This article is a quick guide on how to use the BuildTools communication module

The communication module encapsulates all messages throughout the system - e-mails, and comments. Think of it like your e-mail inbox. You can send and receive messages to anyone that is registered in the system - employees, homeowners, subcontractors and vendors, etc... The great benefit of using BuildTools vs. regular e-mail is that everything is available in one place, organized by project. At the end of the project, if you need to find an e-mail about a decision, or design revision - it's simple. No matter who sent or received the message or made the comment. No more 'he-said, she-said.'

The Message navigation consists of 4 items - Inbox, Sent messages, Draft Messages, and Mailing lists. 

Navigation of the Communication module

1. Message filters - All - Messages and Comments. The drop down list also allows you to filter comments by the module they were created within, Change orders, photos, selections, etc...

2. Content filter - All, Messages, Comments, Draft messages, Sent messages.

3. Message/ Comment list. Select a message / comment in this pane to view the item.

4. Message / comment window. Enter details of the message/ comment here.
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Messages function just like regular e-mail.  You can send and receive messages from this window, or from your normal e-mail client (more on that later)
Comments are related to items within the system and are also collected in the communication module.  When viewing items throughout BuildTools, you can leave comments that remain attached to that item.  These comments can include tags to homeowners, designers, vendors, etc... and will be sent to those users in the form of an e-mail.  

The Related Messages tab can be used to create emails directly linked to the module/item you're in, such as a Task or a Purchase Order. The message will be displayed under Related Messages of the linked item as well as within Communications.

For more information please visit our Related Messages article linked here.

Sending from outside BuildTools. Often times it's preferred to send your e-mail directly from your regular e-mail client, gmail, outlook, etc... buildTools make this simple with project specific e-mail addresses. You can find this list of e-mail addresses in project settings, under project emails.

If you are in the field and want to send a note to your the homeowners, simply send a message to the project name @ your BuildTools URL (login). For example bluth-residence@company.buildtools.app. A message will then be sent to the homeowners of the project at their registered e-mail addresses (whatever they use on a daily basis). They can reply directly to this e-mail without logging into BuildTools. The sender will then also receive the reply at their usual e-mail address and can reply the same. Later, when you log into BuildTools, the entire conversation is captured in the Communication module.

Documents and photos can also be uploaded to Buildtools via e-mail.
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Adding "Pictures_" to the project e-mail allows you to upload photos of to the project photo section. The subject line of the e-mail will specify the folder in which to place the photos. If the folder does not exist it will be created. This is a great feature to use if uploading a large number of photos from the field.
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Adding "Documents_" to the project e-mail allows you to upload documents to the project photo section. The subject line of the e-mail will specify the folder in which to place the photos. If the folder does not exist it will be created. This is a great feature to use if uploading a large number of photos from the field.
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Vendors and subcontractors can e-mail in their invoices for quick processing. They can send their invoices to invoices@yourcompany.buildtools.app and they will be added to the invoice inbox.
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If you find yourself stuck or needing additional help, please reach out to Support