Getting Started with zipBoard: For AEC Professionals

This guide walks you through the essential steps to get started with zipBoard for managing construction documents.

Step 1: Upload Construction Documents (PDFs)

1. Log in to your zipBoard account and navigate to your project dashboard.
2. Click "Add Files" and select PDF documents from your computer.
3. Project Managers can organize documents into phases or categories (e.g., Blueprints, Specifications, RFIs) to track progress more effectively. They can also define statuses at the project level (e.g., In Review, Approved, Final) or across the organization for consistent workflows.

📌 Pro Tip: Use descriptive file names (e.g., BuildingA-Blueprint-v3.pdf) to keep track of document versions.

Step 2: Annotate and Review

1. Open a PDF from your project dashboard.
2. Use zipBoard’s annotation tools to:
   • Mark issues directly on the blueprint.
   • Add comments to highlight questions, approvals, or corrections.
   • Assign tasks to team members for follow-up.

📌 Example: Highlight an outdated window spec on a blueprint and comment, "Please confirm updated dimensions."

3. You can reply to comments, accept or reject them, and mark annotations as Complete or Cancelled directly from the document. Additionally, manage your own comments by editing or deleting them as needed to keep feedback organized.

Step 3: Version Control

1. Upload new versions of documents to maintain a clean workflow.

📌 Pro Tip: Always upload the most recent version to ensure the team works on accurate data.

Step 4: Collaborate with Your Team

1. Share the document link with stakeholders via share link!
2. Allow external collaborators (e.g., contractors) to review and comment without requiring a zipBoard account.
3. Set access permissions to control who can view or edit specific files.

Step 5: How to Track and Prioritize Feedback from Guests in zipBoard

Once feedback starts coming in from collaborators and stakeholders, project managers need to triage and organize it effectively.

• Triage Feedback: Sort incoming comments based on their relevance, urgency, and impact on the project.
• Prioritize Actionable Feedback: Focus on addressing feedback that aligns with the project goals and objectives.

Learn more about tracking and prioritizing feedback here.

Step 6: Generate Reports

1. Use zipBoard’s reporting tools to compile feedback and unresolved tasks into a shareable report.
2. Share reports during construction meetings to prioritize action items.

Step 7: Customize Workflows

1. Set up project-specific workflows (e.g., Review → Approval → Finalization) for construction document review.
2. Use task statuses to track document progress at every stage.

Benefits of Using zipBoard for Construction Documents

• Centralized Collaboration: Keep all documents and feedback in one place.
• Error Reduction: Annotate directly on blueprints to avoid miscommunications.
• Faster Approvals: Streamlined workflows mean quicker decision-making.
• Improved Accountability: Assign tasks and track their completion.

For additional help, check out our Help Center or reach out to support.