So you think managing RFIs is easy but you don’t know how to improve the efficiency? An RFI is a question that a subcontractor may have for the design consultant concerning such things as design omissions, field conditions, something needs further clarification, etc. Usually, RFIs are easy as long as they help a project run smoothly and on schedule, but they can also cause delays which can mean cost overruns and lost profit. If we look at the broader picture, we realize that the biggest bottleneck and time waster in the RFI process is bad communication.
Despite technological developments including cell phones, emails and text messages, talking face-to-face is still considered to be the best option possible and the most efficient way to solve any project-related problem. While the other methods are easily accessible, many elements of communication are lost in the process.
Here are some guaranteed ways to use ArchiOffice for improving RFIs while mitigating risks in the future:
Effective Communication
Good questions and good answers speed up the process of getting information back to the people actually doing the work. Diminish simple RFIs by improving communication overall.
Using peer review is recommended by the American Institute of Architects to give documents a second pair of eyes and ensure accuracy. ArchiOffice keeps your RFIs organized and accessible for reviews and suggestions.
Link Relevant Information to RFIs
ArchiOffice “Assign document” feature allows you to attach any electronic document to an RFI, so that the supporting information-plans, specs, photos, PDFs - is right there when you need it. This speeds up the whole process tremendously.
Recording History
ArchiOffice adds value beyond other construction project management software by keeping track of the various communication channels involved in closing each RFI. The Project/Contact-RFIs portals track and archive each RFI, allowing the full history of every RFI to be recalled and reviewed at any time in the future, either during a project or long after the course of completion.
While most software for the construction industry doesn’t attempt to address the root cause of RFI problems—poor communication and a lack of accountability—ArchiOffice knows that timely RFI management is the key to good schedule management and overall project success.