Office software related feedback please

[Yman]

I posted this at the end of a related topic and I wanted to know if there is really any interest in such a thing like this for an office.

I developed, within Access, a way to have a multitude of different Architectectural and Construction requirements all rolled up in one application. I sent it to Zman I think about a year ago for them to explore what they may do in their office, but I have no idea what they did. The office I used to work for was a design/ build Arch. firm and did 80% of our projects thhis way. So, I developed it to work in many ways.

Now that I went out on my own and only want to do Architecture and don't need to do grunt work for a boss anymore I sicked my Dad, a programmer, on my database (which works, but is clunky, I'm an architect not a progammer) and he is making it into an actual program.

Not that I'm trying to sell anything here, but interested in what kind of demand there would be for it or should I just develop it for my own firm:

This is what I have in the database that is being programmed:

1. Contacts (Customers, clients) w/ fax, transmitttals, labels, etc. associated to it.
2. Time cards w/ project budgets and anaylsis studies.
3. Billing, time card or percentage contracts.
3. Estimating - square foot and/or by individual selections. Relate it back to a revit export database to come up with an estimate.
4. Project logs for site visits, meetings, etc.
5. Punchlist data that will be incorporated with a palm or w/ pocket pc that you go to site, input info and then come back to office, sync and then print it out. Done.
6. Build part of firm if a design/ build firm, a Contruction management data part, that relate back to your estimate information, transfer it to a construction budget (like a bid form), enter invoices, track invoices from subs, track project cost, etc. Print forms similar to AIA forms for continuation sheets we get from contractors, etc.

And I'm sure this could be done to incorporate a web based format also.

All of this is set up to think like Architects. By Division (CSI standards) to easily find and relate things back to your projects.

These are some of the things we are doing with the program and was thinking about the market of how interested people would be for something like this.

Please let me know. Feedback please. This has been something I have been thinking about for a couple of years.

Y

[christopher.zoog51272]

I posted this at the end of a related topic and I wanted to know if there is really any interest in such a thing like this for an office.

I developed, within Access, a way to have a multitude of different Architectectural and Construction requirements all rolled up in one application. I sent it to Zman I think about a year ago for them to explore what they may do in their office, but I have no idea what they did. The office I used to work for was a design/ build Arch. firm and did 80% of our projects thhis way. So, I developed it to work in many ways.

Now that I went out on my own and only want to do Architecture and don't need to do grunt work for a boss anymore I sicked my Dad, a programmer, on my database (which works, but is clunky, I'm an architect not a progammer) and he is making it into an actual program.

Not that I'm trying to sell anything here, but interested in what kind of demand there would be for it or should I just develop it for my own firm:

This is what I have in the database that is being programmed:

1. Contacts (Customers, clients) w/ fax, transmitttals, labels, etc. associated to it.
2. Time cards w/ project budgets and anaylsis studies.
3. Billing, time card or percentage contracts.
3. Estimating - square foot and/or by individual selections. Relate it back to a revit export database to come up with an estimate.
4. Project logs for site visits, meetings, etc.
5. Punchlist data that will be incorporated with a palm or w/ pocket pc that you go to site, input info and then come back to office, sync and then print it out. Done.
6. Build part of firm if a design/ build firm, a Contruction management data part, that relate back to your estimate information, transfer it to a construction budget (like a bid form), enter invoices, track invoices from subs, track project cost, etc. Print forms similar to AIA forms for continuation sheets we get from contractors, etc.

And I'm sure this could be done to incorporate a web based format also.

All of this is set up to think like Architects. By Division (CSI standards) to easily find and relate things back to your projects.

These are some of the things we are doing with the program and was thinking about the market of how interested people would be for something like this.

Please let me know. Feedback please. This has been something I have been thinking about for a couple of years.

Y

Yman, like you said, i had a chance to look at your access database and it was fantastic, it looked like it would suit our needs very well, but it the hectic office we have here we never had a chance to act on it. If you to develop a program that you speak of, our office would surely buy it. It sounds like it could be the best of all the programs we use. I am especially concerned with some sort document tracking like transmittals, etc. Having them semi-automatically generated would be cool, too. Our current system is a hodgepodge of excel, outlook, QuickBooks, word, and handwritten transmittals, with nothing to really tie it all together, thus things get lost or put in the wrong place all the time.

Have you though about integrating with a plot tracker program for accurate tracking of reimbursables?

Anyway, there would surely be interest in my office. I’d be willing to beta test it:wink:

z.

[cgrover]

YMAN,

Your idea sounds very intriguing. I am currently starting an architecture deparment for a construction company and thus are heading in the d/b direction. I'd be very interested to hear and see more about the program as it develops. Your explanation sounds like something I've been searching for for several years. Keep me posted.

