Request for Information (RFI) is a formal document used in construction to request clarification or additional details from another party—typically from subcontractors or field teams to architects, engineers, or owners. RFIs help resolve unclear project drawings, contract details, or on-site issues quickly. Raken now includes a powerful, built-in RFI tool designed to keep your projects on schedule, within budget, and free from misunderstandings.
Benefits of RFIs in Raken
Keep projects on target: Clear, documented communication prevents delays and costly errors related to time and money.
Industry need: Many teams lack an efficient way to create, send, receive, and track RFIs throughout a project’s lifecycle. Raken solves this with a seamless, mobile-friendly solution.
Key Features of RFIs in Raken
Create RFIs Anytime, Anywhere
Create RFIs from both web and mobile apps—perfect for field teams who spot issues on-site.
Include:
Title and detailed question
Due dates (default: 7 days from creation)
Attachments (photos, documents, marked-up plans, or forms)
Cost codes
Assignments (to internal team members or external contacts)
CCs for team members who need to stay informed
Potential impacts (cost changes, schedule delays, or plan changes)
Automatically send notifications and reminders (including overdue alerts).
Collaborate with Everyone—Inside or Outside Raken
Assign RFIs to internal Raken users or external contacts (e.g., architects, owners).
Guest Mode: External stakeholders receive a login-free experience via email link. They can view the RFI, add responses, and attach files without needing a Raken account.
Keeps all parties accountable with a clear, timestamped history.
Track and Organize RFIs Easily
Dedicated RFI tool within each project shows all RFIs (open and closed).
Company-level RFI view shows everything across projects.
Filter by project, status, manager, cost code, assignee, and more.
Chronological activity log shows every action, edit, markup, and view—with timestamps, user names, and companies.
Download PDF reports of the full RFI (including questions, responses, and attachments) or activity history.
Markup Plans Directly
Attach and markup project drawings/plans during RFI creation.
Option to save markups back to the original document in Raken’s document storage (or keep them RFI-only).
Marked-up plans link back to the RFI for easy reference.
How to Create an RFI On Web
Go to a project → RFI tool → Add RFI.
Enter title, originating company (yours or a subcontractor’s), RFI manager, cost codes, due date, and question.
Add attachments (documents, marked-up plans, forms, or uploads).
Assign to recipients and CC others.
Set reminder/overdue notifications.
Note potential cost, schedule, or plan impacts.
Save and add an optional initial comment before sending.
On Mobile
Open the project → tap + in RFIs.
Fill in title, due date, question, and cost codes.
Attach photos (take new ones on the spot), documents, or plans.
Assign and CC recipients.
Set notifications and impacts.
Review and save.
How to Respond to an RFI
Internal Users (Web/Mobile)
View assigned RFIs in the project or company RFI section.
Add response, attachments, and notify relevant parties.
External Users (Guest Mode)
Receive email notification with direct link.
View RFI and add response/attachments—no login required.
Reviewing and Managing RFIs
Access via Company > RFIs (all company RFIs) or Project > RFI tool (project-specific).
Use filters to find exactly what you need.
Options per RFI: View, edit, close, resend, share (via email to any address), download PDF, view history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Raken create an RFI log?
Yes—full status tracking, due dates, assignments, and a detailed activity history.
Can photos and documents be attached?
Yes—both creators and responders (internal or external) can attach photos, documents, and marked-up plans.
Can design teams collaborate on RFIs?
Yes—add them as contacts in your account directory and assign them. They’ll use guest mode to respond.
Can RFI responses be sent to subcontractors?
Yes—download the PDF report and share it, or use the share feature to email any address.
Can RFI responses/markups be linked to drawing sets in Raken?
Yes—markup existing plans from document storage. Markups can update the original file, and plans link back to the related RFI.
Can potential cost, schedule, or plan changes be tracked?
Yes—flag impacts during creation and enter estimated cost or day values when applicable.Raken’s new RFI tool brings clarity, accountability, and efficiency to project communication—helping you resolve issues faster and keep every job running smoothly.
More Questions?
Feel free to email us or call us at +1 866-438-0646.
We're always glad to answer your questions!