Real-world document collaboration

Today's digital world stretches beyond the offices, cities, or even countries. Proposals, contracts, and collaborative projects happen seamlessly via email, the cloud, and direct electronic transfer. However, every step of the way, there are opportunities for miscommunication and bottlenecks in these systems. Acrobat provides clear, direct ways to communicate and collaborate that work to eliminate many of these pitfalls.

Closing the deal

A property manager for a local industrial real estate company manages more than 40 individual properties. Each day, her company communicates with potential clients on things like floor plans, square footage, and lease terms. Typically, these are handled through a flurry of emails back-and-forth. There are several iterations of a single contract attached to an email thread and sent between the manager, the client, and other interested parties. This process can take weeks to close a deal. 

By utilizing Acrobat, property managers can streamline their closing process by:

• Making Comments on a single PDF that is stored in the Document Cloud
• Avoiding confusion on floor plan changes by providing feedback directly on the blueprint with Markup tools.
• Allowing audio comments using the Record Audio tool within the PDF — because sometimes it’s easier to hear a change request than it is to read a note.
• Close contracts faster with Send for Review automatic notification
• Utilize document Audit Reports to refer back to past change requests

Ultimate collaboration

An advertising agency’s workflow can be cumbersome. Typical agencies assign team responsibilities, develop storyboards, draft content, and provide final presentations for the client. This process also involves feedback from senior designers, campaign managers, and, ultimately, the client. Keeping track of drafts, change requests, timelines, and final sign-off by the client is usually a task all on its own.

Advertising agencies can effectively manage the creative development process by:

• Providing drafts uploaded to the Document Cloud.
• Using familiar Comment and Markup tools to give clear direction on draft artwork.
• Use an @mention to ping specific team members, reducing the number of meetings needed along the way.
• Provide read-only or low-resolution proof options without losing document control.
• Provide electronic signatures for approvals to streamline the creative process and meet tight deadlines.

Effective communication

For freelancers, communicating effectively with the client can turn into an all-consuming task that leads to scope creep, miscommunication, and valuable time wasted. Presenting the final artwork for approval can be a tricky process. How effectively you communicate has a direct impact on your project’s bottom line. Providing drafts and final artwork before the final invoice can be a delicate dance. 

Freelancers can navigate the design process with confidence by:

• Creating Send for Review contract agreements
• Sending compressed files for quick download regardless of device
• Controlling permission levels for document access and printing
• Sending an anonymous or public link for document signature
• Requesting e-signatures from multiple people for final approval

Use Acrobat to reduce errors, increase productivity, and provide a level of confidence for the document creator and receiver. Leverage the tools effectively in your day-to-day workflow to simplify your digital communication process without having to download extra software or fight steep learning curves with unfamiliar tools.