Construction Team Meetings: Where Baby Boomers and Gen Y Collide August 24, 2012
Posted by carolhagen in Construction Industry - Software, Document Imaging, records retention, Sharepoint, web conferencing.Tags: construction managment, construction team collaboration, construction team meetings, construction technology
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Team meetings in construction offices are transforming as we speak. After reading this CNN article, ‘Generation Y’ set to transform office life and a tweet from Jennifer Hicks it made me think about what is happening in the AEC industry. We’re all so mobile that unless we can all work together on our own schedules and collaborate effectively we’re doomed to failure.
Conversations are Team Meetings
What the construction industry is counting on is technology to make our communications clearer. Industry leaders use video conferencing to have conversations – important to capture body language cues and readily available, apps abound on many smartphones and social networks today. Seems like the project managers I know send an email following a conversation to recap and document what they just said.
Project Documents are Changing
Our documents are easily accessible from Sharepoint, Construction Imaging, project management team portals, or Box.net as all generations are wanting access from anywhere, anytime. (If you haven’t made the transition to electronic documents you better be thinking about it before you get busy again.) Mark-ups and edits occur on documents frequently and the construction plans seem to pose the biggest challenges. Versioning control is a decision everyday. Your records management integrity depends on it.
Collaborative Construction Communications Technology
What do construction team meetings look like today? They’re collaborative, mobile and transparent. At least the successful ones are. If you expect to collaborate solely with email you will need more hours in your day. It’s time to transform your methods and it needs to work for internal and external teams. One such solution is gaining respect in the industry. It’s called Bluebeam Studio and I’m luckily part of their partner program. Watch this short video and see what you think. Your socks are about to be blown off!
The value is in working simultaneously or on your own time. If you can’t make it to the Studio session it can be left open for you to chime in later. If you’re running a pre-construction meeting you can meet virtually and work together. The flexibility is all there. Have you used Studio? Would you like to experience it for yourself? Leave a comment and I’ll invite you and your team to a Studio project and collaborate together today.
This crosses all workforce generations and makes a visual record that’s easy to learn, review, share and save to your project document repository.
Construction Project Team Communications Innovation July 26, 2012
Posted by carolhagen in Construction Industry - Software, Document Imaging, web conferencing.Tags: Bluebeam Studio, collaboration, communication, construction, construction project management
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After reading “Collaborating in the New AEC World” by Al Douglas it is apparent that whether you are a subcontractor, general contractor, architect, engineer or project owner you must have a single place to effectively communicate in order to reach all project team expectations. Email will not suffice and often project management systems do not deliver on live collaborative sessions that occur during pre-construction and intermittently throughout a project lifecycle.
Construction communication challenges often arise as preferred technologies (BIM, IPD, CAD) often leave non-techie types out of the conversation loop. Everyone in construction operations is visual and depends upon drawings, plans and models to convey ideas. Being proficient in all these technologies can take a lifetime and the project only lasts 12 months. How do you get everyone speaking the same language and invite every team member to engage in the conversation? The solution has to be easy to learn, offer a place where a multitude of document types can be shared and offer a simple way for mark-ups and conversations to be captured. If you want everyone to use it it also has to be affordable and documents should be easily shared without need for special software. Remember the PDF?
The PDF standard hasn’t left the construction industry. Most general contractors still exchange plans in PDF format because everyone can open them. The problem arises as you share plans, typically via email or offer an FTP download. Now there are 100s of copies and everyone is marking-up their own set. Have you ever tried to look a 4 versions at once and compare the differences? It’s challenging and frustrating. It’s even more challenging in the pre-construction process as you need to get all the project subcontractors in one room along with the engineer and architect. Inevitably a few people miss the meeting or must catch-up later. There is a simple solution…
To see the Bluebeam Studio solution in action as part of Bluebeam Revu. Start at minute 5, if you’re not interested in how to set-up and invite others to this on-line web collaboration studio session for construction teams or watch this 14 minute video from the beginning to see all the steps.
