Here are four recent announcements from software makers and other tech providers about new products or updates to existing products that are designed to smooth out the construction process for contractors, subs and owners:

PlanHub

The SaaS preconstruction solution firm has expanded its end-to-end general contractors' platform. Its simplified, cloud-based tool is designed to help general contractors improve collaboration with subcontractors and material suppliers, find new projects, request and select bids, qualify subcontractors and create proposals, according to the firm.

General contractors can post unlimited projects for free, easily invite subcontractors and suppliers to bid, quickly compare bids and assemble winning proposals, the firm says. The platform includes a Lead Finder tool that helps GCs access the newest building construction projects available, including hard-to-find private projects, along with owners’ and architects’ contact information. The Bid Leveling feature lets users compare subcontractor bids side by side, including bid amount, qualifications and certifications.

Safe Site Check In

Construction management software maker Safe Site Check In has announced a new Jobsite Observations feature that allows supervisors, workers, subcontractors and visitors to include notes, photos, videos, and attachments to document jobsite conditions and progress. 

Additionally, the product’s observations and automated daily log information can be easily added to construction project management platforms, including Procore Daily Log Notes. This way, general contractors have a consistent and complete view of the progress of each job, saving time and money, the company says.

InEight

The construction software firm has announced its latest suite of innovations, which are designed to increase forecasting accuracy, field productivity and subcontractor management. In addition to out-of-the-box forecast methods, InEight users can now configure the best equations to automate forecast calculations for the different types of work through different stages of completion, the firm says.

The platform enhancements also facilitate more efficient collaboration between the office and the field. Scope and quantities, productivity goals and more are easily communicated in daily digital plans to field crews and subcontractors.   

Additionally, InEight made it easier to get full visibility into subcontractor costs. With line of sight to both committed and uncommitted costs, users can compare the variance between the planned cost and the actual costs.

Trimble

Trimble announced last week its new advanced path planning technology that provides users and equipment manufacturers with the ability to optimize and automate the trajectory, speed and overall path design of industrial equipment to increase efficiency of work. 

Manufacturers can now provide their customers with an easy-to-integrate, automated solution that works not only with Trimble systems, but also with an equipment manufacturer's existing system. The technology will also be available within Trimble Connected Farm and Trimble Construction Cloud.