD.)
4) Cost of training
• Type of cost – Fixed
• Although Fieldwire has excellent
tutorial videos, some in-person
end-user training would be
required initially to ensure smooth
transition.
• Typical estimates are:-
i. 1-2 training sessions: $1,000
ii. 3-4 training sessions: $3,000
iii. 5-7 training sessions: $5,000
iv. 8-10 training sessions: $8,000
Source:
https://www.itqlick.com/fieldwire/pricing
5) Hardware
• Type of cost – Variable with respect
to the number of users but fixed
with respect to time.
• Relates to the provision of mobile
device such as IPad to successfully
implement Fieldwire in the field.
• Cost - $500 per Ipad
 COST CALCULATION

Company size = 4200, Number of employees for whom Fieldwire account is

created = 50
• Cost Calculation
• Subscription cost = $49/month/user * 50 user * months = $2,450/month
• Customization cost (assuming full customization) = $25,000
• Data migration cost (1,000,000+ records) = $25,000
• Training cost (8-10 training session) = $8,000
• Hardware cost = $500/IPad * 50 users = $25,000
• TOTAL COST = $2,450 * No. of months + $25,000 + $25,000 + $8,000 + $25,000

= $2,450 * No. of months + $83,000

 BENEFIT CALCULATION

Company size = 4200, Number of employees for whom Fieldwire account is

created = 50
• Hours saved per week = 5 hrs/person
• Hours saved per month= 5 hrs/week * 4 weeks = 20 hrs/person
• Average pay per person= $20/hr
• Monthly saving =$20/hr *20 hrs/person = $400/person
• Efficiency (% of employees who fully utilize the power of Fieldwire) = 50%
• Monthly saving to company = 50% of ($400/person * 50 person * 0.5
(efficiency)
= $10,000 * No. of months
 PAYBACK PERIOD AND COST-BENEFIT RATIO

•  Cost = Benefits
• $2,450 * No. of months + $ 83,000 = $10,000 * No. of
months
• Payback period (No. of months) = 11 months only
• Cost Benefit Ratio after payback period = = 4.08
 SUPPORT RESOURCES

• Video tutorials – There is a set of 31 video tutorials on

YouTube that explains all the functionality of Fieldwire.
• Help Center – A large help page on the Fieldwire has Q&A
on most topics. It has the search feature and it quite
extensive
• Request feature – One can contact support@fieldwire.com
to request new features in the software.
• Chat – One can chat directly with a Fieldwire representative
• Webinar – Fieldwire offers webinar service for all accounts

Source:
https://help.fieldwire.com/hc/en-us
 CUSTOMER BASE

Fieldwire has been used for more than 450,000+ Fieldwire has been adopted by 2000+
projects worldwide. Some representative examples companies including leaders in the
are provided below construction industry

Revenue > $5 bn Revenue > $4 bn

Revenue = $0.5 -
$1 bn Revenue > $12 bn

Source:
https://www.fieldwire.com/customers/
 USER REVIEWS

• iOS app store: Fieldwire rating= 4.8/5.0 (1,400 ratings). PlanGrid (competitor) = 4.7/5.0
(6,800 ratings)
• Google Play store: Fieldwire rating= 4.6/5.0 (1,595 ratings). PlanGrid (competitor) = 4.3/5.0
(2,884 ratings)

Source: 1) https://play.google.com/store/apps
2) https://apps.apple.com/us/app/
3)
https://www.fieldwire.com/customers/reviews/
 CONCLUSION

• Fieldwire helps with job-site coordinate, plan accessibility, task management and
project control.
• It has a payback period of only 11 months and offers a benefit/cost ratio of 4.08
after payback period.
• The mobile application is intuitive to use, has a great user interface and good
customer support.
• It has been successfully tested by more than 2000 companies and used in over

FINAL DECISION = GO!

450,000 projects.
• It has more favorable user reviews in the google play store and iOS app store
than PlanGrid, its nearest competitor