Disclosure: I’m convinced that every construction firm should be familiar with this tool and am a Bluebeam Partner myself. If you’re interested, comment or email me and I’ll invite you to a Bluebeam Studio Session – yes you can invite your team too!
Construction Collaboration: PDF Secrets Part 2 – On-line Meeting for PDF Changes Now or Later July 6, 2011
Posted by carolhagen in communication, Construction Industry - Software, Document Imaging, project management software, records retention, Sharepoint, web conferencing.Tags: AEC, collaboration, construction, PDF, PDF Editing, web chat, web conferencing
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Construction Collaboration often involves sharing documents during an on-line web meeting. While many solutions allow for these sessions to be recorded, there are few that let you leave it open for up to 2 weeks, append to the meeting later, or provide a way to capture the log of the discussion, particularly when changes are made to a “working” PDF. The problem is the method to make these annotations because the web based sessions are typically screen captures of the presenter’s desktop. There is a better way to work on PDFs with individuals or teams which can track, log and hyperlink to the PDF area details. Automatically documenting and capturing the recorded modifications on the PDF for construction project teams with Bluebeam® Studio Server™. You have to see it to believe it.
Let’s take a look at a Bluebeam Studio Session. In this example there are questions concerning the placement of lighting. Note that the chat session captures all annotations and jumps to the view of that persons workspace when they added that annotation.
Bluebeam® Studio Server™ allows you to connect, create and collaborate with anyone, anywhere, at any time. Simply upload your PDFs to Studio and invite attendees from across the globe to view and comment on your PDFs. Chat and add markups to the same PDF together in real-time or separately on your own. Markups and chats are tracked in a Record that links back to the PDF to easily review session activity. You can even create a report of your Studio session to archive or share with your team. With Bluebeam construction collaboration delivers complete version control and report access that you can upload to Sharepoint or ingest into your Enterprise Content Management System automatically using a monitored folder.
Whether you need clarifications from the architect, engineer, General contractor, owner or principal, subcontractor or supplier you can capture the suggestions from each participant, whether you’re all on-line simultaneously, or invitees join later with new ideas or alternatives. If revisions occur later, you can receive email notification that more revisions have been added to the session. Bluebeam has more PDF collaboration power for the AEC industry. In Part 3 we’ll discuss AutoCad and Revit.
If you missed part 1, you may want to read the previous post PDF Secrets: Estimating takeoff from PDF. If you can’t wait for the rest of this series, You probably want to watch this video:
Bluebeam PDF Revu 9 – The Acrobat Alternative Or just Take Revu 9, Bluebeam Studio or Q for a spin with a 30 Free A Trial
Disclosure: Bluebeam software impressed me so much that I recently became an authorized reseller.
Microsoft Takes My Advice on Skype May 10, 2011
Posted by carolhagen in communication, Construction Industry - Software, VOIP, web conferencing.Tags: Kinect, Microsoft, skynet, skype, videoconferencing, Xbox
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Microsoft’s Skype acquisition was overdue. It was January 8, 2011 when I Tweeted:
Just thinking Microsoft could have more Kinect sales if you could use it to Skype. #business
With the official announcement, Microsoft has plans to add Skyping to more than the Kinect and xBox but that alone can convert to huge revenues. By the time Christmas rolls around Microsoft will have kids complaining they can’t use their game consoles because their parents are hogging it for video conferencing. For the small business owner, contractor, and consultant with a home office, this will justify the Kinect purchase as a business expense – so the kids that don’t have a Kinect and Xbox yet, are almost certainly guaranteed a new toy.
With 170+ million connected Skypers around the world many seem worried that their long distance family time will be interrupted. Not to worry as Microsoft is sure to serve up ads on the free service to help them sell gaming consoles and games – 207 billion minutes of voice and video conversations in 2010 is a whole lot of advertising airtime. I suspect that they’ll somehow determine from customer usage patterns or social profiles that small business Skypers should also see Office 365 Ads and every other cloud based offering Microsoft develops. Most IT staff are Skypers too so the potential Ad reach is targeted to Microsofts core audience.
