Construction information provider Reed Construction Data this week announced the launch of SmartBuilding Index (SBI), an integrated and search engine optimized web directory geared toward the architecture, engineering and construction community.
SBI's tools enable users to research building and construction products and services. They can search for specific products and manufacturers. Included on the platform are more than 430,000 case studies from Reed's archives of construction project leads (RCD community members can contribute or modify content related to each project through wikis. There are also product overviews in which companies can align themselves with specific product types and manufacturers can post technical specifications, catalogs, BIM objects and case studies.
Pages for every product type represented by a MasterFormat 2004 code are also available. They include a wiki, a sponsored product spotlight, manufacturers of the product type and current news about the product type. Companies can take advantage of free basic listings that include a brief overview of their products or services, catalogs, case studies, white papers and product offerings. The platform also includes geographic pages that contain building codes, project case studies, regional news and sample project leads.
RCD is known for providing its customers with solutions that solve their information needs and put that information right at their fingertips. RBI solutions typically contain a wealth of content in a variety of formats. SBI appears to be no different, as it fits the mold of a one-stop shop for architecture, engineering and construction professionals.
RCD's intent is for these individuals to rely on this new platform for all of their research needs. At launch, it looks like SBI will be able to deliver. Additional content and functionality that will undoubtedly be added over time will only add to the platform's value.