PlanGrid
Streamline project planning, access blueprints, automate version control and reporting.
What is PlanGrid?
PlanGrid is a project management platform designed for construction teams and building professionals. It centralises project information on a single platform, allowing teams to access blueprints, construction documents, and project plans from job sites or offices. The tool focuses on real-time collaboration, document version control, and automated progress reporting to keep teams aligned on project changes and status.
The platform is particularly valuable for coordinating between office-based planners and field teams. Rather than emailing updated plans or relying on printed blueprints that become outdated, PlanGrid keeps everyone viewing the current version. It includes features for marking up documents, creating daily reports with site photos, and tracking changes to project documents over time.
PlanGrid is owned by Autodesk and serves general contractors, subcontractors, and construction managers working on commercial, residential, and infrastructure projects.
Key Features
Blueprint and document management
Upload, organise, and share project plans and specifications
Real-time collaboration
Mark up documents, add notes, and communicate changes within the platform
Version control
Automatically track document revisions and prevent use of outdated plans
Daily reports
Generate site progress reports with photos, observations, and team notes
Mobile access
View and edit project information from site using tablets or smartphones
Offline capability
Download documents to access on job sites without internet connection
Permission controls
Manage who can view, edit, or upload different project documents
Pros & Cons
Advantages
- Reduces miscommunication by ensuring teams work from current plans and documents
- Mobile access helps field teams stay organised without carrying physical plans
- Automated version control prevents confusion from multiple plan revisions
- Daily reporting feature captures site activity in one place with minimal extra effort
- Freemium model allows small teams or individual projects to start without cost
Limitations
- Mobile app features are more limited than the web version for detailed markup work
- Learning curve for teams unfamiliar with cloud-based project collaboration
- Free tier has restrictions on document storage and team size
- Requires reliable internet connection for full functionality
- Vendor lock-in risk as part of Autodesk's ecosystem
Use Cases
Coordinating between office planners and site workers on active construction projects
Managing document revisions for large projects with multiple plan updates
Generating daily progress reports for project stakeholders and compliance documentation
Subcontractors accessing current project specifications without relying on general contractors for updates
Tracking site conditions and changes through photo documentation and written observations