Your neighbor to the North.

Grover

PS. If it works out we should hook up to discuss Revit, it seems there are a very limited amount of users in MT and thus the training/support is not very strong. This is the best I've found.

[Steve_Stafford]

It does sound interesting for the small business that doesn't/can't "afford" a full blown application.

[Yman]

PS. If it works out we should hook up to discuss Revit, it seems there are a very limited amount of users in MT and thus the training/support is not very strong. This is the best I've found

Yes, we should get together. I don't get up to whitefish area that often. I haven't been there in about 2 years. I might have to plan a little ski trip up there this winter and then we can get together. I have had some other contractors in the area and in missoula area that want to there hands on it.

Hey Zman, the last place I worked we did the same thing you huys did. It was a mess. We have saved MANY hours just using it. I will think about the beta version for you. I have to check with my programmer (my dad) on when he thinks it will be ready.

It really suits the need of both Architects and Contractors.


It does sound interesting for the small business that doesn't/can't "afford" a full blown application.




Steve, what do you mean by a Full Blown application. I would imagine it would work in any size firm.

[Steve_Stafford]

I'm referring to enterprise level software that attempts to handle accounting/scheduling/contacts etc...for large corporations. The software you describe sounds like a "lite" version of software that is very likely too costly to afford for the typical 5-15 person firm.

If I'm wrong about your solution...let me see the color glossy promo pack :wink: . Like Z said, I'd be happy to beta? :D But our firm is using Deltek Advantage...but not fully yet, and may never?

[Yman]

I see what your saying. Thanks for letting me no. Not getting much sleep lately.

Y

[PaulB]

Will it also handle Architects Instructions, Requests for Information, Contract Variations, Extensions of Time, Contract Costs, etc. :?:

[Yman]

I don't know. I don't know what the legalitities with some of these things yet. I don't know if AIA conctracts are only there rights and if creating a new standard of legal documents could be a little above my head right now. I use the AIA contracts and I never really thought about including it into the software. Will have to think about it and how?

Y

[Lashers]

Yman!!

Lordy! Lordy! Bless you my son ( & dad)!! :D

You might guess I have been scouring the net for something like this for ages, to the point I thought I would start to develop something myself . . . same problem though . . architect, not a programmer. Therefore would be quite happy to do some beta for you if you like, although in the UK, there should not be too much difficulty.

Hoping to set my own firm up soon, how's it going for you?

Lashers

[Allen Lacy]

I'd be interested in this, too. Will it, can it integrate with Quickbooks, as far as time keeping goes?

[Zig]

At least one Canadian User would be interested. I am not sure of the differences between the administration requirements of the AIA and the Ontario Association of Architects (my licensing body). Regardless; it sounds interesting. I use quickbooks as well.

[J-G]

I have been using Quickbooks and BigTime for a combined time, project, and financial organization. What I would be interested in is somthing that helps mange documents, projects, and stats for future proposals.

One example is with office checklists. We keep ongoing checklists for almost everything. What would be nice to have is a program that could track these things. Example: to add a new item to a checklist you select the checkist and submit a new entry along with description. Later if you wanted to know the history of a requirement you can see who created it, when, and why (what code was it related to, was it a prefference, etc).

Another example would be the same type of thing, but with general notes. I just think it would be cool to have this all in a database so if you can track everything.

Additionally for the checklists what if users could check items off. That way for a particular job you could track what has/ has not been done and in what areas. I can see that a user has finished the floor plans up to a certain point, and is working on building sections - whatever. I have checklists divided into phases so this could really work for me.

There are a lot of possibilities. As far as the user environment you should look at the BigTime project by EdisonsAttic. They have a database back end with a web page front end. This works really well over networks and you could even do sometype of sinq for mobile workers.


Just some thoughts. If you had somthing that could do somthing like this, and was customizable (i.e. you can create new documents and have your program track them) I would definitely by it. Just to note I paid about $1,000 for BigTime and am very happy with it. If you can create a program that is simple and works I think a lot of other users would buy somthing like this as well.

[Kirky]

have a look at archiadmin.com this was developed in Australia and is
the preferred software here for office administration and contract admin etc.
It does budgets,invoices,letters, contract admin, variations, instructions, etc. I also use Quickbooks for general accounts and import data from archiadmin as required. Demo can be downloaded.

I would also like to see Revit with a drawing database manager that shows amount of time per drawing
revisions, client info, linked files, etc. Some of this information linking directly to your administration software/title block. From what I can see some of this info is already in the Journal files? (was that a wish?) :) ed> Looks like one to me >>> beegee
There is a tendency for designers to get caught up in the creative process and to forget about the business side, however the quality of architecture generally stems from a disciplined approach of allocated resources.



