Glossary
A
Activity Feed
A chronological log of actions and updates within a project.
Annotations
Tools that allow users to add notes, markups, and other indicators directly onto project documents.
API Access
Application Programming Interface that allows integration with other software systems.
Auto-Hyperlinking
The automatic creation of hyperlinks within documents, facilitating quick navigation between related sections.
B
BIM - Building Information Modeling
Digital representation of physical and functional characteristics of a facility.
C
Cloud-Based Storage
Storing data on remote servers accessible via the internet, facilitating real-time collaboration and data backup.
Collaborator Access
Permissions granted to external stakeholders to view or edit specific project information.
Comments
Textual notes added to documents, daily reports, workflows, or tasks to facilitate communication among team members.
Communication & Collaboration
Tools for facilitating real-time communication and coordination between project team members.
Construction Acronyms
Construction acronyms are shortened forms of commonly used terms and phrases within the construction industry. These abbreviations streamline communication among project teams, contractors, engineers, architects, and stakeholders by reducing long or repetitive language into compact, easily recognizable codes. They are often used in drawings, specifications, contracts, and daily communications to represent processes, job roles, documentation, materials, and project stages.
COs - Change Orders
Official documents that authorize alterations to the original construction contract, encompassing changes in scope, design, materials, or project timelines. COs ensure that all modifications are documented, approved, and integrated into the project’s workflow.
Custom Reports
User-defined reports that present specific project data and metrics.
D
Daily Reports
Tools within the Web Portal and mobile application that enable users to document daily activities, track project progress, and communicate updates among team members.
Dashboard Widgets
Modular components that display key performance indicators and project information.
Data Filters
Tools that allow users to sort and view specific subsets of project information.
DD - Design Development
Phase where design decisions are finalized before construction documents are created.
Deficiency Management
The process of identifying, documenting, and rectifying defects or non-conformities in construction work.
Document & Drawing Tools
Features that enhance the review, markup, and navigation of project documents and drawings.
Document Comparison
A tool that highlights differences between two versions of a document.
Document Control
The process of managing the creation, review, modification, issuance, distribution, and accessibility of construction documents.
Documents
Any files, including contracts, specifications, project manuals, and reports, that are associated with a construction project. These documents are managed, organized, and shared within the STACK platform to ensure easy access and version control.
E
Export Options
Capabilities to download project data in various formats for external use.
F
Field Operations
Tools and processes that support work performed in the field, including tracking daily activities, issues, and compliance.
G
GC - General Contractor
The main contractor responsible for the day-to-day oversight of a construction site.
General Terms
Key concepts and foundational terms that provide a baseline understanding of how STACK Build & Operate functions across different teams and use cases.
GMP - Guaranteed Maximum Price
A cost-type contract where the contractor is compensated for actual costs incurred plus a fixed fee subject to a ceiling price.
H
Hyperlinks
Embedded links within documents that direct users to related information, sections, or external websites.
I
IFC - Issued for Construction
Finalized documents released for construction purposes.
Inspections
Evaluations conducted to ensure that construction work complies with specified standards and regulations.
Integration & Compatibility
Terms related to STACK’s ability to work with other tools, platforms, and devices.
IPD - Integrated Project Delivery
A collaborative project delivery method that integrates people, systems, business structures, and practices.
Issue Tracking
A system for creating, assigning, and monitoring issues such as punch list items, inspections, QA/QC concerns, and safety issues.
L
Layering
A feature that allows users to manage different sets of information on separate layers within a document.
LEED - Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design
Certification program for environmentally friendly buildings.
M
Markups
Visual indicators or notes added to documents to highlight changes, issues, or important information.
Measurements
Tools that allow users to take precise measurements directly from digital drawings.
Mentions
A feature that notifies specific users when they are referenced in comments or discussions.
MEP - Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing
Key engineering disciplines in building design and construction.
Mobile Compatibility
The ability to access and use the platform on mobile devices.
N
Notifications
Alerts that inform users about updates, changes, or actions required within the platform.
