Frequently Asked Questions

What is Build-Sight?

Build-Sight is an online scheduling system developed for managing the production of any type of construction project. It includes a suite of features to manage all aspects of a jobsite with a simple to use interface.

How does Build-Sight work?

Build-Sight is a hosted database application that is accessed by any standard web browser via the internet. Data is viewed and changed by using password protected web screens. The Palm integration synchronizes data from the web database with an offline version on the Palm for remote field updates.

What are Scheduled Items?

A scheduled item is a task that was planned for at the beginning of the jobsite project, such as "install floors". A jobsite can have any number of scheduled items, with each having a duration, scheduled start date and multiple predecessor links (among other attributes). The links between tasks enable the system to recalculate the remaining unfinished task start dates and finish dates depending upon the current status of completed and in progress tasks.

Can I load my own schedules into Build-Sight?

Build-Sight is a custom scheduling application allowing you to create your own schedules and linked tasks. The web based interface allows you to create master templates for all your homes or individual schedules. If you have existing schedules we can help migrate your data into the Build-Sight system.

What are Punch Items?

A punch item is an unplanned task that needs to be completed, such as "fix hole in wall". A punch list is a list of punch items with the dates they were created and the people they were assigned to. Typically the superintendent creates punch items in the field on the palm as they physically survey the jobsite.

How do I create Punch Items?

Punch items can be created on their own, or be related to a Scheduled task or Warranty item.

What are Warranty Items?

A warranty item is a request for work once the original schedule has been completed. Warranty items once approved can be linked to Punch Items to be assign to a subcontractor to complete the work.

Can my customers (home owners) create Warranty items?

The homeowner can create Warranty Requests via their web based access to the system. The superintendent or manager of the jobsite has to approve the request prior to the warranty item being assigned to any subcontractor. Customers can also use the "feedback" system that is an online forum to communicate with the Superintendent or manager of the jobsite.

What are Alarms?

Build-Sight includes a configurable Alarms system that allows you to set limits on Scheduled Items, Punch Items and Warranty Items. The standard alarm configuration is as follows: Any late scheduled item that is on the critical path, Any punch item more than 2 weeks old or any warranty item that has not been approved. There is also a Feedback alarm to ensure that customer communications are promptly replied to.

How do my subcontractors get tasked work?

Scheduled tasks and Punch Items are assigned to sub-contractors, or resources. Resources are grouped into Disciplines allowing a jobsite to have all its tasks assigned to the same sub-contractor in a single click. Each sub-contractor has a configurable schedule for updates. These can be delivered daily, weekly or monthly and are a task list of just their items, grouped by jobsite and prioritized automatically. This provides a very effective way of making sure everyone involved is kept up to date with what they need to do.

How does the Palm Integration work?

The Palm device contains an offline database specially developed for the Palm Operating System. During a regular "Hotsync" any changes are synchronized with the web database and an updated schedule is downloaded to the Palm. The Palm can be used to create Punch Items, modify scheduled items, warranty items and reply to customer feedback. A mini-alarm system is also available on the Palm.

Does Build-Sight do my cost Accounting?

Build-Sight is not an accounting system. However, we can integrate with accounting systems. Please contact us for more information on how Build-Sight can integrate with your accounting package. If you are looking to implement an entirely new IT system and are looking for an accounting package as well as a scheduling tool then Build-Sight can recommend some good packages that work well with our software.

How does the Build-Sight Job Cam work?

There are a few types of Job Cam that work with Build-Sight. The most suitable type for your jobsite will depend upon broadband internet availability, phone line availability and proximity of multiple jobs. Our camera packages range from a dialup wireless static image camera through to a broadband pan-tilt-zoom video streaming that can cover a whole subdivision if suitably placed. All our job cameras archive images enabling you to create a photo history of the job.

How do I start using Build-Sight?

Implementing Build-Sight with your schedules is easy. Contact us today to obtain a free initial consultation and quote for your projects.