B+A Greater Boston

W hIle ClouD-BaSeD CoNStruCtIoN programs is still relatively new products, they offer builders and architects fresh ways of testing ideas and better connecting with colleagues and clients alike. advertisers' index airtech energy Systems & Copper Design .....46 advanced lightning Protection and Construction.......................65 all Cape Plumbing & heating .......................58 Best tile .................................Inside Back Cover Bob arnold's Fleetwood Plastering ................69 California Closets..........................................35 Cape Cod ready Mix ....................................62 Cloutier Supply Company .............................52 Conor r. Watson ..........................................61 Dan Cutrona Photography ............................70 Donovan Concrete........................................59 eldredge & lumpkin Insurance agency, Inc ...55 executive landscaping ..................................60 hamel Woodworks .......................................57 harwich Port heating & Cooling ...................54 Karen B. Kempton architecture ....................50 Mayflower Glass and Mirror .........................51 Mid-Cape home Centers ................................4 Nantucket Sound ..........................................47 Northeast tool Supply ...................................56 Pella.......................................... 27, Back Cover PrISM awards ..............................................44 ryder & Wilcox .............................................64 rPM Carpets & Floor Coverings ....................36 Shepley .........................................................63 Simonton Windows ..............Inside Front Cover Specialty Builders' Supply, Inc. ......................28 Stonewood Products.....................................43 Summit .........................................................53 Surroundings Custom Interiors .......................7 the tilery at tree's Place................................56 van Millwork ..................................................3 68 | Greater boston Builder+architect Get your head in the clouds Like many other businesses today, construction companies can reap the benefits of cloud-based computer applications . In the past, builders had limited access to their house plans and other pertinent information stored on computers at their offices or homes. Using cloud-based software allows builders real-time access to information while in the field, meeting with clients, or on the go and BuildertrEnD app dealing with day-to -day details , such as payroll and billing. As long as they have Internet access and a laptop, tablet or smartphone, builders are in business. Cloud-based apps can also streamline communication among all involved parties, from contractors and subcontractors to buildin g owners and architects, so everyone is on the same page before movin g forward. When everyone is in the loop, projects can progress and stay on schedule, building clients' trust. Typically, builders also depend on IT support, but cloud computing puts the power — and money that builder s would need to output for IT talent — back in builders' hands. A couple notable cloud-based apps are: > BuilderTREND: This product streamlines communicatio n among all vendors involved in a home-building or remodeling project. The app provides access to important data, such as documents, photos, warranties, schedules and orders. > Unrabble: This hiring software is specifically design ed to help small business owners find the best-qualified candidates through visualization of resumes. imagine it in 3-d the past few years. Three-dimensional printers have been gaining ground during graphs, the technology allows builders to visualize a Adding depth to sketches or articulate to clients their large project even on a small 3-D scale, so they can better goals and further solidify business prospects. ter-aided designs To begin, 3-D printers take virtual blueprints from compu guidelines for printing. The and slice them into digital cross-sections to use as r or sheet material to printers then lay down successive layers of liquid, powde are joined or automatically fused to build models from the cross-sections. Layers create final shapes. Two 3-D printers worth checking out are: and color models using > 3D Systems' ZPrinter: This printer produces both white other digital data. 3-D computer-aided design, building information data and this new, compact 3-D > Code P-West BV's 3D Builder: Boasting a steel frame, build projects. desk printer uses Pronterface and Cura software to ce in your business? Visit www. Want to sound off on which products are making a differen to learn more. builderarchitect.com BoStoN.BuIlDerarChIteCt.CoM IMaGe CourteSy oF BuIlDertr eND cIn emBrae Futug re th though the fundamentals of building are the same, new approaches to visualizing the final product are helping builders and architects make dream homes and developments a reality.

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