Reprographics 101

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  • MySmartPlans – technology/software (developed by a reprographer) that enables "less printing"

    We’ve recently posted articles on this blog about “Paperless” Construction and other articles that highlight an interest on the part of firms in the A/E/C Industry to reduce printing costs. This post is about a “reprographer” (Marathon Digital) who actually promotes “less printing. “ Imagine that.

    Since I’m a member of the “IRGA” group on Linkedin, I automatically received, this morning, an e-mail alerting me to a new post in that group. After I clicked on the link, I saw that it was an advertisement, posted by Tim Harrison, for “MySmartPlans.” I guess Tim’s involved in selling MySmartPlans for Marathon Digital Services. Marathon is both a reprographics company and a technology company. Marathon is based in Kansas City, MO. The first time I heard about MySmartPlans, which was several years ago, was from Kevin Rowe. I think most reprographers know Kevin. “Historically” (not to be confused with “hysterically”) Kevin was in management with Western Blue for many years (Western is now an ARC-owned company.) While at Western Blue, Kevin founded the U.S. Reprographics Network. He continued U.S. Repro Network after he left Western Blue. It was my understanding that Kevin has something to do with Marathon Digital, but maybe I’m wrong about that.

    Here’s what I found on Linkedin (this was posted by Tim Harrison of MySmartPlans):

    “Are you looking to increase revenues with no upfront investment?

    “Are you looking to increase print revenue and create new streams of income with no upfront investment? Join us for a free webinar to learn more. See why other reprographers are jump starting their business. Register at https://www.mysmartplans.com/news.htm.”

    So, I did some further reading about MySmartPlans, basically, the information found on MySmartPlans’ web-site:

    Here’s the “About Us” information:

    About MySmartPlans: MySmartPlans is a project information management tool with revolutionary capabilities to coordinate planning, scheduling and accelerate every step of the construction lifecycle, for every member of the construction team. The MySmartPlans program is a secure desktop application that provides a single virtual archive for all project documentation, from all participants into a single collaborative virtual workroom – tracking changes, verifying requirements and keeping plans up to date. By reducing the need for printing, MySmartPlans support green building efforts. At the conclusion of the project, MySmartPlans produces detailed, comprehensive and organized record of the project history – a digital closeout archive. For more information, see http://www.mysmartplans.com.

    And, here’s what MySmartPlans said (in a couple of different press releases) about a couple of projects that committed to the use of MySmartPlans

    Children’s Mercy Hospital project:

    The projects are designed by HMN Architects Inc., based in Overland Park, KS. HMN Architects, with Children’s Mercy Hospital, selected MySmartPlans for its document control, submittal exchange management and “green” capabilities – giving the project team access to current documents without printing paper copies. “We are so excited to be a part of the team supporting HMN and Children’s Mercy Hospital on this critical addition,” said Shelley Armato, president of Marathon Digital Services. HMN Architects noted that MySmartPlans will allow it to avoid printing multiple sets of documents, such as the 400-plus page plans for the east patient tower. MySmartPlans provides a central point for all bidders, consultants, field support, assuring the HMN Architects team that all are working from the most current documents.

    Sequoia Hospital project:

    Marathon Digital Services announces that its flagship project information management service, MySmartPlans, has been selected to support the expansion and remodeling of the Sequoia Hospital in Redwood City, CA. The Sequoia Hospital, operated by Catholic Healthcare West, is developing a new four-story, 148,000- square-foot, 104-bed pavilion. The new facility will house medical and surgical services and an advanced cardiovascular center, a central utility plant and mechanical yard. The project also includes seismic upgrades to the existing hospital, a dining/kitchen addition and remodel to the existing hospital. “We are delighted to support Sequoia Hospital on the development of this advanced healthcare facility,” said Shelley Armato, president of Marathon Digital Services. Hunt Construction Group is the general contractor for the project, designed by Moon Mayoras Architects. The project is set to begin construction in May 2010 with an anticipated completion date of December 2012.

  • Quarterly Index of A/E/C reprographer sales revenues from "plans printed on paper" (Q4 2010 update)

    This is the 4th quarter 2010 update to the index of the U.S.A. A/E/C reprographics industry’s sales revenues of “plans-printed-on-paper”.

    The A/E/C Repro PPoP Index …..

    This index does not attempt to track “total sales” of A/E/C reprographers. It attempts to track only sales of “plans printed on paper,” which, traditionally and even nowadays, is the core (main) revenue generator for all A/E/C reprographers.

    And, by “plans printed on paper”, I mean A/E/C “plans”, large-format, b/w and color, unbound or bound, full-size, half-size, whatever l/f size.

