How Did ConTech Company Document Crunch Win the Same LLM Award as OpenAI?
By Trent Miskelly
We’re proud to announce that AI Breakthrough named Document Crunch the winner of the 2024 AI Breakthrough Award in the Large Language Model (LLM) category. We’re the only construction solution to be recognized, but most notably, we’re honored to win the same award that OpenAI won in 2023. We talked to COO Trent Miskelly about the award and what people need to know about the AI behind Document Crunch’s powerful contract compliance platform.
Q: Following in the footsteps of OpenAI and winning the same award the following year is a significant achievement. How does it feel to be recognized in this way?
We're honored to receive the 2024 AI Breakthrough Award in the Large Language Model (LLM) category. It's particularly exciting considering OpenAI received this award in 2023. It's important to clarify, though, that we're not a large language model ourselves—we're an application that leverages these powerful models. We build upon state-of-the-art LLMs like OpenAI's GPT and Anthropic's Claude, combining them with our own custom, construction-specific models and proprietary RAG architecture. This award recognizes our unique approach: using advanced AI to solve real-world construction challenges. We're not just applying general AI to construction. We're creating specialized tools that understand the nuances of construction contracts, contract compliances, and project management. This recognition underscores our commitment to pushing the boundaries of what's possible in construction technology, always with the goal of delivering more value to our customers and helping ensure more successful project outcomes.
Q: For those who aren’t familiar, what is an LLM?
An LLM, or Large Language Model, is a type of artificial intelligence that's designed to understand and generate human-like text. Think of it as a highly advanced language processing system that can interpret complex information and communicate in a way that feels natural to us.
In the construction world, LLMs are game-changers. They can quickly analyze vast amounts of text – like lengthy contracts or project specifications – and extract key information. They can answer questions, summarize documents, and even help draft responses to complex situations.
But here's the important part: LLMs aren't just glorified search engines. They can understand context, make connections between different pieces of information, and even generate new ideas based on what they've learned. This makes them incredibly powerful tools for tasks like risk assessment, contract analysis, and project planning.
At Document Crunch, we use LLMs as part of our AI toolkit. We combine these powerful language models with our deep construction industry knowledge to create tools that don't just process information, but truly understand the nuances of construction contracts and project management.
Remember, though, that while LLMs are incredibly powerful, they're most effective when guided by human expertise. In construction, they're not replacing seasoned professionals – they're augmenting their capabilities, helping them work smarter and more efficiently.
Q: A lot of companies are rushing to add "AI" on top of their existing products. How is Document Crunch different?
Document Crunch isn't just riding the AI wave. We were in the game long before the recent LLM boom. We built our AI foundation to tackle a specific challenge: identifying critical risks in construction contracts with high accuracy. This deep, industry-specific knowledge allows us to do more than just wrap a chatbot around existing products. We're leveraging state-of-the-art language models to translate complex contract knowledge into practical tools for legal and risk managers, operations leaders, and project teams. Imagine having a 24/7 contract expert in your browser or in your pocket, armed with both cutting-edge AI and years of construction industry wisdom. That's what we're delivering. But we're not stopping there. We're pushing into new territories, automating compliance monitoring, and prompting teams to act when critical events occur on their projects. At Document Crunch, AI isn't a buzzword—it's the backbone of tools designed to make a real difference in how construction projects are managed and executed.
Q: What makes Document Crunch's AI technology better than the rest?
At Document Crunch, we've built a powerful AI engine that speaks the language of construction. We're not just using off-the-shelf AI – we've developed purpose-built models that can spot key contract concepts with remarkable accuracy. We're also tapping into the latest large language models from industry leaders like OpenAI and Anthropic. But here's where it gets interesting: we've created a custom AI orchestration system that combines these advanced models with our construction-specific knowledge. Think of it as a super-smart construction brain that can generate contract summaries, create project team playbooks, and even automate compliance tasks. What sets us apart is our ability to provide high-quality, fact-based results that are directly tied to your source documents. It's like having an AI assistant that not only gives you answers but shows its work—allowing you to trust the information while still verifying its accuracy.
