Bluebeam PDF Revu Helps Paperless Permitting Process in Bellevue

Paperless process is a hot topic among enterprises of all sizes these days, and a big number of them have been adopting the new concept to save their paper costs. Additionally, it helps them to offer their small contribution towards conserving the environment.

Bluebeam Software, a provider of PDF related software applications that allow professionals to enhance their communication and collaboration process in a convenient manner, has announced that its solution has been selected for deployment at the City of Bellevue, Washington for streamlining their digital permitting process.

A new digital permitting process has been introduced in the city, which aims at making it possible that the execution of all the formalities related to permissions can be made in a paperless mode. Under the new process, applications are submitted online through the website www.mybuildingpermit.com. Further, the PDF copies of submitted plans are electronically reviewed using the enhanced markup features of Bluebeam PDF Revu.

In October 2011, the first phase of the rollout had been initiated during which the professionals from Bellevue benefitted from various advanced features of Bluebeam PDF Revu to evaluate the PDF plans submitted by the residents. These applications were related to mechanical, electrical and plumbing permit requests, and the company exceeded in reviewing its expected number of applications in a rapid manner. On an average, the City of Bellevue receives around 13,000 PDF drawing plans every year, all of which will be reviewed electronically deploying Bluebeam’s solutions in future.

Apart from saving money by doing away with the need of using paper while submitting applications, the digital permitting and plan review process also makes the submitting process more convenient and streamlined for the homeowners and construction professionals, such as architects and contractors; as they can now submit the applications at any time from any location.

The Bluebeam PDF Revu by Bluebeam Software is equipped with various enhanced functionalities that allow architecture, design, engineering and construction professionals to make the best out of their PDF documents. It features a number of standard markup tools such as text, pen marks, highlights, clouds, CAD symbols, measurements and text stamps. With the help of these tools, city reviewers can attach their comments to electronic plans and request revisions in a smooth and seamless manner.

An automatic Compare Documents feature enables the reviewers to quickly assess the differences between drawing revisions, while they are able to view and track comments during the permitting process using the integrated Markups list. Further, these comments can be summarized into a PDF report right from within the tool itself.

“Bluebeam’s ease of use, industry-standard tools and customization options have made the transition from paper-based to digital plan reviews very smooth. Since mid-October, we’ve already used Revu to process 27 applications which exceeds what we had originally targeted for the remainder of the year using this new digital process,” said Lionel Forde, Systems Specialist with the City of Bellevue. “Revu is greatly exceeding our expectations and is making plan review much easier and quicker for us.”

In May 2011, Bluebeam Software launched Studio Server, a server-based solution for locally hosted, real-time collaboration. With Studio Server, firms can utilize the collaboration functions of Bluebeam’s cloud-based solution called Bluebeam Studio. Together the solutions enable a secure, PDF-based collaboration sessions for organizations in their locally hosted environment.