35 Years of Statslog
Sep 16/19
by Michael Copas
Statslog is in its 35 year of continued usage in Canada’s architectural community.
We have undergone some dramatic shifts in technology, business practices, and have been moved toward globalization.
Statslog is in its 35 year of continued usage in Canada’s architectural community. We have undergone some dramatic shifts in technology, business practices, and have been moved toward globalization. We developed FIVE by Statslog, to follow up our: 1984 CPM (a predecessor to DOS), 1986 DOS, 1990-5 MAC, 1997-9 Windows and network Windows, 2010 Server based Windows. We have also moved from a time when an Architect dominated the contract administration process, to a time where they are more likely to be dominated.
And, since 2005, were presented with two changes at the same time, the introduction of The Cloud and the migration of US practices coming north and Canadian practices moving south. Fortunately for us, architectural practice is sufficiently different, so that many of the incoming US firms found Statslog a useful transition tool. Not visible but hugely influential is our introduction in 2014 of a Board of Directors. Jason and I were joined by four architects, each with their own take on the meaning of contract administration, each providing invaluable insight into what we should be doing. Our increased growth during this period is evidence of their influence.
But 35 years also means many of our long time users are now retired or retiring.
So, we are adjusting again.
Over the past four months Statslog has been developing a new sample project that includes: forms and reports demonstrating what Statslog believes to be best practices for contract administration. The forms are designed for use directly out of the box, hence the name of the project is OOTB. We have avoided such an undertaking, in fear that to do so would be seen as presumptuous, however new users are not the same as in the past. New users have not necessarily been mentored or experienced the work as an apprentice, and are asked to do contract administration much sooner in their career.
OOTB is a FIVE project with 22 forms and 18 reports. The forms are based loosely on CCDC 24 model forms, but expanded to accommodate efficiencies offered by a database such as FIVE by Statslog. The reports, when related to a form, are matched with data needed in the form, reducing double entry of material and the subsequent errors of such a strategy. The project also demonstrates how document control and image control can be integrated into the issuance of contract administration documentation, rather than a separate activity. This exercise has also shown us how we should be offering this information to first-time users.
The past months has had Statslog working behind the scenes.
These next few months we will become more visible, announcing new initiatives, posting more articles, and making new paths.
Michael Copas is a co-founder of Statslog Software Corporation, which has been providing continuing service to contract administrators in the offices of design professionals since 1984.