Architectural bureaus and construction offices impose their own requirements on the file sharing tools. First, a file sharing service used in architecture and construction needs to handle large files. Unlike many other professionals, architects exchange files of significant size, so fast and robust tools are appreciated by specialists in this field. Often, the performance of the tool is the key factor for architects and construction engineers.
Second, the service has to be focused on security to prevent unauthorized access to any drafts, estimates or other documents related to architectural or construction projects. Advanced security features are essential for sharing documents and collaborating on them. In this article, we’ve reviewed various file sharing tools that work for architecture and construction businesses.
1. Dropbox Business
Key features:
- File locking
- Document analytics
- Audit logs
The best thing about Dropbox is that everyone is familiar with it and most likely already using it. That’s why it’s easier to adopt this tool into the daily workflow: it doesn’t require any time for onboarding and getting started. Its business version is offered in different plans that include various features: granular data access permissions, advanced security, file recovery and much more.
2. Google Drive
Key features:
- Real-time collaboration
- Target audience sharing
- App integrations
Another commonly used file sharing service that saves time on the implementation and onboarding step: everyone who has a Google account is familiar with its functionality. It’s easier to share files in a tool that everyone already has access to. Among its advantages, easy access from any devices also has to be mentioned. There’s a negative side though: as many use it mostly for personal purposes, work files and work-unrelated stuff would be stored in one place, adding clutter to the work environment.
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3. Binfer
Key features:
- Secure file transfers
- Reports
- Chat
Binfer is a file sharing solution that is not based on cloud storage. This way, it takes security of the transferred data to the new level: it never stores or processes your files. Binfer is focused on transferring large files and enables file sharing by establishing a direct connection between devices. This method eliminates the need to upload files to cloud servers while also speeding up data transfer: with it, you can share large files in half the time compared to cloud platforms.
4. Egnyte Connect
Key features:
- Collaboration
- Access governance
- Threat management
A file sharing tool, Egnyte Connect is a part of a larger platform that covers such processes as project management, collaboration, content services and more. It allows to share data with internal and remote users, enable intelligent bandwidth usage and collaborate on shared files. This tool also helps enforce security policies to protect intellectual property and ensures compliance with data regulations. Its data sync features include version control and simplify work with poor Internet connection common for remote job sites.
5. ShareFile
Key features:
- Collaboration
- Data security
- Mobile app
This file sharing solution by Citrix is focused on work with large files and ensuring data safety. It offers a fast and reliable way to transfer large amounts of data while protecting information from unauthorized access. Its bank-level encryption protects the files during transfer, upload and storage processes, ensuring secure access to the data from any device for employees, remote workers or clients. The tool also features 25 customizable security settings that allow to configure your own data access rules.
6. FileCloud
Key features:
- Compliance
- Collaboration
- Content management
This tool works for teams that need a self-hosted solution for file sharing. It can be deployed on an internal server or in any cloud, allowing to create your own space for file sharing, synchronization and backup. The advantages of a self-hosted file sharing tool include the ability to seamlessly integrate it with existing IT infrastructure, store the data on-premise and configure the storage according to the company’s data safety regulations. FileCloud also allows to enable remote access to the self-hosted files from outside networks.
7. BIM 360
Key features:
- Document management
- Coordination
- Data analytics
BIM 360 by Autodesk is a construction management platform that includes file sharing service as an integral part of managing construction and architecture projects. It is implemented as a document management module that allows users to upload, share, view and manage drawings, models, specifications and other documents. Designed specifically for construction, it seamlessly integrates into the management processes, streamlines work on projects of any size and ensures compliance of work results with the initial requirements.
8. Onehub
Key features:
- Data previews
- Activity tracking
- Collaboration
Onehub is a user-friendly file sharing software. With it, collaborating on projects is easier than ever! It just requires setting up an account and adding the intended recipients. After that, you can upload documents to the shared space from anywhere, ensuring that everyone involved has access to what they need to work. Besides, Onehub offers secure file encryption, meaning architects can rest assured that their designs and data remain safe while they continue pushing boundaries and crafting unique solutions for their clients.
9. eTransmittal
Key features:
- Document management
- Security
- Easy access
eTransmittal streamlines the entire file sharing process and makes document management a breeze. Through this secure cloud-based software platform, architecture organizations of any size can efficiently create, manage, share, and distribute documents with unlimited speed. Plus, eTransmittal includes such features as automated tracking and real-time notifications when documents have been delivered or viewed.
Bonus Tool: actiTIME
Key features:
- Automatic and manual time tracking
- Client billing
- Mobile app
Looking for a high-quality solution to store and retrieve all the data on project performance securely? Consider using actiTIME. Whatever you or your team members submit to actiTIME – project plans, task descriptions, estimates, daily progress notes, time tracking entries – becomes saved there and can be accessed at any moment for either a quick overview through visual charts or a more in-depth analysis with multiple comprehensive reports.
The tool also offers a flexible approach to data sharing. You can restrict access for some users and choose which types of project-related information your team members will be able to see freely. With all that, actiTIME fosters more efficient and secure team communication and, besides, helps improve the quality of project management.
I’ll recommend actiTIME for an architectural business like ours
I’ll recommend the software, especially for architectural business like ours – the solution seems to be intuitive and streamlined, the learning curve is modest and the product works as you expected. Web-based interface is a big plus as well – very easy and very simple!