Ian Kirk
Tasmania
Australia

[Yman]

Thanks for all the comments. I will forward this info. on and consult with my dad.

I will keep you posted.

Y

[Yman]

Hoping to set my own firm up soon, how's it going for you?

Busy, I worked 18 hours yesterday. I'm in the stage of have a lot of work but not enough to hire any help. Good I guess but you get tired. I've been doing this for a couple of months. Kind of like being back in school. And I got a cold already! I can't believe it. Oh well, must trudge on.

Y

[Martin P]

Maybe a little off what you are trying to do, but we recently started using SAGE for our timesheet keeping - it is really aimed at accountants I think? But if you are keeping a database of clients, jobs etc - it wouldnt seem to be a great stretch to incorporate something like that to, would be really useful. Good luck with it.

"And I got a cold already! I can't believe it. Oh well, must trudge on"

So you look something like the Avatr then! :wink: :lol:

[Yman]

Yes, very similar. That's why I picked it. :lol:

Y

[Yman]

See the Office Management thread for more information about the program.

Y

[rhys]

Yman
Development of an access database for architectural work is an excellent idea. I have some experience of this in that a few years ago we developed a fairly complex housing stock management system including hand held pen computers. The problems in marketing sytems like this is really that every potential user has their own specific needs and ideas so the system can grow and grow trying to meet all the different ways of working.
BUT the good thing about an access database system is that most anyone can have a go at adding field and different reports searches etc. The trick I think is to offer things as small "modules" priced low and also structure things so that users can develop their own modules using core data from the main relational databases. We did not sell our system closed and our clients were free to develop the system themselves further if they wished. I suppose in was sort of "open source" at least for those who paid us to develop it!
I'd certainly be interested in considering buying anything you developed but things do need to be flexible in terms of structure and content, for example US standard conventions for building element classification differ from other parts of the world.

[Yman]

Thanks for the information Rhys.

Y

[adegnan]

Y,


I remain interested! let me know if you need another beta tester for a 1-man office (4-man company with the crew) and if you are interested in design/build input from someone like me.

For the record I currently use Quickbooks Premiere Contractor Edition, in combination with QUickbooks Customer Manager and Outlook and Excel. If Customer Manager released updates as quickly as Revit, and listened to user input, it would be a great piece of software. Meanwhile I'm still interested in adopting something better.

So count me in....

[Yman]

I know I mentioned I would have a brochure (pdf file) posted about the software we have been working on. But I am still working on some legal things.

Please bear with me while I complete this necessary part of the process. I hope (very much) to be able to post it right after the 4th of July weekend.

Thanks,

Chris aka (Y)

[augi.48544]

Way cool.

Be sure to throw in an SK log - that cross references with an RFI log.

Further, if you were to issue an SK that supercedes a numbered detail on a drawing, it'd be nice to have the original detail "flagged" as being obsolete as well.

I'd love to see what youv'e got so far...

[Yman]

I'm sorry, but I have never heard of an SK log. What is it? Please explain.

We are trying to get as much programmed into the software as possible, but I'm sure there will be something we forgot or missed and we are going to try and be like Revit was when it first came out and be very quick at adding features and updates.

Thanks,

Y

[Yman]

IT'S FINALLY HERE! I got the brochure done.

Please review and comment.

We are getting closer and can't wait to release our 1st version.

Thanks everyone.

Y

[christopher.zoog51272]

Wow, at first glance it looks great Chris! As I'm sure you're expecting, I have a ton of questions, but start with a few right now:

How is the database shared, do you store it in a shared location on the server?

I see that the timer can be installed seperately on the workstations, I take it the timer will pull Job info (job name, status, etc) from the database and them push back time data?

I assume you need a seperate license for each computer that will be accessing the database, to generate fax transmittals, etc?

The export to quickbooks thing is Key! This will more that a few firms over.

It looks like you are off to a great start! Can't wait to try the demo!

-zman

[Yman]

Yes, the database is stored on the server and then shared (linked) back to the server on the remote (other) computers.

You are right on the timer. It gathers all projects, project types and etc. from the main database file and then you have all that information to use and everybody knows whats going on. It also stores the timer information locally and on the server.

Yes, we will probably have a license per machine and/ or a site license option. Not fully decided on this issue yet.

I agree. The export to Quickbooks is a key program components.

Thanks for the comments and questions Zman.

Ask more if you like!

Y

[PeterJ]

So Chris, you are no longer really an architect? This looks like it could have taken all your time since you established your own practice, without drawing a single line on a sheet of paper.

Did you have someone work with you on it?

[Yman]

Did I mention that I was busy? That's why I haven't had too much time to post anything on the newsgroup.

The good thing is that I know a few programmers (really good ones) so I don't have to do this all myself. I get the simple things to do for the program and I get to do all the other stuff. They like to write programs and I lke to do all the rest of the stuff.