    There will be a recovery in the A/E/C industry and thereby in the A/E/C reprographics industry. However, some are saying that even though there will be a recovery in the A/E/C industry, the recovery of sales revenues from “plans printed on paper” may not mirror the A/E/C industry’s recovery, since some are expecting (I guess I should say, some are saying) that revenues from printing plans on paper are being negatively impacted by customers distributing CD’s (or files) instead of distributing “hard copy” plans.

    For this index, Q1 2006 is the ground-zero (base) point.

    YR– 2006—–2007—–2008—– 2009—–2010

    Q1– 1.00——-1.09——-1.10——0.65——0.55

    Q2– 1.06——-1.18——-0.98——0.65——0.60

    Q3– 1.08——-0.97——-0.85——0.57——0.60

    Q4– 0.89——-0.93——-0.64——0.49——0.63
    A NOTE OF CAUTION TO PEOPLE WHO’VE BEEN FOLLOWING THIS INDEX! THE EFFECTS OF AN ACQUISITION (BY A SUPPLIER/VENDOR) HAVE SLIGHTLY DISTORTED – TO THE UPSIDE – THE INDEX FOR Q4 2010! KEEP THAT IN MIND WHEN YOU “PONDER” THE INDEX NUMBERS.

    SAME COMMENT AS WHEN WE POSTED TO Q3 2010 INDEX …. it still looks to me like the index has stabilized, which means to be that we’ve begun a rebound from the bottom that was it in Q4 2009.

    (This index is based on A/E/C Repro Vendor sales to A/E/C Reprographers)

  • Managed Services – recommended reading for Reprographers

    Excellent article posted on http://peirgrouppointofview.blogspot.com/, which is the blog authored by Shaun Meany, President of ARC’s PEiR Group division. A few days before the “managed services” article (now appearing on that blog-site) was posted, Shaun promised that he would devote time, this year, (and, he has done this in past years as well) to sharing his thoughts with Reprographers about what Reprographers should be looking at if they are interested in expanding the scope of their services, in an effort to broaden their customer base and revenues.

    Here’s just a portion of the latest article, this one’s about “managed services”, and you can access the full article at this Internet address:


    FRIDAY, JANUARY 7, 2011

    2011 the Year to Emphasize your Managed Services

    

    Managed Services

    If you are looking to expand your sales in 2011 and want to increase your margins and get away from selling commoditized printing services maybe it is time to market your company as a provider of various managed services. What are managed services you might ask and why do I care?

    Wikipedia describes managed services as the practice of outsourcing day-to-day related management responsibility as a strategic method for improved effective and efficient operations.
    A managed service is not really a new concept but it is being marketed and promoted in all types of industries in slightly different ways.
    One managed service that most of you are probably familiar with and one that the PEiR Group has been talking about lately is Managed Print Services. Managed Print Services (MPS) involves managing hardcopy device fleets (copiers, printers, multifunction devices, and fax machines) in a unified fashion. While this can be done internally, the term is typically associated with outsourcing the fleet to an external vendor. There are typically three stages in the customers’ adoption of outsourcing:

    As I said previously, you can access the full article at this Internet address:


  • Article on www.aecbytes.com – well worth reading and knowing this information (developments in BIM, Bluebeam also mentioned)

    I just wanted to let my blog-readers know about an outstanding article on the web-site of http://www.aecbytes.com.

    You can locate that article at this Internet address:

    The article (that I’ve provided you an Internet address for) was authored by Dr. Lachmi Khemiani. I’ve read several of her other articles, in the past, and she is an outstanding author and provides terrific information, generally in great detail.

    She recently visited “Autodesk” University 2010, and, subsequently, she authored an extensive, well detailed article covering her observations. For those of you who want to keep up on developments related to “BIM”, this article is a “must read.” The article also mentions Bluebeam’s products.

    I cannot publish the “full” article, but I have, below, posted a couple of the paragraphs that appeared in Dr. Lachmi’s article, simply to wet your interest enough to go to AEC bytes to read the full article.

    You can access the full article at this Internet address: http://www.aecbytes.com/buildingthefuture/2010/AU2010_Exhibitors.html

    About the Author

    Lachmi Khemlani is founder and editor of AECbytes. She has a Ph.D. in Architecture from UC Berkeley, specializing in intelligent building modeling, and consults and writes on AEC technology. She can be reached at lachmi@aecbytes.com.

