Planning team reviews digital building plans on a computer using Poolar.Project in a modern architectural practice
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Plan and Document Management

In complex construction projects, collaboration requires a reliable information base. Poolar.Project provides a common data environment (CDE) for this purpose: a central digital project workspace for plans, documents and project-related data.

This creates a common working basis for all those involved, with clearly structured information, transparent planning statuses and approved data, enabling reliable coordination and well-informed decisions.

Single Source of Truth: Structured, Secure and Centrally Managed

Plan and document management forms the core of the CDE. It brings together plans, meeting minutes, expert reports, 3D models and other project documents in one central location.

As a single source of truth, it ensures that all project members work from the same, up-to-date and version-controlled database – one that is structured, traceable and reliable over the entire course of the project.

All information is stored centrally, clearly assigned and structured across projects in accordance with uniform guidelines – based on clearly defined classification systems.

File storage by trade, plan type, area, etc. ensures clarity. Permissions, managed via the project member directory, control who is allowed to view, upload and edit what.

Every change is documented in a way that allows it to be traced: automatic versioning and the continuously updated history ensure that plan statuses remain transparent. Initially, only the most recent, valid version of a plan or document is visible – earlier versions are stored beneath it, as if in a digital stack, and can be accessed if required.

Automated classification using standardised naming conventions – which can be agreed with us – reduces errors and saves time in file storage.

3D models in IFC format can be opened and viewed in the project workspace without the need for dedicated CAD software. With flexible camera functions and dynamic views of the building via sections and planes, the integrated IFC viewer offers a quick and convenient way to explore 3D models.

Thanks to intelligent search and filter functions, users can quickly find the documents they need within the structured file storage system – including versions, metadata and status information.

Advanced Ways of Working With Plans and Documents in the Project Workspace

Checking Whether the Plan Is Up to Date Using QR Codes in the App

Automatically placing a QR code on plans makes it easy to check that they are up to date using the Poolar.Project app – even directly on site:

Direct comparison of the printed plan with the current digital version

Rapid identification of outdated drawing versions to prevent errors

The Poolar.Project app is available for Apple iOS and Android

Office Online for Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint

The Office Online feature is an extension of our planning and file storage structure and enables you to edit MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint files directly from within the project workspace:

Opening and editing Office documents in the local application

Temporary locking of the file whilst it is being edited to prevent conflicts

Automatic upload of the updated file with the new index upon completion

Online Viewer, Including PDF Comparison Viewer

The integrated viewer allows direct access to PDF files, offers continuous zooming and supports the viewing of plans in a web browser:

Simultaneous display of two PDF documents for quick comparison

Displaying sister plans whilst retaining the current zoom
position (example: shaft on the ground floor and corresponding floor plan)

Colour-coded highlighting of changes between two documents, enabling visual identification of critical sections

Felix Krönert
Dipl.-Ing. Architect
Head of Client Services
Felix Krönert
Dipl.-Ing. Architect
Head of Client Services

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FAQs

Brief Answers to Key Questions About Document Management

Digital plan and document management ensures that plans, files and project-related documents are managed centrally, in a structured and traceable manner. Instead of scattering information across emails, local folders or various servers, all project members work within a shared digital project workspace. This ensures that plan versions, documents and responsibilities remain transparent – from the office to the construction site.

The software supports a structured plan and document repository, in which documents can be clearly assigned and organised according to defined classifications. File storage by trade, plan type, area or other project-related criteria helps to maintain an overview, even when dealing with large volumes of data.

In day-to-day project work, this means that documents are not simply ‘uploaded’, but are automatically embedded within a clear project structure upon upload. This reduces the time spent searching, prevents duplicate file storage and makes it easier for everyone involved to find the right documents at the right time.

A version-controlled plan repository prevents work from being carried out using outdated or ambiguous plan versions. Particularly in complex construction projects, new plan versions, approvals and amendments arise on a regular basis. A central, version-controlled file storage makes it clear which version is current and which information has been approved. This provides greater certainty in planning, execution and documentation.

A Common Data Environment provides a centralised information base for the entire construction project. Clients can keep track of project documents, designers can provide changes in a more structured way, and construction project managers gain greater transparency regarding tasks, deadlines and responsibilities. Poolar.Project also links the project workspace to roles, project members and task overviews to support day-to-day collaboration on the project.

In Poolar.Project, permissions can be managed via the project member directory. This allows you to specify who is authorised to view, upload or edit specific documents. The display can be tailored to each user’s login, ensuring that participants see primarily the information relevant to their role.

For clients, construction project managers and those involved in the planning process, this provides greater control and clarity: sensitive project data remains protected, responsibilities become clearer, and collaboration becomes less reliant on confusing distribution lists or manual forwarding.

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