And yes, I still practice Architecture in my own firm. That is going pretty good right now.

Thanks,

Y

[mmulvey]

Yman,

Great idea - I have been looking for such a package for years - all the stuff currently available seems aimed at much bigger firms or one has to use bits of several applications with almost no integration.

I do lots of beta-testing and would be happy to pitch in.

Haven't looked at your brochure yet but a way for users to access the system via the net would be great - we usually work with many outside consultants on each project and a way to tie everyone together would be great - have tried ProjectTalk and BuzzSaw but neither quite does what we need.

[mmulvey]

Looked at your brochure - very promising. What's the pricing?

We use MS Exchange Server's "Public Folders" to create checklists to track RFI's, Submittals, etc. across our LAN. Works ok with some formatting issues. Microsoft could ceate a really powerful project coordination tool based on this if they could spare some people from creating tail-wagging dogs and talking paperclips etc.

I like the look of your product - would suggest at least two additions:

1. Integration with plot/print-tracking software - We use Technesis "SmartPlot" Its great software and I know they are open to integration.
2. Allow links to other financial software like Wind2 and Sema4
3. (This may be there already) Have a way to create standard checklists - we do a lot of high-tech work and need a way to set up such lists to make sure that less-experienced users can make sure they've addressed all the issues - our current checklists are in MS Word and Excel format and run to 50 pages in bullet-point form.

Can the time cards be set to pop-up on users' screens at predetermined times? We have Excel sheets that automatically do so every day 10 minutes before going-home time. Works ok but there is no integration with financial software and all projects etc. have to be entered manually.

[Yman]

I'm sorry if anyone may find this topic out of sorts. We were a little relaxed on the Zoog forum. If anyone has issues I will find a way to move this topic to another website. I am currently working on it so I'm not intruding too much on the AUGI forum.

We haven't come up with a price yet. Still trying to figure that out.

We have talked about the print/plot tracking software and there are so many out there it's hard to figure out what to program for. It is almost easier to program into ARCOMANS the tracking and then it automatically loads into the invoicing and etc. This is what we eventually want to do but won't be in the first release.

I have heard of Sema4 but not the other one. It's kind of like the tracking software, there are a lot of accounting programs. What do we do? Still trying to figure out everyone's needs and best approach.

We won't have anything like that programmed in but not a bad idea. Just like everything else, submitting request to add to the program will be something we will look at. If great request then it will get into the program and so on....

I don't know about the pop-up thing for time cards. Can be done, but I would hate to drawing along in CAD or some other program and the timer pop-ups up in the middle of something. Would it be very important to do something like that?

Any other questions, please ask.

Y

[gregcashen]

I'm sorry if anyone may find this topic out of sorts. We were a little relaxed on the Zoog forum. If anyone has issues I will find a way to move this topic to another website. I am currently working on it so I'm not intruding too much on the AUGI forum.

Y

It is not out of sorts. This thread started back in the ZDBB days and many here have been waiting patiently for you to release this product. I do not consider that an unsolicited advertisement...

[Yman]

OK, we are getting closer, but we are still working on some things. We added about 5 more things that we were going to wait on and we decided to just go ahead and do it. So, the program will not be complete or really near complete until the end of August instead of July.

Please hold tight. I am working on some video clips that will be up to the website also with a new brochure there too in the comming week. I will let you know.

Patience is a virtue, right? (Is that how the saying goes, LOL)

Chris

[Les Therrien]

Cool! This is almost as exciting as a new Revit release!

[scramer.70520]

I could be wrong, but this looks similar to another database product our office tried from OrangeLoft called "ArchiOffice", which is Filemaker Pro based. In regards to correlation with Revit, it's nice to see products like this develop. To my knowledge, ArchiOffice didn't have that capability.

[kshawks]

We are a small firm and would be very interested in this. Keep us updated, ie pricing.

[Zig]

Just downloaded a copy from the Creative Mountain website last night. I will be trying it out over the next little while and post with my comments.

[ariasdelcid]

Very Interested in it, Yman. Please keep me posted. Thank you so much

[Yman]

Go to www.creativemtnsoftware.com to check it out.

Y

[PeterJ]

Although this thread was started in the more relaxed arena of the ZoogDesign's Revit Forums there has been discussion amongst AUGI staff as to whether the nature of the thread infringes AUGI's very strict guidelines on advertising.and the decision has now been taken to lock the thread.

Any further discussion with Chris Yearick (Yman) regarding Creative Mounatin Software should be done via their website. (http://www.creativemtnsoftware.com/) We apologise for any inconvenience this causes but in order that a precedent is not set to allow any form of possible advertising it is the decision that we have had to take.