So does this mean LiveMessenger and LiveMeeting are dead? Not by a longshot. Wired Magazine doesn’t think this was a great business technology purchase in their Why Exactly? article, but there is overlap.
There are other factors involved that are mentioned by Forbes Combine all this with the mobile smartphone Ad reach and you see why Microsoft was willing to spend so much money.
Will you be using your gaming console at home to Skype? Will small business owners and contractors move their Xbox into their office? We’d love to hear from you and look forward to your comments.
Video Conferencing Isn’t Just for the Big Boys Anymore March 24, 2010
Posted by carolhagen in Construction Industry Hardware, VOIP, web conferencing.Tags: ACN, phones, skype, videoconferencing, videophone
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Video conferencing has been around for sometime and has either been expensive or of questionable quality. The buzz on the internet is for the masses with technology like Skype entering 1000’s of homes each day. It’s okay to talk with my friends and family but a CEO will not tolerate the delayed image feeds or freeze ups. It’s just not professional.
Video conferencing with Skype displays on your computer at approximately 8 frames a second. A true digital video phone runs at approximately 28 frames a second (broadcast TV is just over 30 frames per second). No delays or freeze frames. It is live streaming “business quality” video conferencing. If your firm considered this years ago but found the costs astronomical, it’s time to rethink your position. I’ve seen some firms pony up $10,000+ but you no longer have to with the ACN videophone.
The ACN videophone is a digital videophone, meaning it has to be routed through high speed internet. It doesn’t run through your computer, it looks and acts like a phone. ACN has their own Video, not voice, over internet protocol so it is a secure system. The Video OIP was built out for ACN by Cisco Systems and covers 4 continents and 22 countries around the world. They have phones that start at just $99.99 plus a $29.99 monthly service fee for unlimited local and long distance calls throughout the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. In addition the phone can be connected to your flat screen TV so you can have a large video image. High Definition is expected later this year.
It is suggested that your internet speeds be at least 256 kbps and probably closer to 1.5mbps for optimal picture quality. Anyone with multiple offices can now enjoy a great video conferencing system with more security and greater reliability.
Business people do use it to travel and stay in touch with their office and family from all around the world. The calls are free from ACN-ACN phone anywhere in the world. Here’s the real “big bang punch”…It is inexpensive and easy enough for any business to really impress and keep a client by supplying them with a videophone to stay in touch face-face. Yes it is a “business relationship” tool that takes advantage of video to reinforce your connection. The next generation phone coming out this summer will allow the screen to split in 4 quadrants so you can hold a 4 way phone/video conference with all parties able to see one another. In a business world where everyone is talking about social media, I think this may be the best “live” tool you could ask for to cement your client relationships.
I want to thank a friend of mine, that some of you may know, Doug Singer, and ACN rep here in Arizona for this great information. I’ve known Doug for years and he’s always looking for ways to make businesses stand out.
I’d like to hear about what video conferencing solutions you find most cost effective. Please share your experiences by leaving a comment. Thanks for all your input in advance.
More Tips on Blog Subscriptions November 13, 2009
Posted by carolhagen in Construction Industry - Software, twitter, web 2.0.Tags: blogging, howto, marketing, web2.0
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As promised this is a continuance of “Attracting Blog Subscriptions” highlighting other functions and features of Feedburner. Today we’re spreading the news of your blog (and if you attended my recent seminar Web 2.0 tools for the construction industry or one of my Social Media on a Shoestring Budget workshops , this is a homework assignment). If you have a few subscribers, why not make it easy for them to share it with the friends and co-workers? You can do that easily giving them options to email it or share it on Facebook. The tool is called FeedFlare and it’s found under the optimize tab:
This gives the viewer of your blog feed or site an opportunity to pass it along, make it more popular with Digg and spread your message. Once you choose FeedFlare, select the options you want for your feed or site and it will show you what it will look like to your readers:
You can reorder the choices you selected by dragging the Share on Facebook or Digg it hyperlinks using drag-n-drop. You’re done when you hit SAVE.
