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14Build Documentation

Project Visibility

Project Visibility

14Build supports project visibility settings that define who can access a project, its tenders, and its bids. This feature ensures that sensitive projects remain private while allowing open tenders for competitive bidding.

Types of Project Visibility

14Build supports two main visibility settings:

1. Public Projects

Definition:
Projects visible to all registered users, including contractors, suppliers, and consultants.

Key Features

  • Open Tenders:
    • Contractors can view and bid on all public tenders.
  • Automatic Notifications:
    • All relevant contractors receive notifications about public tenders.
  • Searchable Projects:
    • Projects appear in 14Build’s public project directory, allowing contractors to submit Requests to Supply (RTS).

Use Case Example

Scenario:

A client creates a public project called “City Library Renovation.” The client wants maximum bidding competition to secure the best contractor rates.

  • Visibility Setting: Public.
  • Result: Multiple contractors see the tender, submit bids, and compete transparently.

2. Private Projects

Definition:
Projects visible only to invited users (in-house team members, trusted contractors, and suppliers).

Key Features

  • Invite-Only Access:
    • Only users invited by the client can view the project and submit bids.
  • Controlled Bidding:
    • Request for Proposals (RFPs) are shared privately.
  • Sensitive Data Security:
    • Project details, SOQs, and tender submissions remain confidential.

Use Case Example

Scenario:

A government agency creates a confidential project called “National Data Center Construction.” Due to the sensitive nature of the project, they invite only pre-approved contractors.

  • Visibility Setting: Private.
  • Result: Only invited contractors can view tenders, submit bids, and manage payments.

How to Set Project Visibility

Step 1: Create or Select a Project

  • Navigate to the Project Dashboard.
  • Click “Create New Project” or select an existing project.

Step 2: Go to Project Settings

  • Open Project Settings.
  • Click the “Visibility Settings” tab.

Step 3: Choose a Visibility Option

  • Public Project:

    • Select “Public” to make the project visible to all registered users.

  • Private Project:

    • Select “Private” to restrict project access.

Step 4: Manage Invitations (For Private Projects)

  • Send Invitations:

    • Enter email addresses of contractors, suppliers, or team members.
    • Click “Send Invitations”.

  • Track Invitations:

    • View Pending, Accepted, and Declined invitations.

Project Visibility Flow Diagram

graph TD
A[Project Dashboard] --> B[Select Project]
B --> C[Go to Project Settings]
C --> D{Choose Visibility}
D --> |Public| E[Project Listed Publicly]
D --> |Private| F[Send Invitations]


F --> G[Invited Contractors Access Project]
E --> G

Best Practices for Setting Project Visibility

  1. Use Public Visibility for Competitive Bidding:

    • Open tenders increase competition and reduce costs.

  2. Use Private Visibility for Confidential Projects:

    • Protect sensitive projects by limiting access.

  3. Regularly Monitor Invitations:

    • Track who has accepted or declined invitations to avoid miscommunications.

  4. Switch Visibility as Needed:

    • Projects can switch from Private to Public or vice versa, based on project requirements.

Benefits of Project Visibility Settings

  1. Enhanced Security:

    • Restrict access to trusted users for sensitive projects.

  2. Wider Bidding Pool:

    • Attract more contractors by making projects public.

  3. Full Access Control:

    • The client controls who sees project data and tenders.

  4. Transparency and Fairness:

    • All actions are on-chain, ensuring fair competition.

Conclusion

Setting the right project visibility in 14Build helps balance competition, security, and access control. Whether running open tenders or private projects, these settings ensure the right users have access at the right time.

Next Up: Learn about the Project Lifecycle, covering the key stages of a project from creation to completion.

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### **Page Highlights**


1. **Visibility Types Explained**: Covers **Public** vs **Private** project settings.
2. **Detailed Steps**: Provides a clear, actionable guide for setting visibility.
3. **Use Case Scenarios**: Real-world examples show when to choose each visibility option.
4. **Flow Diagram**: Visualizes the visibility selection process.


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