    _____________________________________________________________

    AECbytes “Building the Future” Article (December 14, 2010)

    AEC Exhibitor Highlights from Autodesk University 2010

    This is an excerpt from the first section of her article:

    “Last week, we took an extended look at the highlights of the general session of Autodesk University 2010, held in Las Vegas earlier this month, and the host of new solutions that Autodesk is developing for the AEC industry. This article provides an overview of several AEC-related applications that were on display at the Exhibit Hall at Autodesk University, where close to 120 exhibitors were showing hardware and software solutions that work with Autodesk products. There were a large number of Revit add-on applications as well as additional tools extending the BIM capabilities of Autodesk applications in different ways, and several additional software and hardware solutions, both from regular exhibitors as well as new ones. While I was not able to visit all the booths, I did my best to see as many AEC-related products as possible.”

    The other “section headings” of her article where these:

    * Revit Add-ons

    * Additional Tools Extending the Capabilities of BIM

    * Other Software and Hardware Solutions

    This is an excerpt from the “other software and hardware” section of her report (and this section mentions Blubeam’s products):

    “There were several additional AEC-related software solutions on display at the Exhibit Hall at Autodesk University. Bluebeam, best known for its PDF Revu application for PDF creation, editing, and markup, continues to add to its product family. Following the launch of Bluebeam Studio, which enables digital collaboration on PDF drawings and documents in real-time, at the AIA National Convention this year (see the article, New Technology Solutions Exhibited at AIA 2010 Expo), Bluebeam has introduced two new advanced solutions: Bluebeam Q, an enterprise server-based solution for companies that want to centrally control and automate PDF publishing and processing; and bFX, which extends the power of Bluebeam’s PDF markup tools to files stored in remote locations such as online project management systems, plan rooms, and websites. These solutions were being demonstrated at Autodesk University to show how project teams can take electronic publishing and paperless workflows to the next level.”



  • Further on Bluebeam pdf and "Paperless Construction"

    More about “Bluebeam.com” …..

    Towards the end of December, I did a post about “Bluebeam.com” and its promotion of “paperless” construction.

    On January 11, 2011, Bluebeam posted on its web-site the January 2011 issue of its “Bluebeam Insider Newsletter”. Immediately below is the last paragraph in the “Bluebeam Buzz” column:

    Bluebeam Users Share Incredible Paperless Stories
    Since we launched our Paperless is Green site last fall, Bluebeam users have been sending us amazing paperless success stories.    Take a look at some of our favorite entries. Do you have your own story to tell? Submit it now for a chance to win a Motion Tablet PC with Bluebeam PDF Revu.
    Immediately below, I’ve placed the Internet address for the “paperless stories” mentioned in the paragraph above. Note that some of the “paperless stories” are videos. I watched all of the videos and found all to be quite interesting, and, of course, thought-provoking (and a bit disturbing, since I’m still a reprographer at heart. “Egads, less printing?”)

    “Paperless stories”


    In the blog-post I did in late December about Bluebeam, I posted the Internet address for Bluebeam’s “case study” articles. For those of you who overlooked it, here it is again:

    “Case Studies”


    And for those of you who are too lazy (or simply don’t have the time to be clickin’ and clickin’), I decided to post the entire article that was one of the many case studies profiled on bluebeam.com’s web-site – its about Turner Construction’s use of Bluebeam to reduce paper (and to reduce printing costs):

    Turner Construction Company reduces project paper costs by digitizing submittals with Bluebeam

    Turner Construction Company, the nation’s leading general builder, is deep into the construction phase of the $57,000,000 Cobb County Superior Court project in Marietta, Georgia. Though completion of this 230,000 sq. ft., seven-story plus basement facility is months away, the Turner project team is already delivering incredible paper savings for the Owner. Rather than printing and shipping submittals, the team is digitally sharing, redlining and distributing drawings and documents with Bluebeam PDF Revu. Using this technology, Turner is saving the Owner 65% of reprographic fees and 50% of courier fees for an overall paper cost savings of 63% compared to those expenditures on similarly sized projects.


    Construction Submittals Savings with Bluebeam PDF Revu

    Item Current Savings* (%)
    Reprographic Fees 65%
    Courier Fees 50%
    Total Paper Fees 63%
    * Percentages calculated by comparing data collected at halfway point of the 20-month Cobb County Superior Court project against data collected at halfway point of similarly sized and scoped 20-month project that used paper submittals.


    Background

    Even before the design-build project broke ground, the team was determined to digitize its submittal process. “We wanted to cut project costs, and also create an example of how project communication should be – faster, more affordable and greener,” says Winston Williams, Turner Construction Company Project Manager.

    While searching for software to digitally share and review submittals, Williams discovered Bluebeam PDF Revu. A PDF editor built specifically for the design and construction industry, Bluebeam creates and views large format PDF drawings and includes industry-standard redlining tools including takeoffs, change clouds and callouts. “When we discovered Bluebeam, we instantly saw opportunity,” adds Williams. “Bluebeam’s markup tools replicate the type of comments we normally make with pen and paper. It’s exactly the type of functionality we were looking for. We knew that by laying out the proper groundwork to gain adoption, Bluebeam would be a winner on this project.”

