GradeBeam Frequently Asked
Questions
What is GradeBeam?
The GradeBeam Construction Communication System automates the entire bid communication process! General Contractors can enter their own project information, determine which companies they want to do business with, select a printer, control which companies have access to project information and efficiently broadcast private messages to the companies invited to bid. The GCs can track their project information, bid response history, project document distribution and customized secure subcontractor information so that everything is stored in one location at the user's fingertips. The users post, preview and distribute all project information at will. There is no disconnect between the GC, Printer or Subcontractors. Everything passes securely through the system without intervention by GradeBeam.
Can I send messages to companies that are not GradeBeam Members?
Yes, E-Mail and/or Fax messages can be sent through GradeBeam regardless of whether or not the recipient company has ever even heard of GradeBeam!
Are the messages legible and informative? Can our logo be attached?
GradeBeam messages include all of the information necessary to review project opportunity in detail including who the message is from, company logo, who the message is to, project name, project location, bid due date, trade descriptions, printer information, customizable project information, etc. Subcontractors can even use the ITB response form to quickly notify the sender if they are bidding and place print orders! GradeBeam even has messaging features for fast Addendum Notification, ITB Reminders and Project Memos! A user can quickly broadcast messages within minutes and without having to manage or look-up the subcontractor’s contact information in another location. GradeBeam is capable of processing thousands of messages a minute to both E-mail and Fax!
Does GradeBeam have documents available for viewing and printing online?
GradeBeam allows users to post electronic documents to the website for subcontractors to view and/or download. These documents can be posted in their original format including spreadsheets, schedules, drawings, pictures and more. GradeBeam also links directly to local printing companies that can scan and post documents to their plan rooms for easy access by all companies involved in the project. The printing companies also receive automatic print orders from the system notifying them who the GC is, what the project is, which subs are bidding, which documents should be distributed to each sub, who is paying for prints, who is paying for shipping, where the prints should be delivered or that the sub will pick them up. The printing companies can then distribute the plans, update GradeBeam with pricing, notify the GC which subs have received prints and even post shipping tracking numbers for any documents that are shipped to the subcontractors.
Does GradeBeam track hits by subcontractors that look at our projects?
GradeBeam tracks all messages and bid responses submitted through the system. This is done down to the level of which person received the message, when the message was sent, where the message was sent (E-mail, Fax, Etc.), who looked at the message online and even shows an exact copy of the message. GradeBeam also tracks which companies and which users download files from the website and when. Furthermore, GradeBeam tracks the plan and specification distribution process to ensure quick and accurate communication of all pertinent project information!
Can any other companies access my project information or bidders lists?
GradeBeam is designed to allow users to control who has access to their project information. The only companies that see the project information are those that have been privately invited to bid on the project. Those private bidders are the only companies that have access to the project information and can respond, but they cannot see who the other bidders are. GradeBeam also has a Public Opportunities Bulletin Board where project information can be posted for any GradeBeam Member to bid on, but the GC must choose to post the information there, and members can not see the bidders lists.
How fast does GradeBeam turn-around the scanning and printing of documents?
Service time depends on the printer selected for the project. GradeBeam does not interfere with the GC and printer relationship. GCs are free to negotiate their own service terms and pricing with any printers that they want to do business with. GradeBeam is merely a conduit for efficient communication between all parties allowing for non-exclusive business competition among printing companies.
Does GradeBeam offer training or help support?
The GradeBeam website is extremely user friendly and fast. GradeBeam was designed BY and FOR the Construction Industry with an operational approach to the communication process. GradeBeam has a Quick Start Instructional Packet so you can benefit from the tools immediately, and there is detailed information located in the website Help links. It is very easy to get up and running on GradeBeam, but training is also available. Live GradeBeam Customer Support is ready to answer questions via phone, fax or E-mail during regular working hours. Furthermore, GradeBeam will issue FREE trial user credentials to your subcontractors so that they can update their own company information and test GradeBeam for a limited time at no charge. GradeBeam is a great tool for strengthening face-to-face business relationships as a result of the time saved by efficiently distributing critical information with GradeBeam's communication tools.
What is the cost of GradeBeam for General Contractors?
GradeBeam charges a flat annual membership rate for all members. This fee includes unlimited users, unlimited projects and unlimited bid invitation messages. As a part of the messaging services, GradeBeam updates all of the non-member subcontractor database information. GradeBeam also manages all failed Fax & E-mail messages by contacting the recipient, correcting their information within the database and resending the messages. GradeBeam allows General Contractor Members to eliminate the man hours that they are wasting on database management, messaging and plan distribution so they can focus on the essential aspects of project estimates and contract negotiations. Furthermore, there are no additional charges for bid invitation faxing through GradeBeam. Finally, each GC on GradeBeam receives an online advertisement and link to their website. All of this is included in the flat annual fee. GradeBeam Membership is only $4,500 per year for General Contractors and membership discounts are available for regional early adopters and companies with multiple offices!
What is the cost of GradeBeam for Subcontractors & Suppliers?
Subcontractors & Suppliers do not have to be members of GradeBeam to receive messages and project information via E-mail or Fax from the system. Companies that want to access GradeBeam's Construction Directory, Public Opportunities Projects and Communication Tools pay $350 per year to have full access to GradeBeam. Membership also allows subcontractors and Suppliers access to control their own company information, marketing and business qualifications for the thousands of professionals that search through GradeBeam every day. GradeBeam Members can even post online classified advertisements to sell goods and materials!
Does GradeBeam sell subcontractor lists?
GradeBeam does not sell subcontractor lists. GradeBeam is a single platform built to improve communication for the entire construction industry. GradeBeam has a general database of subcontractor contact information with tens of thousands of companies nationwide, and the GradeBeam database is only available to GradeBeam Members. Every day GradeBeam researches new subcontractor and supplier information for all over the country and continually adds it to the database. GradeBeam will compare your preferred subcontractor list to the general database and notify you which companies are listed in GradeBeam and which are not. GradeBeam will then load the missing companies to the database upon your request, or you can add them to the system privately so that no other members can see your subcontractors listed in GradeBeam, and you can still send project information to them.
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All Rights Reserved.
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