Award Magazine: Tools of the Trade
Aug 1/16
by Stacey McLachlan
Statslog was featured in Award Magazine’s August 2016 issue covering the tools of the trade and how software for AEC embraces customization. “We don’t expect 3D models to be drawn on paper with a pencil because there are substantially better tools available today. In construction contract administration, we’re still seeing a lot of firms using basic software when there are more powerful tools available.”
There’s a lot to keep in mind when you’re a civil or structural engineer: loading conditions, design codes for your location, industry standards, multiple building uses. The right software is essential to making sure each of these elements are carefully considered before construction begins. It may just be the most essential tool for the industry, in fact.
Modelling technology and administrative tools alike have empowered engineers, architects and construction firms the opportunity to improve their workflow, and the work itself. “Over the past few years we’ve seen software spread into many areas of our personal and professional lives. Mobile devices and apps are ubiquitous. Everyone’s moving to the cloud,” says Eric Sorenson, communications specialist for Statslog. “It’s up to software developers like us to leverage the incredible technology available today to create solutions to specific problems facing the construction industry.”
Software designers are prepared for these clients who want more control, incorporating plenty of hands-on options for a new generation of products and users.
Part of that is developing products for procedures engineers and architects who are still doing things the somewhat old-fashioned way, like construction contract administration. “Around 75 per cent of architects and engineers still use word processors and spreadsheets to manage their CA practices,” says Sorenson. “This creates a lot of possibility for human error and places a significant administrative burden on these professionals.” FIVE is Statslog’s flagship product, designed specifically for this very task.
The program utilizes a database structure to eliminate so much of the grunt work that goes into setting up forms and reports in docs and spreadsheets. “We don’t expect 3D models to be drawn on paper with a pencil because there are substantially better tools available today. In construction contract administration, we’re still seeing a lot of firms use basic software when there are more powerful tools available,” says Sorenson. Luckily, industry recognition for the importance of software continues to grow.
Integration offers another huge challenge for the software industry. “There are many different software applications and cloud services being used, along with huge variation in hardware, that we see integration of these services as key,” says Sorenson. Statslog is already looking at the possibility of integrating other cloud-based services into Statslog’s offerings—programs for asset management and the like—and the future looks bright, as long as communication stays clear.
“It will be critical to continue the dialogue with our clients to make sure we’re building solutions for the integration issues they’re facing so that we can continue to improve efficiency,” Sorenson notes.
Sorenson also sees the adoption of cloud-based services as a major trend. “With more firms taking advantage of cloud technology, we’re seeing a lot of growth with our own Hosted Cloud service,” says Sorenson. The advantage? Reducing the bur- den on internal IT departments. Cloud-based services eliminate the need for server updates, maintenance and backup, allowing architecture and engineering firms’ time and resources to work on what they actually do best.
But along with the adoption of cloud technologies will come an emphasis on access and security. Statslog’s FIVE program uses granular user permissions to ensure all members of a team can access info securely, while the company’s on-the-go beta version, Nomad, allows clients to access fully encrypted, fully protected project data on any web-enabled device.
In the future, it’s likely AEC software will see more automation than ever before. “I think we’ll continue to see more automation of tasks that free design professionals from basic administrative tasks,” says Sorenson. FIVE already features many automated tasks (from merging documents into attachments to sending email reports) based on common customer activities. The key will be to continue to focus those new tools on the things that users actually need. “With software the possibilities are nearly unlimited,” he says. “For us, it’s crucial to have feedback from users in the field to make sure we’re making the tools they want to use.”