The next time your feed goes out, all your subscribers will have these choices to share and you will reap the rewards!
There is also a FeedFlare catalog of other choices to add including english to spanish translations, adding links to your favorite charity, event promotions and Map It
(to Link to a web mapping service display for feed items that have location context associated with them).
Go ahead and experiment. Try out FeedFlare and let me know about your success. We love your comments.
Oh, and since you read the whole blog post, you can add a follow me on twitter flare with these instructions from HyveUp
Does Windows 7 close the Door on XP? October 16, 2009
Posted by carolhagen in exchange2010, windows7.Tags: cad, construction, exchange 2010, exchange2010, windows 7, windows2008R2, windows7
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An Information Week report announced “XP’s Day of Reckoning is at Hand“. After reading the article I waited for research to educate me on not just the hype on Windows 7, but the pace of expected deployments in this economy. InformationWeek came through with their analytics report which I received for free after attending The Business Case for Windows7 virtual event. The case for Windows 7 is compelling for AutoCAD users, remote offices and Vista users already.
Most businesses are not aware of what’s in it for them, I’ve compiled a resource list to help the IT staff help explain to the CFO/controller the benefits, improvements, challenges with Windows 7. You need to share with management some basics like mainstream support ended in April and security updates are it for XP (no bug fixes or enhancements to work with new products). Communicate with management. Get Testing! Here’s my list of resources in no particular order:
10 Features to Anticipate in Windows 7
No Exchange 2007 on Windows 2008 R2
Top 8 Strategic Points When Weighing Win 7 Adoption
Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor (Can your PC Run Windows 7?)
Microsoft Makes Business case for Windows 7
Windows 7 What’s New Guide (from Dell – techie oriented)
Windows 7 Security Holes Plugged (From eWeek FYI if you’ve been reading old materials)
Intel Wiki on Windows 7, Microsoft ConfigMgr SP2 and Intel’s Vpro Technology (very tech oriented)
You’ll want to have Windows Server 2008 R2 in testing too as that’s where the rubber hits the road with the big benefits of Windows 7 (if you can afford to upgrade to Exchange 2010 simultaneously). The official release date for Windows 7 is October 22nd. Good luck and let me know if this info helped you out.
LinkedIn, Twitter and Web 2.0 for the Construction Industry August 19, 2009
Posted by carolhagen in Construction Industry - Software, linkedin, twitter, web 2.0.Tags: construction, linkedin, twitter, web 2.0
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Yesterday I presented the seminar “LinkedIn, Twitter and Web 2.0 for the Construction Industry” at the American Subcontractors Association Arizona Chapter office. While well attended, I found the majority to be in the same boat as most B2B firms… still trying to understand just what Social Networking is all about and how these tools could impact their business.
Interestingly enough, one attendee was from a Lien Service and was successfully using LinkedIn for locating people that had stiffed their suppliers & subs. One designated Twitterer @smallgiants came to see how they could more effectively communicate with their customers with Twitter and Blogging…I actually suggested a forum or discussion group for their clients while using a blogging tool like WordPress.org or WordPress.com to give them easier updating and flexibility.
The contractors present all had the “generation gap” syndrome and needed to understand that this Web 2.0 stuff is not a fad it is about a method of communication that creates a conversation. These conversations can be with employees, customers and vendors but depending upon your strategy you should focus on one group of people at a time in deploying any web 2.0 tools. Another consideration before jumping in is addressing your e-policy to include such things as disclaimers on any employees “freelance” blogging as it is likely they have you listed as their employer. If you haven’t created an e-policy yet I recommend “The e-POLICY Handbook” by Nancy Flynn.
