There are a number of issues with the workflow of the RFI module. Generally speaking...
1. Subcontractor creates a RFI and sends to a General Contractor
2. RFI is reviewed by the GC, at which point it is only visible to the Subcontractor and GC. The GC has the option to promote it to a GC RFI (3b) or answer it (3a).
3a. If it is answered by the GC, the Architect would never see it. The Sub is notified of the answer.
3b. If it is forwarded to the Architect, the Architect will review and may (4a) or may not (4b) forward to a Design Partner (Engineer).
4a. If the Architect forwards it to a Design Partner, the Design Partner can provide comments and return them to the Architect. However, the Design Partner should not be able to answer the RFI.
4b. If the Architect answers it, it is returned to the GC who then accepts the answer and notifies the Sub.
The way the module is currently written...
A. Subcontractor can create and send the RFI to anyone without GC review.
B. Anyone can answer an RFI. RFI should only be answered by the Architect.
C. The Architect can see unfiltered Comments/RFIs from Subcontractors
Amanda Simantel
| Company | Walsh Construction Co |
| I need it... | Yesterday...Come on already |
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Comments added inline bolded
There are a number of issues with the workflow of the RFI module. Generally speaking...
1. Subcontractor creates a RFI and sends to a General Contractor [AJ]: Subs are able to log in and create RFIs. With the update coming next week we have streamlined the sub's (collaborator's) experience on the fields they can fill in for the GC.
2. RFI is reviewed by the GC, at which point it is only visible to the Subcontractor and GC. [AJ]: Correct - only the sub and GC are able to see the RFI at this point. The GC has the option to promote it to a GC RFI (3b) or answer it (3a).
3a. If it is answered by the GC, the Architect would never see it. The Sub is notified of the answer. [AJ]: Yes -- solution supports this
3b. If it is forwarded to the Architect, the Architect will review and may (4a) or may not (4b) forward to a Design Partner (Engineer). [AJ]: system supports forwarding on to the Architect. Architect can subsequently forward on to design partner (prerequisite is the the design partner is a user of Team). Coming in the next release is the ability of the GC to create a related RFI and send it to the Architect. This separates the upstream from the downstream - where with a Forward, the sub is still a participant on the RFI.
4a. If the Architect forwards it to a Design Partner, the Design Partner can provide comments and return them to the Architect. However, the Design Partner should not be able to answer the RFI. [AJ]: If the GC has created a related RFI and sent to the architect, the architect can forward on to design partner...design partner can 'Respond' to the RFI - and the GC still owns the decision that the RFI has been answered.
4b. If the Architect answers it, it is returned to the GC who then accepts the answer and notifies the Sub. [AJ]: Using the 'Create Related' capability, the GC can get the answer from the architect separately and pass that through to the sub.
The way the module is currently written...
A. Subcontractor can create and send the RFI to anyone without GC review. [AJ]: Delivering this month project settings for RFIs that will allow you to default who the RFI is sent to based on the 'Type' of RFI. You can set it up so the Sub's RFIs always go to the GC.
B. Anyone can answer an RFI. RFI should only be answered by the Architect. [AJ]: Let's walk through this - it is likely an authorization thing that will be resolved through the role the different participants are.
C. The Architect can see unfiltered Comments/RFIs from Subcontractors [AJ]: Using 'Create Related' the comments are specific to the RFI and the architect's comments would not be seen by Subs.