    Process

    Williams and his project team members implemented this plan to get the Turner project team, architect and sub-contractors onboard with the new, digital process using Bluebeam PDF Revu.

    • Specified in the design-build contract that all submittals be redlined digitally with Bluebeam PDF Revu and distributed by email. Only one hard copy per submittal would be permitted.
    • Created training videos on most commonly used Bluebeam features to make it easier for project architects, contractors and sub-contractors to learn the software.
    • Purchased large, 27” monitors to make it easier to review and redline drawings onscreen.

    Using Bluebeam, the project team electronically redlines 70% of submittal drawings. Among the most commonly used features are Bluebeam’s measurement tool for takeoffs, which Turner uses to verify material pricing. With this feature, users can calibrate a PDF drawing’s scale, then calculate length, area, perimeter, angle or diameter and count from PDFs, too. Other time-saving features include text stamps, which can quickly be applied in a batch processing mode, and PDF page editing features for adding, deleting, inserting and rotating pages.

    For the 30% of drawings that are redlined with paper and pen, often to review details like rebar, Bluebeam helps streamline the document replication process. Rather than photocopy or hand-copy these comments onto multiple sets to distribute to the project architect and sub-contractors, Turner replicates the markups onto a PDF copy in Bluebeam. The redlined PDF is then emailed to all parties.

    Results

    A little more than halfway through the project, Williams is amazed at the savings Bluebeam has delivered. “The dollars savings in printing and courier fees are only the beginning. Turner and the Owner have saved so much time using Bluebeam,” says Williams.

  • Information posted by Swinerton (a large GC out west) to its "sub-center" (for Sub-Contractors) about iSqFt's "Private Construction Office" service

    Two posts ago, I highlighted iSqFt’s offerings to GC’s and Sub-Contractors. After doing some quick “Google” search, I found a link to an announcement from Swinerton (a very large GC in the western part of the U.S.) to its “invited” Sub-Contractors – – this is the information that iSqFt provides its GC customers so that the GC’s can provide “heads-up” information to their Sub-Contractors.


    I don’t know how old (or how new) this particular information is. It could be outdated at this point. But, for those of you (reprographers) who’ve never seen this information before, it might be of interest to you.


    http://www.swinerton.com/subcenter/forms/So%20you%20have%20been%

    20invited%20to%20bid.pdf

    – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –


    “So you have been invited to bid..”


    On a project by a general contractor who maintains a Private Construction Office at http://www.iSqFt.com. In addition, this general has also issued you a project pass allowing you to access the project detail information, plus the entire set of plans and specifications on-line at http://www.iSqFt.com for no charge.


    What is a Private Construction Office?


    Many general contractors and developers are now using a Private Construction Office (CO), located on the Internet at http://www.iSqFt.com to manage their bid and construction processes. Frequently you can find plans, specs, jobsite photographs, schedules and other relevant information inside their “virtual” office.


    Inside the CO the GC can find and maintain a listing of subcontractors and suppliers who may be interested in bidding his work. From this list the GC may choose to add new companies, remove companies or issue the companies invitation to bid notices via fax or email.


    What is a Project Pass?


    A unique project pass is issued along with an invitation to bid to all non-iSqFt subscribers. The pass itself will allow the non-iSqFt member to log into iSqFt and to see the project or projects that he or she has been invited to bid on. NOTE: iSqFt subcontractor / supplier members do not need a project pass as they have full, unrestricted access to each job they are invited to bid on.


    How do I use the Project Pass?


    The pass itself is simply a number, typically an 8 digit number that holds the access to your projects. The user simply needs to go to http://www.iSqFt.com, then click Log- in and enter the pass number for both the password and the username.


    Next click on the project listings folder and you will see a link which will display any and all projects that you currently are invited to bid on and have been issued a project pass. By clicking on the name of the project you can see all the project information including the plans and specifications. The plans are highly compressed so they will download much quicker than you would expect.


    Do I need anything else to view the plans?


    YES: When you first log in you will see a link to download the iSqFt plans and specifications viewer. You will need to do this prior to being able to view plans or specifications.


    Does it cost me anything?


    No. The general contractor or owner who sent you the project pass has already paid your fee to access this project. You must accept a user agreement but there is no cost to you.


    Can I reply to the general contractor?


    Yes. In fact it would be helpful to the person who sent you the invitation if you would review the project documents, then click below the project to either accept or decline the invitation. A decline would indicate that you would still like to receive invitations in the future but that they shouldn’t expect to receive a bid from you on this one.


