Onboarding in AEC: A Hidden Project Delivery Risk

In the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry, onboarding isn’t just an HR function, it’s a project delivery risk. New hires often join during high-demand phases, and without the right training infrastructure, firms rely on tribal knowledge, scattered resources, or overextended managers to bring staff up to speed. The result? Costly delays, inconsistent quality, and frustrated teams.
But it doesn’t have to be that way.

The Real Cost of Inefficient Onboarding

AEC projects are deadline-driven. Every hour a new team member isn’t productive adds risk—missed milestones, quality issues, or rework. Traditional onboarding models fall short because they:

• Take too long to ramp up technical proficiency in tools like Revit, Civil 3D, and AutoCAD

• Lack customization based on role, region, or discipline

• Over-rely on internal experts to “teach as you go,” leading to lost productivity
  And when firms grow or adopt hybrid work models, these gaps widen even more.

A Better Approach: Just-in-Time, Role-Based Learning

With Pinnacle Series by Eagle Point Software, onboarding becomes a continuous, self-directed experience. It empowers new hires to get what they need, when they need it—without interrupting senior staff or slowing down project teams.

Key Features of Pinnacle Series:

• Role-based learning paths tailored for architects, engineers, designers, and BIM managers

• Searchable knowledge base to find answers instantly, directly within the tools they use

• Custom firm-specific content, so your onboarding reflects your standards—not just the software vendor’s
  The result? New hires are contributing faster and with greater confidence.

Use Case: Reducing Onboarding from Months to Weeks

Imagine a mid-sized architecture firm with 150 employees and multiple offices across Canada. With an influx of new hires, their BIM managers were spending hours each week manually onboarding staff—walking through Revit standards, CAD layer naming, and project filing procedures. Onboarding a new designer typically took 8–10 weeks of hands-on support and shadowing.

After implementing Pinnacle Series, the firm:

• Created role-specific learning paths for architects, interns, and technologists

• Uploaded internal standards and documentation into a centralized hub

• Encouraged self-guided training, reducing dependence on senior staff
  The result: Ramp-up time dropped by over 60%, new hires reached productivity faster, and BIM managers reclaimed time to focus on project coordination instead of repetitive training.

Final Thought: Your Next Project Depends on Better Onboarding

Your next hire is likely already working on a deadline. The right tools can make the difference between delay and delivery.

See How Fast Your Team Can Ramp Up – Book a Demo Today

Want to see how fast your team can ramp up with Pinnacle Series?