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Updates for 3D CAD, collaboration tools
By Deborah Snoonian, P.E.

Bentley’s ProjectWise software is being used by a 150-member project team designing stores in the U.K. for Sainsburys Supermarkets.

ProjectWise V8 2004
Bentley Systems
www.bentley.com
Windows only

Bentley’s collaboration software provides a repository and common platform for project team members working in far-flung locations. With ProjectWise, users can exercise control over the flow of data throughout a project’s lifetime, such as creating checkout and approval procedures for drawings and automatic notification to team members when critical documents have been revised. Features include the ability to search, query, and navigate all content stored, including metadata such as keywords and individual building components, for example doors or windows, that are modeled in larger project files. Facility managers can also use the system to track a building’s operations, maintenance, and renovation projects. Supported file types include those from all of Bentley’s design and engineering software, as well as AutoCAD, Microsoft Office documents, and some Adobe applications.

Through either a Web browser or a desktop interface, Xdrive gives users a place to back up, store, and share critical data online.

Xdrive
Xdrive
www.xdrive.com
Windows only

Backup storage for critical data is never farther away from your Web browser with Xdrive, an online storage solutions company that has several small and medium-size architecture firms as clients. Users can access their storage areas directly via a Web interface that works with all popular browsers, or through the company’s desktop software. Pricing varies depending on the amount of storage space desired.

Corecon has released an architect-specific version of its estimating and project- management software.

Corecon 4.0
Corecon Technologies
www.corecon.com
Windows only

Once geared to the contractor community, this Web-based estimating and project-management software now offers a customized package for architects and engineers, which is geared to small and midsize firms. It offers several productivity and management tools, such as online time-sheet entry; task scheduling; and tracking of proposals, leads, team members, and expenses and hours on projects under way. Users can set up the software’s desktop to obtain at-a-glance project information, such as unfinished tasks or dollars expended.

A handheld Leica DISTO and a PC with a Bluetooth device are all you need to create as-built drawings with PowerCAD SiteMaster.

PowerCAD SiteMaster/Leica DISTO Plus
GiveMePower/Leica Geosystems
www.givemepower.com or www.leicaus.com
Windows only

Two companies have teamed up to sell a combined software/hardware solution that automates the creation of as-built floor plans using wireless technology. Laser measurements are collected with the Leica DISTO device; the spatial information is communicated via a Bluetooth connection to a Pocket PC, tablet PC, or laptop computer, where the PowerCAD SiteMaster software transforms the information into AutoCAD-compatible drawings. The companies say the system can be operated by a single person and is capable of producing as-built floor plans from site measurements up to 10 times faster compared to conventional methods involving those lowly low-tech tools: measuring tapes, paper, and pencil.

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