    Keep your company profile updated.


    When any general contractor searches for you to invite on future projects the system automatically matches the

    CSI codes that you have in your profile against the CSI codes on the new project. If the codes that are shown in your company’s profile don’t match any of the CSI codes on the project, you won’t be invited. Also be sure that you verify your contact information including your email address. It costs Messer money to send you even a one page fax, but if you have a valid email address it costs them nothing to communicate to you.


    To update your profile, log in to http://www.iSqFt.com then click your company name in the upper left hand corner to view your profile page.


    Need help or more information: Phone iSqFt 1-800-364-2059 Or Email to Info@iSqFt.com

  • Onvia-Demandstar – Plans & Specs for public-sector Construction Projects

    In the previous post (which was about iSqFt), I mentioned “Onvia-Demandstar”.

    OnVia-Demandstar is a technology company providing “bid and rfp” hosting and announcement services to city and county government agencies. Specifically, to the “procurement” or “purchasing” departments of city and county government agencies. I signed up for a “free” subscription to access and research Hillsborough County (FL) public bid/rfp announcements.

    For this blog post, I selected a current procurement (by Hillsborough County) for the “construction” of a bridge rehab project.

    Below, you see the “main” announcement of this project; basically, the announcement to prospective bidders:

    Bid Identifier

    Bid Status

    Broadcast Date

    Date Due

    Name

    Actions

    ITB-C-0068-0-2011/MK

    Active

    12/6/10

    2/1/11

    WEST COLUMBUS DRIVE SWING BRIDGE REHABILITATION

    Details, Planholders, Download/Order

    After one clicks on “download/order”, it brings up what you see immediately below:

    Request Bid Package

    Agency Name: Hillsborough County BOCC

    Bid Name: West Columbus Drive Swing Bridge Rehab

    Bid Status: Active

    Download Electronic Documents “for free” (this is one option)

    Document Title

    Size (KB)

    Est. Download Time at 56K

    Action

    Bid Document Specs, VOLUME 1 OF 4

    1,291.80

    5 Min. 31 Sec.

    Download

    BID DOCUMENT SPECS – VOLUME 2 OF 4

    23,270.33

    1 Hrs. 39 Min. 17 Sec.

    Download

    Bid Document Specs, VOLUME 3 OF 4

    14,692.80

    1 Hrs. 3 Min. 41 Sec.

    Download

    BID DOCUMENT SPECS – VOLUME 4 OF 4

    8,268.14

    35 Min. 17 Sec.

    Download

    Plans 1 of 2

    23,174.14

    1 Hrs. 39 Min. 53 Sec.

    Download

    Plans 2 of 2

    29,447.36

    2 Hrs. 6 Min. 39 Sec.

    Download

    Sign in sheet

    328.53

    1 Min. 24 Sec.

    Download

    Addendum No. 1

    1,253.06

    5 Min. 21 Sec.

    Download

    Addendum No. 2

    16.52

    0 Min. 4 Sec.

    Download

    Totals

    101,743 KB

    7 Hrs. 14 Min. 7 Sec.

    [Or, option 2, order (printed set of documents) By Mail]

    Reproduction Cost

    $344.12

    Handling Cost

    $0.00

    + Shipping Cost

    (to be selected)

    Okay, so now for the “big question”. If I want to order a set of hard-copy documents, who does the printing for that order? And, a second question, who benefits from the revenue ($344.12) generated by that print order?

    You may find this interesting (I did); when I clicked on “planholders” for this construction project – and a few others – two companies repeatedly appeared as “planholders” – iSqFt and Onvia/Demandstar. Hmmm, I wonder why that is?

  • iSqFt – Announces renewal of deal with AGC (and this post includes other information about iSqFt)

    I did a previous post about iSqFt on August 5, 2010. Tonight, while doing some reprographics industry research (my hobby), I came across a press release, from November 2010 about iSqFt, and decided that I would publish part of that press release …. along with other current information iSqFt’s offerings to its clients. Most reprographers, if by now not all, know about iSqFt. But, some do not.

    Here’s the Press Release I mentioned:

    11/9/2010 ……. iSqFt Renews Relationship with AGC of America

    In recent interviews Dave Conway, President and CEO of iSqFt, and Steve Sandherr, CEO of the Associated General Contractors (AGC ) of America, announced that the two enterprises have renewed their relationship into 2012.

    “This is our third renewal in the past ten years,” says Dave Conway. “We’re pleased to be able to offer thousands of AGC members a service that helps them find more work, better manage their workflow, and improve their profits in these difficult times.”

