e-Builder Launches Cost Module, Integrates with e-Builder Enterprise

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – April 16, 2003 – To meet the growing needs of its customers, e-Builder (www.e-Builder.net) announces the launch of the e-Builder Enterprise Cost Module, a fully-integrated tool that owners can use to manage costs at all stages of the capital development and construction process. In use by several of e-Builder’s clients since late 2002, the module seamlessly integrates with the e-Builder Enterprise system and is designed to complement existing corporate accounting systems.

The Cost Module streamlines cost-related communication and instantly alerts project teams if requested actions have cost implications. For example, if a team approves changes that impact cost, the system automatically carries the cost information forward and converts it to a change order request (COR) and then into a change order (CO) to be processed. All related collaboration and history is attached to the change order and archived.

“Facility owners have an overall responsibility for planning, building and operating multiple facilities. Managing cost is an integral part of the process and we were able to obtain critical information from our customers when developing the Cost Module, allowing us to incorporate their ‘wish lists’ into the final product,” said Jon Antevy, e-Builder CEO and co-founder. “Most companies have sophisticated accounting packages in place, but they don’t provide the construction-specific detail or the collaborative component provided by e-Builder’s Cost Module.”

The e-Builder Enterprise Cost Module includes the following benefits:
• Streamlined process for reviewing and approving payment applications and change orders
• Ability to determine the reasons for change orders or payment requests by reviewing the relevant collaborative and historic information
• More comprehensive performance review process by leveraging the module’s detailed project cost information, including each individual’s, company’s or team’s role in affecting costs
• Project-long cost information record that is easily searched, retrieved and shared
• Elimination of duplicate entries by carrying forward all information that makes up the change order or payment request.

Along with real-time cost management, the fully Web-based e-Builder Cost Module provides budget management with the ability to import budgets from Excel. The module allows clients to create bid package templates and route bids to the right people. It also analyzes bids and automatically notifies bidders of awards. The system can be customized to exchange data into clients’ existing financial and accounting systems.

About e-Builder Enterprise

e-Builder Enterprise™ is a powerful, completely integrated system that helps you effectively manage cost, schedule and all communication related to capital development and facility operations. Your team will be brought together in real-time, streamlining and documenting all communications enabling you to shorten the development cycle, reduce construction and maintenance costs, and improve accountability of everyone involved.

Utilizing e-Builder Enterprise’s intuitive, user-specific interface, each team member can intelligently organize resources and stay on top of issues and progress. And best of all, e-Builder Enterprise is a hosted system that can be accessed anytime and anywhere using an Internet browser.

About e-Builder™

e-Builder, Inc., headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida, develops business-to-business Internet tools for the commercial construction industry. Its suite of products enable and enhance the exchange of information among construction industry participants and helps projects come in on time and on budget. e-Builder is the pioneer of Internet-based tools for construction and in 1995 was honored by Engineering News-Record, a respected publication of The McGraw-Hill Companies, as one of the Top 25 Newsmakers of the year. e-Builder is sold worldwide direct and through its preferred partner network. Customers include: America Online, The Beck Group, Beers Construction, Columbia/HCA, HOK Architects, Lucent Technologies, NBBJ Sports Architects, Skanska USA, Swinerton & Walburg, Tishman Construction and more. For more information on e-Builder, visit the company's web site at www.e-builder.net. For sales information, call 1-800-580-9322 or e-mail infoe-builder.net.