Topic
Software / Hardware
CanBIM conference speaker envisions computers doing design
October 20, 2016 Bronwen ParsonsThe Canada BIM Council held its 2nd Technology Built Innovation event in Toronto on October 5 and 6. The first day was devoted to tours of two BIM-designed buildings at York University in the northwest of the city: the university’s…
Canada BIM Council announces 2016 CanBIM Award Winners
October 18, 2016 CanBIMThe Canada BIM Council (CanBIM) held its 2nd Annual CanBIM Awards on October 5th in Toronto at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Eight award categories were presented. The awards and winners included: Academic Award presented by Global eTraining, Anne Carpenter, Account Executive…
Software column: The cloud – A practical view
October 14, 2016 Jacob StollerNot long ago, the most common IT job description was network administrator. The work involved a lot of repetitive tasks: update user profiles, manage email capacity and security, apply Microsoft Office patches, stage new PCs; and of course, deal with…
Don’t be like weird old Uncle Charlie
October 14, 2016 Corinne LyndsMaybe it’s your brother, your mom, or even your weird-old-Uncle Charlie. And it doesn’t matter if you live in Vancouver, Toronto or Labrador – every family has its own technophobe. You know the person I’m talking about. They’re still using…
KPMG report: Construction companies struggle to gain full benefits of technology
September 13, 2016 KPMGDespite substantial investments, the construction industry is struggling to gain the full benefits of technologies including advanced data and analytics, mobility, automation and robotics. That’s the key finding from Building a technology advantage – Global Construction Survey 2016, the annual…
Software Column: Are you getting a bad rap online?
August 29, 2016 Jacob Stoller“Bad news travels fast” may be an ancient proverb, but even a few decades ago nobody could have imagined that a story could go viral in a matter of minutes. The influence of online information is growing so rapidly that…
How to enable today’s mobile workers for success
July 18, 2016 Ken Van AelstAccording to a Ryerson University survey, 70 per cent of Canadian employees are mobile in some way (physically) and this is expected to increase to 73 per cent in 2016. As enterprises move to an increasingly mobile workforce, they face…
B2W Inform turns data into actionable intelligence
June 28, 2016 On-Site MagazineB2W Software has expanded its platform for estimating and operations with a new application for capturing data and turning it into actionable intelligence. B2W Inform was released in June. The application mines data enterprise-wide from electronic documents and delivers reporting capabilities…
Time tracking software prevents administrative costs and hassles
June 22, 2016 Jacob StollerHourly wages constitute the largest expense category for most contractors. Yet the amount paid is determined, in most cases, by a source that is scientifically proven to be highly unreliable – human memory. In fact, according to a phenomenon that…
Generate better construction leads with these 3 types of website content
May 2, 2016 Joe SullivanIn a long-sales cycle industry like construction, lots of information gathering happens throughout the buying process. Whether you realize it or not, your prospects are learning about you before they ever pick up the phone. And that learning process will…
World’s first 3-D printed excavator will be on display at CONEXPO-CON/AGG and IFPE
April 25, 2016 On-Site MagazineCONEXPO-CON/AGG and IFPE 2017 are teaming up to unveil the world’s first fully-functional 3-D printed construction excavator and the first large-scale use of steel in 3-D printing, known as additive manufacturing. The excavator, which will be on display at the…
Trimble adds GNSS positioning to Field Link
April 19, 2016 On-Site MagazineTrimble’s construction layout software, Field Link, can now be used with the Trimble R8s GNSS receiver. This addition extends Trimble’s portfolio of positioning and scanning solutions that enable general contractors to take advantage of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) technology…
Cummins Datalink Adapter
March 30, 2016 On-Site MagazineCummins Inc has released its Inline 7, a wired and wireless datalink adapter. Inline 7 is the only adapter offering Wi-Fi(R) and Bluetooth wireless connectivity while also providing traditional wired functionality via USB. Inline 7 supports several protocols, such as…
Topcon and Deere Unite
March 30, 2016 On-Site MagazineThe John Deere 700K SmartGrade™ crawler dozer has now integrated the Topcon 3D-MC2 Grade Control System for improved grading accuracy. The system is fully integrated into the machine cabin and structures, eliminating vulnerable external masts and cables. Combining Topcon technology…
BIM agencies join forces
March 18, 2016 On-Site MagazineTwo groups driving the use of building information modeling in Canada have joined forces to further the interests of the national BIM community. CanBIM and IBC/buildingSMART Canada are bringing together two of their key committees to work hand-in-hand. Their respective…
Software: Green construction – Mastering the art of keeping track
March 18, 2016 Jacob StollerWhether a project is a high-profile green office tower or a cost-efficient single family dwelling, environmental is gradually becoming the norm. While contractors own only a segment of the environmental pie, their ability to deliver on eco-friendly projects is becoming…
Sokkia SHC5000 field controller
February 23, 2016 On-Site MagazineThe Sokkia SHC5000 is the latest addition of field controllers for use with construction and surveying applications. Operating MAGNET® Field, Site and Layout software, the newest field controller is designed to provide a more versatile and faster handheld computer for…
‘Smart helmet’ could revolutionize construction site workflows
January 20, 2016 On-Site MagazineTopcon Positioning Group has partnered with DAQRI, a world leader in enterprise augmented reality, to collaborate on wearable technology designed to change the way construction and survey professionals interface with the job site. Topcon and DAQRI — creator of the…
Fort York bridge to be first in duplex stainless steel
December 11, 2015 STAFF REPORTA new pedestrian and cycle bridge near the waterfront in Toronto will be the first in North America to have a structure built entirely of duplex stainless steel, according to a report in Canadian Consulting Engineer. Duplex stainless steels have…
Drone use takes off
December 1, 2015 JEAN BURROWSFlying construction equipment won’t be a novelty for long