Penta and e-Builder to Perform First Cross-application Information Exchange Using New agcXML Standard at buildingSMART Conference

Software vendors to demonstrate the transforming potential of agcXML data exchange standards for construction industry process interoperability and the resulting cost savings.

Ft. Lauderdale, FL (PRWEB) November 22, 2008 -- On December 10, AGC and NIBS will demonstrate the capabilities of agcXML at the buildingSMART alliance National Conference, to be held in conjunction with Ecobuild /AEC-ST Fall at the Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C. The 60-minute presentation will explain the purpose and value of agcXML to industry professionals, and feature the first live exchange of construction documents (RFIs) between the PENTA Project Management Workbench, representing the contractor system, and e-Builder Enterprise, representing the owner system, by agcXML Review and Validation Committee members Kurt Koenig and Ron Antevy.

Professionals in the construction industry know the frustration of working with peers and clients who use dissimilar computer construction software, where project data has to be entered twice. The Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) has worked hard for the last 5 years to establish a common, non-proprietary data format and classification system that will enable design and construction professionals to reliably exchange project information among dissimilar and proprietary software applications without requiring the re-engineering or redesign of those applications. These efforts and this new development will benefit the industry as a whole.

"It's well known that projects that use a common, shared collaborative management system are better for everyone, but contractors should have the freedom to select construction software systems that work best for all of their projects instead of having to use a different system for every project," said John Nabholz, Chair of the agcXML Task Force.

The agcXML initiative and data exchange standards have the potential to significantly improve interoperability across design and construction teams, producing substantial cost and productivity savings for all stakeholders. These challenges were enumerated by the National Institute of Standards and Technology in 2004 through the "Cost Analysis of Inadequate Interoperability in the U.S. Capital Facilities Industry", which highlighted how interoperability costs the industry $15.8 billion in 2002.

Ron Antevy, e-Builder President, said "managing the same information in multiple systems has been an issue in our industry for as long as there have been multiple systems. e-Builder's data transfer technology, combined with our built-in support for the agcXML schemas provide a way to easily communicate with any other compliant system without complex or expensive custom programming. The dream that has been talked about for many years is finally here."

About e-Builder
e-Builder is a leading provider of web-based, capital program and project management and collaboration software. The company's flagship product, e-Builder Enterprise, provides owners of large capital development projects with control over cost, schedule, and information management across their entire portfolio to ensure timely, on-budget project completion. Since 1995 e-Builder's technology and industry focus has provided thousands of owners, architects, engineers, and contractors with solutions that enhance development and construction processes. The company is headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. For more information, visit www.e-Builder.net.

About Penta
PENTA Construction ERP is an innovative construction enterprise software system designed to help engineering, construction and service enterprises improve business performance. From integrated Multi-Company Financials, Projects, Service, Labor and Equipment, to Analytics, Document Imaging, Workflow and Mobile Field software, PENTA provides the deep, industry-specific feature set and forward-looking technology engineering, construction and service firms need to improve and grow their businesses. For more information, visit, www.penta.com.