EdgeBuilder controls the project budget and costs by automating commitments, changes, and approval of pay applications and invoices. Information about each contract package entered by the project team is merged into a preconfigured contract template. The contract document cannot be generated until the package follows an approval workflow. Once approved, a commitment is automatically written against the designated budget lines. Pay applications are tracked against the contract billing codes identified for each contractor. The Changes module tracks all adjustments to commitments, and issues contract amendments and COs. Purchase orders can be issued for non-contracted commitments receipt of good tracked, and invoices approved. 

EdgeBuilder eliminates tedious task of maintaining workflow logs by automating the process within the system. Since the actual communication of information at each step of a workflow process is done through EdgeBuilder, the database is always current. On-screen logs display real-time information, and the Ball in Court module automatically tracks next actions and due dates so nothing falls through the cracks. Snapshot reports can be generated automatically, or created on demand by authorized users. Reports are exported to preset MS Excel templates that match the project team’s requirements.

EdgeBuilder serves as an electronic project mailroom and archive. All communication can be created, sent, and received within the system, by email or by fax. Each project is assigned a unique e-mail address mapped directly to the project. The optional fax number delivers faxes as PDF documents directly into the project database. Outgoing correspondence is delivered on company letterhead, maintaining your firm's identity throughout. Files may be attached to any piece of communication, and once delivered are permanently archived in the system. Role or company based access controls make it easy to keep others in the loop, without explicitly copying them.

• Online or Offline Access to Project Records - To ensure EdgeBuilder contains the most accurate and complete set of project records, it was designed to be accessible online or offline. Users can work while disconnected from the Internet, and all changes will be replicated to the Econstruction data center once a connection is detected. Information is also replicated to a managed server at each customer’s office for integration with back office systems.
• Collaboration - EdgeBuilder supports controlled collaboration with external parties via the Econstruction web portal over a standard browser interface. 
• Scalability - EdgeBuilder was designed to scale from a single project, to an enterprise system, integrated with existing corporate systems. A set of company or program level databases provides rollup reporting and consolidates information – such as a set of approved vendor records – that can be pulled into projects, avoiding duplication of effort.

Since the EdgeBuilder project database contains the most comprehensive and up to date project information, it’s a logical place to generate management reports. Information can be displayed in a variety of ways:

• On-screen reports display real-time information, linked to source documents. Clicking on a line in the report opens the underlying document, complete with attachments and audit trail.
• Reports can be generated on a predetermined schedule to preserve a snapshot of points in time, and emailed in PDF format to designated individuals. The distribution list can vary based on configured thresholds. Data points can be saved in the database, and variances tracked.

EdgeBuilder controls documents in one of three ways. 

• When part of a workflow, documents are permanently attached to the electronic form that contains the related process. For iterative workflows, such as change quotations that go back and forth, a snapshot of the current version of the document is embedded in the workflow each time, maintaining the historical record. Preserving documents in the proper context improves the quality of project records and simplifies audits.
• Sets of design documents, specifications, and addenda can be stored in Design Documents module. Documents can be entered manually, imported in bulk from the network, or pulled down from the Econstruction online plan room. 
• Ad hoc documents, such as scans of paper files can be logged in the system. The project e-mail address can be added to the directory of a common multi-function network copier/printer/scanner, making it easy to run a virtually paperless project. Once in the database electronically, the document can be easily added to a workflow process, or permanently archived.