'As-Built' Drawings Tutorial

8/24/2019 'As-Built' Drawings Tutorial
IPVM Member Login ×

Login
Password
Remember Me
Forgot your password? | Join now

Close Login
Home About Articles Members Tests Courses Tools
AI Tester BestMatch Calculator Chat Comparison Camera Finder F-Stop Integrator Finder News Spider Quizzes
Discussions Login
☰
Search
About
Articles
Access Control (853) Acquisition (180) ASIS (190) Audio (181) Awards (35) Bandwidth (404) Cabling (152)
China (417) Consumer (140) Criticism (209) Directory (99) Distributors (116) Edge Storage (50) Encoder (103)
End Users (144) Failure (116) Financials (102) Financial Updates (128) Funding (146) GDPR (43) Guide (305)
Hacking (142) HD Analog (147) Help Request (329) Humor (11) Installation (385) Integrators (824) Intrusion
(269) IR (539) Lawsuits (50) Legal (104) Lenses (114) Locks (159) Low Cost (181) Low Light (398) LPR (127)
Marketing (453) Monitoring (467) Monitors (70) Networking (142) ONVIF (470) Panoramic (161) Police (233)
Power (540) PPF (141) Privacy (107) Profile (220) PSIM (127) PTZs (107) Retail (121) RFP (62) Robot (66)
Sales (834) Standards (159) Startup (229) Statistics (359) Storage (606) Thermal (143) Tools (139) Trade
Magazine (34) Trade Show (92) Tutorials (209) Video Analytics (427) VMS (1480) VSaaS (143) WDR (296)
Wireless (436)
Members
Tests
Courses
Calculator
https://ipvm.com/reports/creating-asbuilt-drawings 1/12
Tools
AI Tester BestMatch Calculator Chat Comparison Camera Finder F-Stop Integrator Finder News Spider Quizzes
Discussions
Login
Search
'As-Built' Drawings Tutorial

By: Brian Rhodes, Published on Mar 20, 2018
Closeout documentation can be invaluable for future expansions or maintenance work, and 'as-built' drawings
are a key aspect for finishing projects right.
The basic purpose of 'As-Builts' is to document how work is installed versus how it was initially planned. Even
small changes can result in big confusion and wasted money later when it comes time to work on or maintain the
system. As-built drawings are the main way these problems are avoided.
In this note, we look at these crucial points for creating and managing as-builts:
Why 'As-Builts' Are Needed For Security

