TAVCO Construction Technology Blog

Despite all the digital advancements in the AEC industry over the past few years, the concept of a completely paperless office just does not exist. There is still a need for paper plans, maps, and other large images.

So, a plotter is still very much a viable piece of equipment for any architectural, engineering, and construction offices. But there are more options now than ever. The choices can be daunting. So, this article will help narrow down the important aspects of how to buy a plotter today.

Many years ago, someone gave me the awesome advice of, “you have to be willing to give up who you are for who you may become.” It looks like Troy DeGroot is living by that creed with his launch of U Chapter 2 - his company dedicated to Bluebeam training – empowering people to get the most out of Bluebeam Revu.

Canon recently announced their latest additions to their imagePROGRAF line of large format printers with new hybrid solutions, the imagePROGRAF TZ-30000 and imagePROGRAF TZ-30000 multifunction printer (MFP) Z36.

When it comes to construction projects, Subcontractors (Subs) are the heart and soul of any job. General Contractors and Architects rely on their Subs (HVAC, plumbing, lighting, electrical, concrete, etc.) to complete the project on time and under budget. So, efficiency and productivity are the keys to subcontractor success.

But, it is a changing world and some subcontractors have issues adapting to some of the shifting business dynamics within the construction industry. The entire construction workflow us much more digital. Though this change has dramatically decreased the need to print hard copies of construction drawings, the need still exists. 

Plotting needs have certainly changed, but have not gone away completely. In fact, construction-related printing is still very vital, but dynamic. So, every contractor should have access to a wide-format plotter, for a variety of reasons. 

When it comes to working with construction plan revisions, speed is certainly a factor. Given the current construction labor shortage, the expectation is for more key people to do more work, make less errors, and still finish projects on time.

So, when a speed hack is discovered, it doesn’t take long for others to jump on board. This is why Bluebeam Revu software might just be muscle that companies need to supercharge comparing construction plan revisions. 

See why Revu can be one of your most powerful weapons in your arsenal when it comes to finding changes in document revisions quickly.

Guest post by Mark Senior, PointFuse

One positive outcome of the Coronavirus pandemic is that it has forced the AEC industry to take a long hard look at its relationship with digital tools. As construction sites closed across the country, firms up and down the AEC supply chain looked for new ways to keep work moving – with some turning to digital tools for the very first time.

Over the past several years, the insurance industry has collectively suffered financial loss. Premiums paid by the insured have not been substantial enough to drive profitability. The insurance industry refers to this as a ‘hard market.’

Unfortunately, when insurers experience losses, the policy holders are the ones who ultimately pay the price in the form of higher premiums. While all consumers and business ventures are subject to increases, the construction industry has certainly seen a huge increase in insurance costs.

The fact is that you now pay more and get less coverage to insure your construction operations. This impacts overall project cost and cuts into profits. Luckily, new emerging technologies, like Smartvid.io are helping AEC companies build a defense against rising construction insurance rates.

In 1597 Sir Francis Bacon declared that "knowledge is power."  Back then, the known world was a lot smaller, and he was only armed with a handful of books.

Today, anyone with an internet connection can get a mountain of knowledge, with a single mouse click.

This is easily showcased by the amazing amount of geographical information instantly available through Google Maps or Google Earth.

Both of these applications operate as web-based conglomerations of data sourced from both data and images, sourced from satellite imagery, aerial photography, and GIS. 

But, if you need a way to actually print this data in the form of GIS maps, aerials, or images, you need a printer that is fully capable of handling the task. 

Wouldn't it be great to have accurate, as-built information at the start of a new construction project or renovation? Good news, you can. And, it is much easier than you think.

Like any other industry, the wide-format equipment sector is extremely competitive. As such, you typically will not find many companies openly sharing positive information about their direct competitors.

But, this is one of those rare, shining moments when I am bucking the trend and actually giving one of my rivals a “tip of the hat.” After all, good info is good info.

Chris Johnson at CAD Supplies Specialty in Austin, TX published a column in their November 2015 Newsletter explaining differences in wide format plotter paper weights. I thought this article was very insightful.