Archway News Archive Page

Tuesday, 1/2/2001: SolidEdge Solid Modeling Software. Archway Systems now offers UGS SolidEdge modeling software to the Academic community. Teachers and students may purchase it for only $200. An Unlimited Campus License is also being offered. To find out more about this great mechanical engineering software, click here.

ARCHWAY NEWSLETTER - February 2008

In This Issue . . .

Upcoming Events:

Mar 3	TRAC meeting/Caltrans	Sacramento
Mar 18	OC Microstation Users	Santa Ana CC
Mar 20	LA MicroStation Users	Rio Hondo CC
May 19-22	Ecobuild America	Anaheim Con Ctr
May 28-30	BE Conference	Baltimore MD

Civil/Structural/Environmental
If you are one of the civil firms that have thought about implementing InRoads, Geopak, PowerCivil, STAAD.Pro, Bentley Structural, or any of the Haestad products, now is the time. You are probably aware that InRoads/Geopak is the standard at nearly every state DOT and the federal DOT. And, that the Haestad products continually win “Product of the Year” for water, sewer and storm simulation. Archway and Bentley are teaming up to provide the best possible deal for companies of all sizes, no matter what you are starting from.
For example, if you currently have some competitive CAD software, Bentley is offering a $4445 savings on moving to Bentley Structural based on MicroStation/Triforma. The software, normally $7545 is being offered for just $3990. If you already have MicroStation PowerDraft, you can upgrade to MicroStation and Bentley Structural for just $2695. And, if you have MicroStation, you can upgrade to Bentley Structural for just $1750. Add some for SELECT and taxes.
You can get your training directly from Archway whether you need an update to XM, or you are moving from another software, or just need the introduction to any product, you can attend classes at Archway or we can provide the classes at your site. Call or email soon as these prices can only be guaranteed through Q1 2008.

Economical BIM Implementation
If you are one of the architectural firms that have thought about implementing BIM, and are concerned about the environment and LEED certification, now is the time. Bentley’s BIM solution has received plaudets from industry gurus and is the software of choice for many of the leading architects in the world. Bentley’s BIM solution is IFC 2x3 Certified, and Bentley is a member of U.S.GBC. Bentley BIM interoperates with all green software through gbXML. Archway and Bentley are teaming up to provide the best possible deal for companies of all sizes, no matter what you are starting from.
If you currently have some competitive CAD software, Bentley is offering a $2800 savings on moving to Bentley Architecture based on MicroStation/Triforma. The software, normally $6290 is being offered for just $3490. If you already have MicroStation PowerDraft, you can have the same for just $2195. And, if you have MicroStation, you can upgrade to Bentley Architecture for just $750. Add some for SELECT and taxes.
You can get your training directly from Archway whether you need an update to XM, or you are moving from another software, or just need the introduction to 3D Bentley Architecture, you can attend classes at Archway or we can provide the classes at your site. Call or email soon as these prices can only be guaranteed through Q1 2008.

Need Additional MicroStation Seats?
The Competitive Upgrade is back for a short time. Give us a call for prices. Great time to “stock up” if you are seeing a workload increase coming.

MicroStation Users Meeting
Please be sure to attend the next LA, Orange County or San Diego users meeting. Enjoy snacks, networking with colleagues and a technology update on the latest. The next OC users meeting on Mar 18 will feature “Environmental Sustainability” and “Best Practices for Caltrans Submittals” The LA Meeting will follow on Mar 20.

AEC-ST/Ecobuild Conference
Mark your calendar for May 19-22 to see the Ecobuild Conference and attend some of the FREE seminars and workshops. Here is a preliminary schedule:

W17:	Interoperating with Green Software
Date:	Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Time:	9:00 am – 12:00 pm
	Review of the energy calculating software on DOE website and implementation.

W27:	Generative Components for AEC Modeling
Date:	Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Time:	1:30 pm – 4:30 pm
	an associative parametric modeling system used by structural engineers to automate design processes.

S607:	Light Gauge Structural Steel Detailing
Date:	Thursday, May 22, 2008
Time:	3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
	Drawing of steel studs and other members plus instructions to a machine that cuts the studs and piece marks plus materials.

S407:	Introduction to ProjectWise StartPoint
Date:	Thursday, May 22, 2008
Time:	8:30 am – 9:30 am
	Project control software built on Microsoft SharePoint

Who’s who at Archway Systems

Arlene Black	Administration and sales
Leah Spitler	Civil engr software support
Tom Lazear	Admin, sales and training
George McMeans	Sales & training in Nor. Cal.
Mike Lazear	Programming & support
Erik Wordal	Training in Cal coastal
Rick Plummer	Consulting and sales
Josh Lazear	Webmaster & programming
Greg Hamano	Support & training
Sandy Lazear	Accounting
Linda Grubb	Support & administration
Daniel Lazear	Programming
Chris Grubb	Civil engr software support

REPORT

SELECT-Software Quality Assurance

Bentley’s SELECT program might better be called Software Quality Assurance, since it includes so many features that give the architecture or engineering practice assurances that their projects will be done on time, with the latest technology.