Which Drawings To Use For Markups and As-Built Notes
Do Not Wait Until Project End To Do As-Builts
What Information Should Be Included
Software Options For Making 'As-Builts'
'As-Builts' Defined
According to the American Institute of Architects (AIA), project closeout should include at least one set of
drawings handed off to the owner that show "in red ink, on-site changes to the original construction documents."
In most cases, these markups are done by hand, but may be done on CAD systems or software.
For security installers, these notes reflect changes to a 'paper design' in how the have been actually installed,
reflecting both major and minor deviations from the concept design. Details like alternate camera models used,
or mounting relocations, or adding missing information like cable paths are typical examples of what is
included:
Indeed, they might not be the 'final' set of drawings created on a job, but the information they reflect is the work
in final configuration.
As-Builts Are Not Record Drawings
Contractor developed 'As-Builts' should not be confused with 'Record Drawings' created by the architect or
engineer.
Get Notified of Video Surveillance Breaking News
Enter Your Email Sign Up
Get Notified of Video Surveillance Breaking News
Enter Your Email Sign Up
Record or 'Archive' Drawings often include the information gathered on As-Builts, and are the final set of
formally developed prints fully signed and stamped by the project engineer. This set is not always mandatory
and created, but in general, formal architectural services create these as one of the last tasks of a building
project. When available, these prints are typically formally stored and revision management is tightly
controlled, often by central engineering or physical maintenance groups.
If such repositories exist for a facility, integrators and installers should check these groups first for current plan
sets and guidelines how to submit revisions based on new work.
However, because Record Drawings are optional and often non-existent, the more informal 'As-Built' drawings
bridge the potential gap created between the final set of design plans and construction activity, and fall to the
security installer to develop and even maintain for a customer.
Use Existing Prints To Collect Markups
When requested, a set of '100% design plans' for new construction projects are usually available to the installer
to be physically marked on with red ink, or otherwise electronically saved as 'markup prints' for CAD files.
The documents are not always given away freely, and may cost a fee to print or license, especially for large
projects or large enterprises with expansive facilities. The exact details, potential costs, and access requirements
are generally defined in bid packets or by construction managers.
However, during the course of project execution, this set of drawings becomes one of the most valuable
deliverables and should be safely secured when not being used. In many cases, the marks and notes they record
are coarse and scribbled into margins:
Integrators should take care to make all notes and marks legible and technically complete, even if written in
haste. Many large installers appoint one person as 'caretaker of the as-builts' during project execution, and only
that individual is allowed to make notes on the official set of plans.
Pictures And Images Helpful Too
As-Builts can include more than just floorplans. Indeed, using marked up picture or images can also be very
useful for identifying the actual appearance and location of system devices that might otherwise be hard to
clarify in CAD files or electronic notes alone.
For example, using the Camera Calculator to draw lines and notes over satellite image tiles can be valuable:
Even simple snapshots notated clearly can be included in as-built files, like these examples showing a buried
location of cable access points near buildings:
Work As You Go
A common mistake integrators make when creating as-builts is waiting until the end of a project before starting
markups. Rather, drawing these plans should be a habit as installation work is actually executed and part of daily
activity.
Not only is the information more granular and accurate compared to remembering details at the end of a project,
but doubling back and potentially visiting the same areas twice with ladders and flashlights just to document
basics like cable runs or switch numbers is wasteful.
Installers and project managers should always be mindful of developing As-Builts, from the very start of a
project. The drawings that are turned over to the owners will have better information, but the process serves as a
'last check' of sorts to establish work indeed is executed to plan.
What Details to Include
The checklist of good information to include on As-Builts is broadly defined since inevitable deviations from
design plans cannot be easily predicted. However, the general purpose of As-Builts is to reconcile the way
systems are designed versus how they are actually installed. Any deviation or difference from the last concept
plan, or any missing detail, should be added to As-Builts.
The guidelines below offer good practical scope for surveillance installation work:
Be Specific: When plans describe a range of eligible equipment options or specify 'or equal', As-Builts
should mark those out and include the actual make / model / types of equipment physically installed.
Be Exact: Document the actual locations of cameras, servers, switches, cable runs, especially if it deviates
from the original plan. The goal is documenting locations to inches, not feet.
Be Obvious: If any obstructions or undocumented kinks made an issue, clearly describe them in notes and
callouts. Hidden difficulties should not remain hidden. Any items like firewall penetrations or special
installation tools needed for parts of the system should be plainly noted. If conduit previously thought to
be empty is discovered to be full, or 'dark fiber' is found to be in production use, it should be explicitly
documented.
Be Accurate: If equipment was added or deleted, make this clear in schedules or callouts. If riser diagrams
need to be updated to reflect changes to connections, update them accordingly.
Be Deliberate: Do not leave important details to be assumed moving forward. For example, include
contact information for those who signed off or accepted the project. If an AHJ impacted the plans as
initial designed, that event should be documented. What may be a given at the point of installation should
not become guesswork down the road.
As-Built Apps and Software

Many programs can make creating As-Builts easier, even for non-engineers or draftsmen. Some common
drawing and markup platforms IPVM has reviewed (including details like markup functions, cost, and overall
complexity) include:
AutoCAD 360
AutoCAD for Surveillance
Bluebeam Revu
Visio For Video Surveillance Design
The approved formats and apps used may be dictated by project documents and may be subject to compatibility
with applications being used for Project Management.
[Note: This guide was originally published in 2014, but substantially expanded and updated in 2018.]
2 reports cite this report:
Project Documentation Forms & Work Order Tutorial on Jan 07, 2019
This form may be one of the most important tools integrators ever have doing install and service work. Inside we
provide a sample template form,...
AutoCAD for Surveillance on Sep 24, 2012

While the construction industry made the transition to computer aided design software years ago, many in
security have yet to do so. Perhaps...
Comments (3) : PRO Members only. Login. or Join.
Related Reports
Security Integrators Outlook On Remaining Integrators In 2025 on Aug 22, 2019

The industry has changed substantially in the last decade, with the rise of IP cameras and the race to the bottom.
Indeed, more changes may be...
ZK Teco Atlas Access Control Tested on Aug 20, 2019

Who needs access specialists? China-based ZKTeco claims its newest access panel 'makes it very easy for
anyone to learn and install access control...
Installation Course - Register Now on Aug 15, 2019

Register Now for the September 2019 Video Surveillance Install Course. This is a unique installation course in a
market where little practical...
Biometrics Usage Statistics 2019 on Aug 13, 2019

