On December 10th, Penta and e-Builder will demonstrate the transfer of an RFI document using the new agcXML data exchange standard. The demonstration marks a significant milestone for the construction industry, as it greatly simplifies document exchange between separate construction management software systems.
Over 8 years in the making, agcXML enables contractors to share key construction documents (RFIs, submittals, change orders) with other project members, regardless of which software system they use. Most contractors currently pass paper documents, faxes and emails, requiring contractors and other stakeholders to perform duplicate data entry. agcXML will eliminate this duplicate effort by enabling interoperability between construction systems, resulting in significant time and cost savings. The National Institute of Standards and Technology reported the savings to be near $16 billion annually.
Perhaps what’s most significant about this development is that software vendors won’t have to redesign their current systems in order to work with the data format. agcXML uses a non-proprietary format to exchange project information, and the data can be shared between dissimilar and proprietary software. This allows contractors to select a system that suits their size and scope of business, rather than being forced to use multiple systems just to be compatible with other stakeholders’ software. This a major innovation for the industry and it sets a benchmark for other software markets to aspire to (e.g. healthcare IT).
The agcXML data transfer standard was developed with support from the Associated General Contractors of America. Their Electronic Information Systems (“EIS”) committee includes leading industry figures like Penta Vice President, Kurt Koenig. Koenig will perform the first live information exchange using the agcXML standard, between PENTA Project Management Workbench and e-Builder Enterprise. The transfer will take place at the National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS) buildingSMART alliance National Conference.
