NextPlans FAQ

What is NextPlans?
NextPlans is an online plan room where project construction documents (plans and specifications) are posted so that interested parties may access those documents using a computer. NextPlans plan rooms provide the ability to order printed documents from the plan room host, or let anyone print or download the project documents themselves using their computer. In a nutshell, NextPlans provides anytime access to construction documents.

What does it cost to join?
The cost to be a basic member of a NextPlans plan room is FREE. There is also an Enhanced membership available. There may be a small yearly fee associated with the Enhanced membership, depending on the plan room operator.

How do I join a NextPlans plan room?
It's easy to join. Just visit a NextPlans plan room, fill out a registration form and submit the form. You'll have instant access to the plan room.

Once I join a plan room and log in, do I have access to other plan rooms with the same username and password?
Because each plan room is run as a separate entity, you'll have to register in each plan room. NextPlans is working on a way to provide a Universal login feature that would let you pool any plan room usernames you have into one master username and password.

Is the plan room available all the time?
Yes, because the plan room is an Internet service it is available 24x7. Unless there is system maintenance being performed, you will have access. System maintenance is usually performed between 12am and 3am.

Can I view project documents in the plan room?
Yes. You can view any project document you have access to.

Once I log in, do I have access to all projects and all project documents?
That depends. Some projects may be password protected and if you don't have the password, you don't have access to the project documents.

Can I download project documents to my computer?
If the document owner (architect, general contractor) allows it, any project document can be downloaded either one-at-a-time or in batches.

Can I print project documents using my computer?
Yes, if the document owner (architect, general contractor) allows it. From the document viewer in the plan room, you can print project documents one-at-a-time.

Can I order project documents and have them printed and delivered back to me or to others?
Yes. NextPlans plan rooms have an easy-to-use ecommerce process that lets you add documents to a shopping cart and place orders. The host company, usually a reprographics shop, will print the documents, bind them and ship them to you or to recipients you select from your plan room address book.

Is NextPlans secure if I use my credit card to place an order?
Yes, NextPlans uses standard SSL security when a transaction takes place.

Does NextPlans keep track of my orders?
Yes, There is a complete order history available for you account. You can search for orders by a date and sort them by project.

Can I send Invitations to Bid using NextPlans?
Yes. You can send invitations via email and fax.

Can I manage a bidder's list using NextPlans?
Yes. When you create and send an Invitation to Bid, a bidder's list is generated for you to manage who accepts and who declines. The email Invitation to Bid contains two buttons in it, one to accept and one to decline the invitation. When a recipient of your invitation receives the email they can click on one of the buttons and your bidder's list will be updated automatically.

Can I send custom Invitations to Bid?
Yes. You can attach any MS Word or Excel document or a PDF document to your invitation.

Do I have access to a plan holder's list?
It depends. If you are managing a project on NextPlans, you can ask the plan room host for access to the plan holder's list for the project. For a project manager, it's the best way to see who ordered what documents. For public projects, a general plan holder's list can be made available to anyone.