BIM Recap

The recent SMPS program featured a panel of team members who worked together using BIM software on the Emory Psychology Building project. One glance around the room, filled with technical staff – architects, engineers, contractors – revealed that this topic was definitely a pace setter in our building community.

The panelists included Craig Bullock from Emory University, Paul Hedgepath from Holder Construction, David Nilsson of HOK and moderator Kurt Swensson of KSi engineering. Together they discussed how everyone worked collectively using BIM to reduce change orders, alleviate potential for costly mistakes and show the end-user their spaces in an understandable format.

One of the most interesting aspects was that, using BIM, the team was able to come together and look at the 3-dimensional model right there on the job site. This allowed them to resolve issues in real time and move forward at a substantially faster pace.

All in all, the biggest take-aways from the discussion were the following benefits of BIM:

1. Ability to visualize. Owners see their product in a consistent and easy to understand format and view changes as they occur;
2. Conflict resolution. Use of BIM reduces change orders and errors; and,
3. Cost estimating. The software assists in material cost predictions and gives the contractor an opportunity to back check their pricing.

Dowload PDF Presentation File


Caroline K. Slaten
Randall Paulson

RSS Feeds: What Are They & How Can They Benefit Me?

What is RSS?
RSS, or Really Simple Syndication, is an XML-based format for content distribution on the Internet. RSS Feeds (similar to a bookmark in a web browser) are often indicated by links that say "RSS," "Syndicate this site" or a square orange button with the text "RSS" or "XML" within it. RSS Feeds are commonly used on weblogs (blogs), news Web sites and other places with frequently freshened content. They are a great way for Internet users to receive recently updated online articles or news content -- without having to search for it.

How Does RSS Work?
When new content has been posted or updated on a site, the RSS reader (AKA an aggregator) keeps track of the changes and delivers them to you. The aggregator "pulls" content to the user every time a specified page is updated and allows the user to view all the new content in one location. RSS feeds are most often attached to text, images, podcasts and video, but they can be used with any document (word processing and spreadsheets) that has content that changes.

How Do I Access a RSS?
There are many free, web-based readers, all which compile and update feeds, all which allow anonymous access to their feeds from any computer with Internet access. For heavier users, there are desktop, application-based readers that offer more features. You can access RSS feeds on mobiles device and many cell phones or via e-mail as well as on a computer.

What Are the Benefits?
One of the main benefits is the ability to eliminate the time it takes to find information you want on the Internet. Every time something changes on the page, it comes to you through the RSS Feed. One of the original uses for RSS is the ability to create a personal newspaper with new content updated every morning. For example, if you always read the front page of Atlanta Journal Constitution, the RSS eliminates the need to check for updates.

Some other examples of its use include: organizing information about a particular topic; tracking packages; finding cheap airfares; searching for jobs; receiving software updates; etc. All without surfing through pop-up ads, slow downloads and poorly navigated sites. RSS saves time. It’s as simple as that. Using RSS you can subscribe to this blog.

Sarah Mackley

Innovative Solutions Group, Ltd. (ISG)

SMPS-GA Director of Communications

Adobe Acrobat Basics

Although Adobe Acrobat has been around since 1993 for MAC users and 1994 for PC, there are still new users each day. So let's go over the basics.

What is Adobe Acrobat and why would I use it?
Adobe Acrobat allows users to create PDFs (Portable Document Format) in the attempt to make your office paperless, as well as to efficiently and effectively archive and transmit documents via email or through the web.

How do I create a PDF?
As the image to the right shows, you use Adobe Acrobat just like a printer. Instead of choosing a local or network printer you choose Adobe PDF. Clicking on "Properties" allows you to adjust the Layout, Paper/Quality, and Adobe PDF Settings. Under Adobe PDF Settings there is an option called Default Settings to adjust the print quality. The default, which can work for web or printers, is Standard. However, it is sometimes helpful to change it to Smallest File Size for web and High Quality Size for printers.

What programs can be converted?
Everything from Microsoft Office programs to publishing software to AutoCAD drawings can be converted. Here is a complete list of supported file types. The ability to convert different file types allows users without specific software to view and print files. One PDF can be created and presented utilizing multiple files types. For example, you might have a Word, Excel, and AutoCAD file all in one PDF. This one file can then be distributed to anyone. Adobe Acrobat Reader is free to anyone.

So how do I merge documents into one file?
There are several ways to merge files. One is to click on Combine Files. Click Add Files and rearrange by moving files up and down. Choose file quality then click Next. Choose Merge files into a single PDF and click Create. [See image to the right]

Another options is to open one of the documents and view the Pages
in Adobe Acrobat. [See image to the left] Using Windows Explorer (right click on the Start button for Windows Explorer), drag and drop the PDF where you want it to appear in the document.

Benefits of PDF
The benefit is having one cohesive document that can easily be distributed internally or externally to clients. Proposals, qualifications packages, reports, and specifications are good examples of packages that are commonly created. Lastly, PDFs are great for archiving files allowing your company to view the file even if programs have changed or been updated.

Be sure to check out the latest Inspiration newsletter highlighting advanced Adobe Acrobat features.

Sarah Mackley
Innovative Solutions Group, Ltd. (ISG)
SMPS-GA Director of Communications