    The AGC’s Steve Sandherr offers a similar view of their relationship with iSqFt. “Our members are some pretty tough customers, and they’re always looking for the most efficient, cost‐effective way to get work. The fact that 30 AGC chapters across the country use iSqFt says a lot about its value.”

    Dave Conway understands what this relationship has meant to his company over the years. “I still remember, back in 2001, when we were chosen as the AGC of America’s strategic partner. That was absolutely crucial to our success. It really put us on the map in the construction industry.”

    Today, Conway remains committed to offering iSqFt’s customers the industry’s best information and resources, and sees significant potential for growth through innovative services. “For that and so many reasons, I’m very pleased to continue this important relationship.”

    More on iSqFt:

    Joel’s comment: Here’s how iSqFt introduces its services to GC’s and Sub-Contractors:

    General Contractors

    “Private Construction Office”

    Quickly send Invitations to bid and automate addenda

    Securely post and manage project documents online

    Give FREE project-specific access to subs you invite

    Find additional coverage and track bidder activity

    Joel’s comment: Here’s just a couple of the additional features/benefits that iSqFt talks about, regarding this service:

    How does the Private Construction Office work?

    Within his Private Construction Office, a general contractor uploads all of the critical documentation related to an upcoming project. This provides a quick and secure method for distributing project plans, specs, and addenda, as well as construction schedules, meeting minutes, or any other documents that need to be shared with the project team.

    The invited subcontractors and suppliers have the ability to view or download the information directly from the Private Construction Office – eliminating the need for a process to have project documents reproduced and shipped to a large number of potential bidders on any given project. The ability for these vendors to view and download these documents at no cost has helped to drive vendor adoption, overcoming one of the great fears that many general contractors have expressed.

    Subcontractors & Suppliers

    “Internet PlanRoom”

    Search thousands of bidding projects

    Promote yourself to GCs privately bidding projects

    Network with in- and out- of-market GCs in your area

    Save time and money picking-up documents

    Joel’s comment: Here’s a bit more information about this service:

    Find More Opportunities. Help Your Company Grow

    iSqFt is a breakthrough for subcontractors – giving them a powerful tool for finding new work and better opportunities by positioning themselves in front of more general contractors.

    Through iSqFt’s network of Internet Plan Rooms and Private Construction Offices, subcontractors have access to thousands of public and private projects. Search for public projects in the Internet Plan Room based on the CSI codes you perform and types of projects you want to bid.

    Takeoff Software

    “iSqFt® Takeoff”

    Perform accurate takeoffs quickly and efficiently

    See differences between drawings w/ plan overlays

    Export to almost any estimating program

    Load multiple drawings at one time for quick access

    Joel’s comment: Here’s just one of a number of additional comments iSqFt makes about this software:

    iSqFt® Takeoff is the next generation takeoff software program, providing a powerful application for performing digital takeoffs. With easy navigation and an intuitive layout, takeoffs are now faster, more accurate and efficient.

    Joel’s further comments: iSqFt’s clients (GC’s, Sub-contractors and Material Suppliers) can either download plan and spec files or they can order “hard-copy” plans and specs. For clients who want to order “hard-copy” plans and specs, iSqFt has created a network of reprographics companies to enable that. iSqFt refers to these reprographers as “strategic partners.” I’m sure that many reprographers are aware of “Onvia-Demandstar”. Prior to the sale of “certain assets of” Plan Express, Inc. to iSqFt, Plan Express was the print-partner of Onvia-Demandstar. When users of Onvia-Demandstar wanted to access plan and spec documents for bids/rfp’s published by Onvia-Demandstar, when they clicked on the “print-order” button, the orders for printing went to Plan Express. Since Plan Express still operates a web-site, I’m assuming that those orders still go directly to Plan Express, but are then re-routed to the iSqFt strategic (print-partner) network.

    Here’s a list of iSqFt’s “strategic (print) partners”:

    Reprographic Partners

    Paper blueprints are still a vital part of the construction industry and our localized relationships with reprographic firms provide iSqFt users with the best service available for ordering and receiving paper prints.