Every construction firm should have their company profile on LinkedIn and at least a few employees, particularly business development and human resources connected to LinkedIn. It is where unemployed construction talent has posted their resume, and it’s where savvy entrepreneurs are recruiting. This morning I received my weekly update from the McGraw-Hill Construction LinkedIn Group and a discussion post included an 8 page summary of Jim Collin’s book “Good To Great” and applying it’s study and conclusion to the business of construction contracting. I guess this just reiterates the message of my seminar, to get started you must first listen to people, then determine your objectives to create a web 2.0 strategy before you pick all the technology for a full court press of embrasing E2.0 or web 2.0 tools.
Have you started a web 2.0 project? I’d like to hear about your experiments, challenges, and success stories. Leave a comment or contact me directly.
Construction Industry Slow to Adopt Twitter August 12, 2009
Posted by carolhagen in Construction Industry - Software, twitter, web 2.0.Tags: construction, seminar, twitter, web 2.0
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I was speaking with the CFO of a highway heavy contractor recently and he thought that Twitter was a waste of time. Of course this gentleman was over 50 and thought that tweets were just going to be more spam being delivered to his phone or email. Isn’t this the conception you have of Twitter?
There are 8 Things You Need to Know About Twitter and Business according to John Mancini, president of AIIM International. Twitter is more than instant messaging because it has a world wide reach. You need to keep your business purpose in mind and understand the use of hashtags when using this web 2.0 tool. There are some contracting firms getting their feet wet, and using a twitter account like Leobuild that posts press releases and some news in hopes of driving traffic to the Leopardo website. So while I haven’t found a construction firm hugging the tweetdeck wholeheartedly, but how ’bout an A/E firm?
HOK, a prominent architectural firm launched HOK life last year using blogs, Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and more. It’s more about extending the conversatation. They tweet about HOK media coverage, employee’s accomplishments, project stories, publications, new hires and more. They are branding their firm as “the best firm to work for” and a place where new technology is embraced. They build links between tweets & blogs, pulling you into the conversation and encouraging discussions, improving relationships and personalizing their firm. Their employees use these tools during work hours, their purpose is clear and their company rules are few. Do you think they have talent chasing them?
Twitter is just one of the web 2.0 tools out there that is underutilized by the construction industry. In my efforts to educate contractors I use Twitter and LinkedIn to announce seminars and other events including an upcoming Lunch N’ Learn entitled, “Twitter, LinkedIn and Social Networking/Social Media in the Construction Industry” at the American Subcontractors Association office in Phoenix on August 18th.
Are you interested but can’t attend in person? There will be a webinar announced in the near future. I’d also be interested in contracting firms that are using web 2.0 tools extensively in the USA. I welcome the comments.
Did you say free web conferencing? July 22, 2009
Posted by carolhagen in communication, web conferencing.1 comment so far
Most contracting firms have used Webex or Go2meeting either by inviting or being invited to an on-line seminar or web conference. There are many other players in this marketplace like Intercall and Skype. Yes I said Skype, the free video calling that Oprah promotes and the game show Millionaire uses to call an expert.
So did you know that Skype 4.0 (and subsequent releases) has video conferencing available with screen sharing? This is completely free but if you need to have large groups, and send invites ahead of time you’ll want a 3rd party add-on called InnerPass to make it more business friendly. You’ll need to pay for InnerPass, but for a significantly smaller fee than you pay on the popularly advertised web conferencing systems. I learned about this from an OPEN Small Business Forum from American Express but since 95% of all contractors are small businesses, and larger firms have suppliers, customers and outsourced IT guys that would find this helpful, I thought it appropriate to share it with you too.
You’ll need a headset & microphone from your laptop, and a webcam if you want video. This solution works great with Outlook and Xobni too. Try it out for your next one-on-one instant web conference and you won’t be sorry. I’d like to encourage you to share your experiences and add your comments to this blog entry after trying it out.