Eliminating Silos with Electronic Plan Review Software

In local government agencies, siloed information and disconnected departments create significant bottlenecks in the plan review process. When reviewers work in isolation without visibility into other departments' feedback, it leads to inefficiencies, conflicting corrections, and frustration — for both agency staff and applicants. But there is another way: electronic plan review is transforming how local jurisdictions store and manage data and collaborate, removing silos that have historically plagued the plan review and permitting processes.  

Traditional Plan Review Methods are Wrought with Silos 

Whether conducted on paper or through a patchwork of digital methods — like PDF readers, email, and file sharing software — plan review has historically created silos of information between departments.  

As Tyson Florence, Senior Director of Sales Engineering, explained, “Even if concurrent reviews are happening, departments review in isolation, with no visibility into what other departments are doing,” he said. “For example, if I'm doing an electrical review, I have no idea what's going on in mechanical or plumbing, or zoning, or engineering.” 

This lack of visibility creates real problems for both reviewers and applicants. “A common challenge that occurs is when a reviewer requests a change that not only impacts their particular review, but the other departments as well — yet the reviewers in other departments have no idea,” Florence said.  

How Siloed Reviews Impact the Applicant Experience 

When departments work in silos, applicants often receive conflicting correction requests. “It's not a good experience for the applicant who now has to go back to the jurisdiction and say, ‘Wait a second, one review group told me to move this here, and another review group told me to move it there. What am I supposed to do?’” Florence said. 

This challenge becomes more pronounced in big jurisdictions, though it affects organizations of all sizes. “The larger the jurisdiction, the worse that is in my experience,” Florence said, explaining that the reviewing departments in these jurisdictions often function as their own individual agency.  

Conversely, smaller jurisdictions “tend to have fewer reviewers and communicate across departments, but silos still exist. Even in the smallest communities, the situation remains the same when there are multiple folks involved in reviewing,” he added.   

Removing Silos with Electronic Plan Review 

Electronic plan review software helps remove silos through several key features:

1. Centralized Document Management.

“The document management piece is really huge,” said Florence. “Whether you’re doing things on paper or taking a digital approach by using a combination of a PDF reader and email, there is no centralized place where everything is held,” he added. A central repository ensures all reviewers can access the same plans instantly, which eliminates time wasted searching for documents and — critically — ensures everyone works from the same version.

2. Real-Time Collaboration.

ePlan review solutions enable reviewers to see each other’s comments and corrections in real-time, which supports more aligned collaboration and prevents conflicting feedback for applicants. This visibility conferred by ePlan review breaks down silos and creates a more cohesive review process for reviewers and applicants. 

3. Data Integration and Analytics.

Modern ePlan review solutions integrate with permitting systems to capture valuable data throughout the review lifecycle. “Without a true plan review tool, you have a really difficult time capturing any data related to the review process,” Florence noted. Yet, as any local agency staff member will report, this information is commonly requested by City Council, or board members. Integration between the jurisdictions’ ePlan review solution and their permitting system allows jurisdictions to track metrics, improve processes, and report to stakeholders effectively. 

The Future of ePlan Review Promises to Further Break Down Silos 

Incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) into ePlan review software will break down silos even further and enhance efficiency in plan review. “AI is the next big thing for the sector. When we talk about plan review silos, it's all about efficiency. It's all about giving users time to do the most value-added things, and AI will only increase our ability to help jurisdictions do that,” Florence explained. 

By breaking down silos, electronic plan review creates a more connected, efficient government that better serves its community. This technology enables reviewers to focus on high-value tasks while ensuring applicants receive clear and concise feedback the first time. With a more streamlined plan review and permitting process, jurisdictions can improve turnaround times to better support its community’s residential and commercial projects.