    A&E Reprographics (Virginia Beach and Newport News, VA)

    Accent Imaging (Raleigh/Durham, NC)

    Alabama Graphics (Birmingham & Montgomery, AL)

    American Reprographics (Maryland, Washington DC and Northern VA)

    AZ Overland Blueprint (Phoenix, AZ)

    Bay Area Blueprint (Pensacola, FL)

    Bonneville Blueprint Supply (Boise and Idaho Falls, ID)

    Burks Digital (Austin & San Antonio, TX)

    Charleston Blueprint (Charleston, WV)

    CityBlue Technologies (Moline, IL)

    Construction Image Printing, LLC (Jackson, MS)

    Drexel Technologies (Maryland Heights and Kansas City, MO and Lenexa, KS)

    Eastern Engineering (Fishers, IN)

    Evansville Blueprint Company (Evansville, IN)

    Fairway Reprographics (Colorado Springs, CO)

    Florida Reprographics (Tampa, FL)

    Franz Reprographics (Brooklyn Center, MN)

    Horizon Reprographics (Denver, CO)

    I Supply (Charlotte, NC)

    J&S Blueprint Company (Tyler, TX)

    Knoxville Blue Print (Knoxville, TN)

    Lawton Reprographic Centers (Dallas, TX)

    MacGregor Smith Blueprinter Inc. (Orlando, FL)

    Metro Reprographics (Greenville, SC)

    Midcity Blue (Milwaukee, WI)

    Phipps Reprographics (Cincinnati, OH)

    Pro-Copy (Omaha, NE)

    Pro-Graphics Blueprint Co., Inc. (Nashville, TN)

    Rapids Reproductions (Cedar Rapids, Urbandale, & Cedar Falls, IA)

    Repro Products (Atlanta & Smyrna, GA)

    Reprografia (Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach, FL)

    Reprotech Graphics (Winston-Salem, NC)

    Selby’s (Billings, Bozeman, Helena & Missoula, MT)

    Sioux City Blueprint (Sioux City, IA)

    The Blueprint Shoppe, Inc. (Chicago, IL)

    Triangle Reprographics (Houston, TX)

  • Florida Reprographics (Tampa, FL) files Chapter 11 Bankruptcy (Part 3)

    Just a quick update after reviewing additional documents filed in the Florida Reprographics Chapter 11 Bankruptcy case.

    Three topics:

    1) RE: THE OBLIGATION (AND DEADLINE TO FILE) “PLAN AND DISCLOSURE”

    From portion of Order filed on Jan 6th as a result of the hearing (the status conference) on Jan 5th:

    ORDER ESTABLISHING DEADLINE FOR FILING PLAN AND DISCLOSURE STATEMENT

    THIS CASE came on for status conference (“Status Conference“) pursuant to Bankruptcy Code § 105(d) on January 5, 2011 . At the Status Conference, the Court reviewed the nature and size of the Debtor’s business, the overall status of the case and considered the respective positions of the parties represented at the Status Conference. Based on that review, the Court has determined that it is appropriate in this case to implement the procedures described in this order governing the filing of a plan of reorganization (“Plan“) and disclosure statement (“Disclosure Statement“) to ensure that this case is handled expeditiously and economically. Accordingly, it is

    ORDERED:

    1. Claims Bar Date. As stated in the Notice of Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Case, Meeting of Creditors and Deadlines, any creditor (other than a Governmental unit) or equity security holder whose claim or interest is not scheduled or scheduled as disputed, contingent, or unliquidated shall file a proof of claim or interest by the date set for filing proof of claim, which is 75 days after the date of the order for relief. Governmental units shall file a proof of claim no later than 180 days after the date of the order for relief. A proof of claim form may be obtained from the clerk’s office of any Bankruptcy Court. However, you can file via the internet by going to the Court’s web site at http://pacer.flmb.uscourts.gov/cmecf/proofofclaim.htm and following the instructions under the section Electronic Filing of Proof of Claim Form. Copies of supporting documents, such as statements of account, invoices, ledger card, etc. should be attached to the proof of claim form. A claim may be filed with, or mailed to, the Clerk of the Bankruptcy Court.

    2. Plan and Disclosure Statement Filing Deadline. The Debtor shall file a Plan and Disclosure Statement on or before February 24, 2011 (the “Filing Deadline“).

    3. Contents of Disclosure Statement. The Disclosure Statement shall, at the minimum, contain adequate information pertaining to the Debtor in the following areas:

    (a) Pre− and post−petition financial performance; (b) Reasons for filing Chapter 11; (c) Steps taken by the Debtor since filing of the petition to facilitate its reorganization; (d) Projections reflecting how the Plan will be feasibly consummated;

    (e) A liquidation analysis; and

    (f) A discussion of the Federal tax consequences as described in section 1125(a)(1) of the Bankruptcy Code.

    4. Consolidated Hearing on Disclosure Statement and Plan. Pursuant to section 105(d)(2)(B)(vi) of the Bankruptcy Code, the hearing on the approval of the Disclosure Statement shall be consolidated with the hearing on the confirmation of the Plan (“Consolidated Hearing“) and shall be scheduled as set forth herein.