Biometrics are commonly used in phones, but how frequently are they used for access? 150+ integrators told us
how often they use biometrics,...
US Government Ban of Dahua, Hikvision, Huawei Takes Effect Now on Aug 13, 2019
The 'prohibition on use or procurement' of Dahua, Hikvision and Huawei products and 'essential components'
take effect today, August 13, 2019, one...
Proactive CCTV "Only Affordable Video Archiving Solution" Profile on Aug 12, 2019
Proactive CCTV is claiming to offer "the only affordable video archiving solution on the market", reducing the
storage typically required for H.265...
Milestone "GDPR-ready" Certification Claim Critiqued on Aug 12, 2019

Milestone is touting that its latest XProtect VMS is "GDPR-ready" with a 'European Privacy Seal'. However, our
investigation raises significant...
Hikvision 4K Camera Shootout on Aug 02, 2019

With their latest Smart Series 5 cameras, Hikvision is claiming cameras "fully loaded" with "state-of-the-art
technology for high performance and...
Responsibility Split Selecting Locks - Statistics on Jul 22, 2019

A heated access debate surrounds who should pick and install the locks. While responsible for selecting the
control systems, integrators often...
Mobile Access Usage Statistics 2019 on Jul 18, 2019

The ability to use mobile phones as access credentials is one of the biggest trends in a market that historically
has been slow in adopting new...
Most Recent Industry Reports
TMA Apologizes to Amazon / Ring on Aug 23, 2019

Not only is Amazon / Ring making major incursions into the residential security market, the organization
representing the biggest incumbents, The...
China Dahua Replaces Their Software With US Pepper on Aug 22, 2019
What does a US government banned company do to improve its security positioning in the US? Well, Dahua is
unveiling a novel solution, partnering...
Security Integrators Outlook On Remaining Integrators In 2025 on Aug 22, 2019

The industry has changed substantially in the last decade, with the rise of IP cameras and the race to the bottom.
Indeed, more changes may be...
First GDPR Facial Recognition Fine For Sweden School on Aug 22, 2019
A school in Sweden has been fined $20,000 for using facial recognition to keep attendance in what is Sweden's
first GDPR fine. Notably, the fine is...
Anyvision Facial Recognition Tested on Aug 21, 2019

Anyvision is aiming for $1 billion in revenue by 2022, backed by $74 million in funding. But does their
performance live up to the hype they have...
JCI Sues Wyze on Aug 21, 2019

The mega manufacturer / integrator JCI has sued the fast-growing $20 camera Seattle startup Wyze. Inside this
note: Share the court...
Dahua 4K Camera Shootout on Aug 20, 2019

Dahua's new Pro Series 4K N85CL5Z claims to "deliver superior images in all lighting and environmental
conditions", but how does this compare to...
ZK Teco Atlas Access Control Tested on Aug 20, 2019

Who needs access specialists? China-based ZKTeco claims its newest access panel 'makes it very easy for
anyone to learn and install access control...
Uniview Beats Intel In Trademark Lawsuit on Aug 19, 2019

Uniview has won a long-running trademark lawsuit brought by Intel, with Beijing's highest court reversing an
earlier Intel win, centered on...
Suprema Biometric Mass Leak Examined on Aug 19, 2019

While Suprema is rarely discussed even within the physical security market, the South Korean biometrics
manufacturer made global news this past...
The world's leading video surveillance information source, IPVM provides the best reporting, testing and
training for 10,000+ members globally. Dedicated to independent and objective information, we uniquely refuse
any and all advertisements, sponsorship and consulting from manufacturers.
About | FAQ | Contact
Member Login
Login
Password
Login
Remember Me
Forgot your password? | Join now
The world's leading video surveillance information source, IPVM provides the best reporting, testing and
training for 10,000+ members globally. Dedicated to independent and objective information, we uniquely refuse
any and all advertisements, sponsorship and consulting from manufacturers.
Top Resources
About FAQ Favorite Products

Contact Tests Worst Products
Calculator Camera Finder Privacy Policy
Newsletter
Subscribe to the IPVM newsletter and receive the 2019 IP Camera Book.
Email Address Submit

&#39;As-Built&#39; Drawings Tutorial

Caricato da

Informazioni sul documento

Descrizione originale:

Copyright

Formati disponibili

Condividi questo documento

Condividi o incorpora il documento

Opzioni di condivisione

Hai trovato utile questo documento?

Questo contenuto è inappropriato?

Copyright:

Formati disponibili

&#39;As-Built&#39; Drawings Tutorial

Caricato da

Copyright:

Formati disponibili

8/24/2019 'As-Built' Drawings Tutorial

IPVM Member Login ×

Forgot your password? | Join now