User Types

User Types in 14Build

14Build uses a flexible user management system that supports different user types based on their role in construction projects. The system is designed to accommodate project owners, in-house team members, and external bidders while maintaining clear permission boundaries.

Core User Types

1. Project Owner (Client)

Definition:

Project Owners are the primary clients who initiate and fund construction projects. They have full control over their projects and can manage all aspects of project execution.

Core Features:

Project Creation: Create and manage construction projects
Team Management: Invite and manage in-house users with specific permissions
Tender Management: Create RFPs and manage the bidding process
Financial Control: Manage budgets, payments, and financial approvals
Full Project Access: Complete control over all project aspects

Permissions:

✅ Create, edit, and delete projects
✅ Invite and manage in-house users
✅ Create and manage tenders (RFPs)
✅ Award contracts and manage bids
✅ Manage project finances and payments
✅ Access all project data and reports

Use Case Example:

A property developer creates a residential complex project, invites their project manager and engineers as in-house users, and manages the entire project lifecycle from planning to completion.

2. In-House User

Definition:

In-House Users are team members who work directly for the Project Owner. They are assigned specific roles and permissions based on their responsibilities within the project.

Core Features:

Role-Based Access: Assigned specific permissions by the Project Owner
Project Collaboration: Work on assigned projects with defined permissions
Task Management: Handle specific tasks based on their role
Limited Administrative Access: Cannot perform certain administrative actions

Common Roles:

Project Manager: Manage project timelines, budgets, and team coordination
Site Engineer: Oversee on-site construction and quality control
Finance Manager: Handle project finances and payment approvals
Designer/Architect: Manage design aspects and technical specifications

Permission Examples:

✅ Create and manage SOQs (if permitted)
✅ Create tenders (if permitted)
✅ Award bids (if permitted)
❌ Delete projects
❌ Invite new users (unless specifically allowed)
❌ Access financial data (unless in finance role)

Use Case Example:

A Project Owner invites their project manager with permissions to create tenders and award bids, but restricts their ability to delete projects or invite new users.

3. Bidder (External User)

Definition:

Bidders are external contractors, suppliers, or service providers who can participate in tenders and submit bids for project work. They can also be Project Owners on other projects.

Core Features:

Tender Participation: View and respond to public tenders
Bid Submission: Submit detailed bids with cost breakdowns
Project Owner Capability: Can also be Project Owners on their own projects
Profile Management: Maintain their company profile and credentials

Permissions:

✅ View public tenders
✅ Submit bids and proposals
✅ Manage their own company profile
✅ Create their own projects (as Project Owner)
❌ Access other companies’ internal project data
❌ Manage other companies’ users

Use Case Example:

A contractor participates in multiple tenders as a Bidder while also managing their own construction projects as a Project Owner.

User Categories and Filtering

User Categories

Users can be categorized for better organization and filtering:

Category Types:

Contractors: General construction contractors
Specialists: Specialized trades (electrical, plumbing, HVAC)
Suppliers: Material and equipment suppliers
Consultants: Design, engineering, and project management consultants
Developers: Property developers and real estate companies

Category Management:

Project Owner Control: Project Owners can create and manage categories
Flexible Assignment: Users can be assigned to multiple categories
Filtering: Filter users by category for targeted invitations

Entity Management

Company/Organization: Users belong to specific entities
Multi-Entity Support: Users can work across multiple entities
Entity-Based Permissions: Permissions can be entity-specific

Permission System

Granular Permissions

The system supports fine-grained permission control:

Project Management Permissions:

Create Projects: Ability to create new projects
Edit Projects: Modify existing project details
Delete Projects: Remove projects from the system
View Projects: Access project information

Tender Management Permissions:

Create RFPs: Create new request for proposals
Manage Tenders: Edit and manage existing tenders
Award Bids: Select winning bids and award contracts
View Bids: Access bid information

User Management Permissions:

Invite Users: Send invitations to new users
Manage Roles: Assign and modify user roles
View Users: Access user information
Delete Users: Remove users from the system

Financial Permissions:

Manage Budgets: Control project budgets
Approve Payments: Authorize payment releases
View Financial Data: Access financial reports
Create Invoices: Generate invoices

User Management Workflow

1. Project Owner Setup

Register: Create account as Project Owner
Create Project: Set up new construction project
Invite Team: Invite in-house users with specific roles
Set Permissions: Configure granular permissions for each user

2. In-House User Onboarding

Receive Invitation: Get email invitation from Project Owner
Accept Invitation: Complete registration process
Role Assignment: Receive specific role and permissions
Project Access: Access assigned projects and features

3. Bidder Participation

Browse Tenders: View available public tenders
Submit Bids: Create and submit detailed proposals
Track Status: Monitor bid status and outcomes
Manage Profile: Maintain company information and credentials

Best Practices for User Management

For Project Owners:

Start with Core Team: Invite essential team members first
Use Granular Permissions: Assign specific permissions based on needs
Regular Review: Periodically review user access and permissions
Category Organization: Use categories to organize external contacts

For In-House Users:

Clear Role Definition: Ensure roles and responsibilities are clearly defined
Permission Alignment: Align permissions with actual job requirements
Training: Provide training on platform features and workflows
Communication: Maintain clear communication channels

For Bidders:

Complete Profile: Maintain up-to-date company information
Track Opportunities: Monitor relevant tender opportunities
Quality Bids: Submit detailed and competitive proposals
Professional Communication: Maintain professional relationships

User Type Comparison Table

Feature	Project Owner	In-House User	Bidder
Primary Role	Project initiation and control	Project execution and management	Service provision and bidding
Project Access	Full access to own projects	Limited access based on permissions	Access to public tenders only
User Management	Can invite and manage team members	Limited user management capabilities	No user management capabilities
Tender Management	Create and manage RFPs	Create RFPs (if permitted)	Submit bids and proposals
Financial Control	Full financial control	Limited financial access	No financial control over others
Data Access	Access to all project data	Access based on role permissions	Access to public tender data only

Conclusion

The 14Build user management system provides a flexible and secure framework for managing construction projects. By clearly defining user types and implementing granular permissions, the platform ensures that each user has appropriate access while maintaining project security and control.

Next Up: Learn about User Management Flows and how to effectively manage users and permissions in your projects.