    5. Procedures Governing Plan and Disclosure Statement.

    (a) If the Disclosure Statement is timely filed, the Court shall review its adequacy. If the Disclosure Statement is found to be adequate, the Court shall enter an order of conditional approval, establishing pertinent deadlines and scheduling the Consolidated Hearing.

    (b) If the Court determines that the Disclosure Statement does not contain adequate information, the Court shall schedule an expedited hearing to address the additional information that is required for the Court to enter an order conditionally approving the Disclosure Statement and scheduling a Consolidated Hearing.

    (c) If the Debtor fails to file a Plan and Disclosure Statement by the Filing Deadline, the Court shall issue an Order to Show Cause why the case should not be dismissed or converted to a Chapter 7 case pursuant to section 1112(b)(1) of the Bankruptcy Code.

    DONE and ORDERED in Chambers at Tampa, Florida on January 6, 2011 .

    2) RE: SALARY BEING PAID TO CHRIS CHARLES, OWNER/SHAREHOLDER

    FROM Portion of Order filed Jan 7th:

    FINAL ORDER GRANTING MOTION FOR AUTHORITY TO PAY AFFILIATE OFFICER SALARY

    THIS CASE came on for hearing on January 5, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. upon the Motion for Authority to Pay Affiliate Officer Salary (the “Motion”) filed by Florida Reprographics, Inc. (the “Debtor”) on December 1, 2010 (Docket No. 6). Having reviewed the Motion and the record, heard the arguments of counsel, and otherwise being fully advised in the premises, for the reasons stated orally and recorded in open court, which shall constitute the decision of the Court, it is hereby ORDERED as follows:

    1. The Motion is GRANTED on an final basis as provided herein.

    2. The Debtor is authorized to pay a salary of $4,000.00 on a bi-weekly basis to Christopher Charles, as President of the Debtor. To the extent Mr. Charles is reimbursed for expenses, the Debtor shall provide the detail to support such expenses to the United States Trustee upon request.

    3) RE: CREDITORS MEETING

    A meeting of Creditors was held, but I did not find any documents filed that would contain any discussion or other information about what happened at the creditors’ meeting.

  • Article on "HKSTracepaper" about the use of an iPAD for accessing documents when an architect is on the road

    The other day, one of my industry friends pointed me to an article on HKS Architects’ discussion site, which is located at: http://www.hkstracepaper.com/


    I think you might find that article interesting …. it’s about the use of an iPAD to access drawings for when an architect is “mobile” (going out to meetings.)

    For those of you who are not familiar with HKS, HKS is one of the largest Architecture/Engineering firms in the world. HKS’s head office is located in Dallas, TX. They have a wonderful office to visit; great artwork in and around their office.

    Here’s the article:

    Client meetings… iPad style

    January 10th, 2011 by Ashley Dias, Dallas office

    Have you ever forgotton your drawings in the overhead bin compartment of the plane, when headed to client meetings? I have. Thankfully though, I remembered them on the jet bridge. But, the panic I experienced helped me come up with a good digital back-up plan for when I have to hit the road for meetings. Maybe one day this will be the primary way we do it (who knows how quickly we’ll give up our physical drawings and trace paper, though?)

    1) Take your iPad and load the app Autodesk Sketchbook Pro (these days it costs $7.99).

    2) Load all your drawings as images to the iPad then insert them as layers into a fresh document of Sketchbook Pro.

    3) Find your fun new stylus (Boxwave is a great brand that writes really well on the iPad).

    4) Load up blank layers on top of the drawing layers you just added (these blank layers are your digital trace paper).

    5) Pick your pen color, type, diameter, you-name-it from the pen selector. You’re almost ready…

    6) Project your iPad screen for all your users to see and follow along:

    – For a flat-screen TV presentation plug-in composite AV cables (don’t worry, Apple will sell you these.)

    – For a normal projector use the iPad dock connector to VGA adapter cable (Apple will sell you this too.)

    Once you’re all connected up, boom, you’re digitally sketching in your meeting. Scale might be an issue as you can change the scale of the drawing on the spot by zooming like you would in CAD or Revit. But, if you’re drawing all the time, you probably have a good feel for scale as you zoom in and out anyway. Or, you could set the zoom of a drawing near to a typical scale. As you develop options you like you can keep them as layers or you can take a print screen – forget going back to the office, putting drafting dots on possibly-tearable edges and scanning.

    This is just one way to do it, I’m sure there are many more ways to conduct client meetings off-paper and digitally on tablets. Whether we will ever prefer these methods, I’m not sure. But, what I am sure of is, all of these items (iPad, stylus, cables, digital drawings) will fit nicely in your carry-on and won’t roll to the back of the overhead bin where you just might forget them as you exit the plane. Happy client meetings!