Q: Right now, you ask an AI tool a question, and you get an answer. Talk about the future, where AI will give you follow-up information you didn't even think to ask. How do you see Document Crunch and the construction industry in this future?
The future of AI in construction is incredibly exciting. We're moving from a question-and-answer model to one where AI becomes a proactive partner in project management and compliance. Soon, AI won't just answer your questions—it'll anticipate your needs. Imagine an AI that flags potential compliance issues before they become problems or one that suggests contract modifications based on your project's unique risks. At Document Crunch, we're at the forefront of this evolution. We're developing systems that don't just provide information but offer guidance on the next best action. This guidance isn't generic. It's tailored to your specific situation, incorporating both industry best practices and your company's data.
The ultimate goal? Automating contract compliance. We're working toward a future where routine compliance tasks, which create a lot of risk with human error, are handled automatically, freeing up your team to focus on what really matters—delivering successful projects.
Q: With all the AI noise out there, what should someone look for when choosing an AI tool?
When evaluating AI tools for construction, it's crucial to cut through the hype. Nate Fuller from Placer Solutions outlined some essential questions, which we believe are spot-on:
"What can your AI product do that ChatGPT can't?" For Document Crunch, it's our deep understanding of construction contracts and risks, something a general-purpose AI simply can't match.
"What is the AI expertise of executives at your company?" Our team combines AI expertise with decades of construction industry experience. Our founders are outstanding construction attorneys who have been leaders in our industry for decades. We have in-house subject matter expertise with years of hands-on experience in construction.
"How focused is your AI on construction problems exclusively?" We're 100% focused on solving construction-specific challenges, particularly in contract management and compliance.
"How is my data handled and treated?" At Document Crunch, we take data security seriously. We're SOC 2 Type II compliant, ensuring your sensitive contract information is protected to the highest standards.
Remember, the best AI tool for construction isn't just technically impressive. It needs to understand the unique challenges of our industry.
Q: Speaking of data security, what’s your advice to those who are concerned about sharing sensitive or confidential information with AI tools?
We understand that construction contracts contain sensitive information, and data security is a top priority for us at Document Crunch.
First and foremost, we want to assure you that we've invested heavily in data protection. Our SOC 2 Type II compliance demonstrates our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of data security and privacy. But beyond certifications, here's what you need to know:
Consider Document Crunch a "trust layer" between your data and other large language models. We ensure your confidential information is never used to train other large language models.
We employ strict access controls and encryption to protect your data.
Our AI is designed to work within your existing data ecosystem, minimizing the need to move sensitive information.
Remember, the goal of AI in construction isn't to replace human judgment, especially when it comes to sensitive matters. It's about giving you better insights and more efficient processes while keeping your data secure.
Q: One of Document Crunch’s most powerful AI tools is its Chat feature, allowing users to literally ask their contracts and construction documents any question at any time. As a bonus tip, tell us the best way to structure a prompt to get the best answer.
When it comes to getting the most out of AI in construction, remember you're the expert in your field. The AI is there to amplify your knowledge, not replace it. Here are some tips for effective prompting:
Be specific: Don't ask, "What does the contract say about delays?" Instead try, "What are my notice requirements for weather-related delays?"
Provide context: Try something like, "I'm a project manager on a hospital renovation. How should I approach change order requests for unforeseen conditions?"
Ask for comparisons: For example, "Compare the indemnification clauses in the owner agreement and our subcontract agreement."
Request step-by-step guidance: For example, "Walk me through the process of filing a claim for additional costs due to material price escalation."
Keep in mind, the goal is to combine your construction expertise with the AI's analytical and reasoning capabilities. Don't be afraid to refine your questions based on the initial responses. It's a collaborative process.
Read more about the AI Breakthrough Award here.