The position of Bid Manager is one that is becoming more and more important to architect and engineering firms, construction companies, and sub-contractors. The reasons are simple: having someone skilled on both sides of the bid will result in cost competitive pricing, accurate job forecasting, and overall success of the project for both parties. Whether you are posting a project or bidding on one, utilizing an effective online plan room, or more commonly known as document fulfillment system (DFS) will save time, effort and expenses. Here are three reasons why:

• Enhanced Project Visibility
  -Architects/Engineers: having your files available for online preview ensures the maximum number of bidders on your project. This guarantees a larger number of competitive bids and will help you to achieve a better overall budget from the beginning.
  -Contractors: instantly see online document previews, plan ordering options, and/or downloadable files. Save time, get the documents you need faster, compile your bids quicker, and get an edge on the competition.
• Instant Access
  -Architects/Engineers: being connected with a major printer to distribute your plans increases accessibility to the project for all contractors, large and small… near and far.
  -Contractors: ordering plans instantly and automatically printing them at a local print company takes the hassle of additional phone calls and tasks out of your proposal management.
• Overall Bid Management
  -Architects/Engineers: Automatically compile a plan-holders list of those who have viewed, downloaded or ordered plans. Store all of your bid documents securely in one system with a DFS professional provider. Additionally, you can instantly update your files and send group notifications to all stored or short-listed plan-holders.
  -Contractors: files that have been purchased can be accessed online anytime. Receive and send project updates to sub-contractors instantly to ensure the project is kept on time, and on budget.

You May Not Know Willamette Print & Blueprint is a DFS pioneer, and was one of the first printing companies to implement the system over ten years ago. Currently Willamette Print & Blueprint has close to 10,000 local and national users. Public bids are posted regularly on www.wpbinc.com (select the ReproMAX DFS button). Additionally Willamette Print & Blueprint offers customizable DFS portal websites for exclusive management of bid document needs—whether public or private bids.