NTP - Notice to Proceed
Formal notification to begin work on a project.
O
Offline Mode
A feature of the STACK Field App that allows users to access previously synced plans, documents, and issues without an internet connection. Changes made while offline are automatically synced when connectivity is restored.
P
PCOs - Potential Change Orders
Preliminary notices indicating possible changes to the original project scope, schedule, or cost. PCOs serve as alerts to project stakeholders about potential modifications, allowing for timely discussions and decisions before formalizing any changes.
PE - Professional Engineer
Licensed engineer responsible for the design and oversight of engineering projects.
Plans
Digital blueprints or drawings of a construction project, including architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing details. Plans are uploaded and shared within the STACK platform for review and collaboration.
Platform & Access
Terms related to accessing and navigating the STACK platform, managing user roles, and understanding the core tools available for organizing your work.
PM - Project Manager
Individual responsible for planning, executing, and closing projects.
PMP - Project Management Professional
A globally recognized certification for project managers.
Project Dashboard
A visual interface displaying key project metrics, statuses, and updates.
Project Management
Concepts and tools used for organizing and tracking construction projects from start to finish.
Project Templates
Predefined project structures that can be reused to streamline the setup of new projects.
Punch List
A list of tasks or items that need to be completed or corrected before a project can be considered finished.
Q
QA/QC - Quality Assurance / Quality Control
Processes to ensure project quality standards are met.
R
Reporting & Analytics
Features that help teams analyze data and create customized reports for better decision-making.
RFIs - Requests for Information
Formal inquiries submitted by contractors or subcontractors to clarify ambiguities or obtain additional information about construction documents, specifications, or plans. RFIs help ensure that all project stakeholders have a clear understanding of the project requirements, minimizing misunderstandings and potential delays.
S
SD - Schematic Design
Initial design phase focusing on concept development.
Shop drawing
Detailed drawings or diagrams provided by contractors, suppliers, or manufacturers that illustrate how specific components will be fabricated, assembled, or installed. Shop drawings ensure that all elements align with the project’s design intent and specifications.
Snapshot Tool
Allows users to capture and save specific views or sections of a document for reference or sharing.
STACK Build & Operate
A construction management platform comprising two main components: the Web Portal for project and document management, and the STACK Field App for real-time field collaboration, including viewing and sharing drawings, issue tracking, and annotations.
STACK Field App
A mobile application that allows field teams to access projects and documents, manage and assign issues, and add annotations such as markups, counts, stamps, measurements, photos, and hyperlinks in real-time.
Stamps
Predefined symbols or indicators that can be placed on documents to signify specific statuses, approvals, or actions required.
Submittals
Documents, samples, or product data submitted by contractors for review and approval before procurement and installation. Submittals verify that proposed materials and products meet the project’s design and quality standards.
T
T&M - Time and Materials
A contract where payment is based on actual time spent and materials used.
Task Assignment
The process of allocating specific responsibilities to team members within a project.
Tasks
Specific work items or responsibilities assigned to team members within a project. Tasks facilitate project management by tracking progress, setting deadlines, and ensuring accountability across all phases of construction.
Third-Party Integrations
Connections with external applications to enhance platform functionality.
Trend Analysis
The examination of project data over time to identify patterns or issues.
U
User Permissions
Settings that define the access level and capabilities of each user within the platform.
V
VDC - Virtual Design and Construction
The management of integrated multidisciplinary performance models of design-construction projects.
Version Control
The management of changes to documents, ensuring that users are working with the most current versions.
W
Web Portal
The online interface of STACK Build & Operate where company owners and administrators can create and manage projects, documents, user permissions, organizational settings, configure user settings, and oversee document management processes.
Workflow Acronyms
Shortened forms of commonly used terms or phrases that represent key steps, processes, or documents in a construction project’s workflow. These acronyms help teams communicate more efficiently by standardizing terminology related to project management, document control, and task execution.
Workflows
Customizable processes within STACK Build & Operate that allow teams to track documents or tasks, ensuring consistent procedures and accountability throughout the project lifecycle.