Wanting to ensure the success of their users, who are viewed as business partners, Bentley has expanded the traditional idea of software maintenance to go far beyond just updates and support. The program is so rich, it is hard to describe.

For one annual fee, SELECT includes: access to the work product of a large, first class development group, continual development of productivity enhancing features, concurrent licensing to lower the cost of ownership, trust licensing for hassle free growth path plus guarantee of always having enough licenses when and where needed, access to licenses anywhere in the world, free trials of any of the 150 Bentley software titles, free entrance to the annual BE Conference, additional free software, ProjectWise Passport subscription, use of ProjectWise StartPoint for introductory document management and more. A little more on some of those features:

Take SELECT on MicroStation as an example. The cost is $725 per year per license. That $725 buys: $2000 of specific prerecorded Bentley classes, plus $895 entry fee to BE Conference, plus ProjectWise Passport subscription for $395 for a total value of over $3000, before even considering that SELECT also provides updates and 800# tech support.

In addition, SELECT entitles the subscriber to additional software to run with MicroStation including: Redline, Triforma, Generative Components, CivilPak, and PDF composer. Redline is a separate product and license that provides for viewing and markup of MicroStation drawings. A great product for managers, customers and vendors. Really any colleague. Send the customer your drawings AND a free copy of Redline so they can view, print and markup. Triforma is the basis for all the Bentley BIM software, including Bentley Structural, and itself includes the Drawing Manager and data.

Best of all is Generative Components. This is the software used by Arup, Morphosis, KPG, and other leading companies to parametrically design amazing 3D structures. Generative Components is FREE with a SELECT subscription to MicroStation.

Concurrent licensing (some call it floating licenses) means that you can purchase one license for a software product such as MicroStation while installing the software on any number of computers with the idea that only one user at a time would be using the software. Concurrent licensing is fairly well understood and common, although it is not common for the feature to be included free. But, what is less understood is “Trust Licensing”. Trust licensing means that you can run over the number of licenses that you own if it is for short durations and relatively infrequent. For example, suppose you own 3 licenses of MicroStation which are shared by your 8 architects. If occasionally there are 4 users at one time or even 5, no problem. Only if you continuously use more would you ever hear from Bentley. The main point, when a user needs the software, the user gets it, no hassle.

Each MicroStation SELECT comes with two free prerecorded training classes: MicroStation XM User Update and Moving to MicroStation. Put your users in a conference room, have them login to the free courses on one of the computers, then project that to the others in the room. You can bring your staff up to speed quickly.

The BE Conference is held each year and is a great way to get up-to-date on technology in a very short time. Also, an opportunity to network, see exhibits, attend the Gala Awards banquet and more. The cost this year is $895 but costs nothing for the SELECT subscriber.

Each SELECT subscription includes a free Passport license. That entitiles the user to several desktop software such as Bentley Navigator. Bentley Navigator can perform schedule simulation or comprehensive walkthroughs of your project. In addition, the Passport license covers one user if you implement ProjectWise or ProjectWise StartPoint for document and project control. More and more firms are turning to ProjectWise to save manhours previously lost looking for documents, to reduce the errors arising from issuing the wrong version of documents and all the other benefits of a managed environment.

Archway adds to the value of SELECT to the subscriber by providing front line support and coordination of both the SELECT contract and the SELECT benefits. Archway comes with the package, no extra cost but a commitment to help ensure that our business partners are successful in implementing and using the Bentley software products.

Archway offers a variety of training classes using the latest of each software. All classes use certified materials and are held from 8:30 am to 5 pm. Locations: Huntington Beach training center (HB) and S.F. Bay area (BA). Classes can be delivered on-site and online. For latest Bentley courses, see also: http://www.bentley.com/en-us/training/
Call or email us for the latest class schedule.
Upcoming open enrollment classes:
Moving to MicroStation- Covers the basics of MicroStation 2D for persons who know another CAD. This is a good first class in Bentley’s certified course series.    Cost is $1050 HB: 4-9 to 4-11 and 6-4 to 6-6
MicroStation Essentials-. Even deeper than Moving to MicroStation, this four day class is basic for new users. Cost is $1400 HB: 3/18 to 3/21,4/1 to 4/4, 4-22 to 4/25
Productive MicroStation- An advanced class intended to increase the user’s productivity after some experience. Cost is $1200 HB: 3-26 to 3-28
InRoads Survey XM- This is a Bentley certified, 2-day class using Bentley’s InRoads 8.9 training manual. Cost is including course book and instruction. HB: TBD
InRoads Site XM-   This is a Bentley certified, 2-day class using Bentley’s InRoads 8.9 training manual. Cost is including course book and instruction. HB: TBD
InRoads Fundamentals XM-   This is a Bentley certified, 3-day class using Bentley’s InRoads 8.9 training manual. Cost is $1350 including course book and instruction. HB: TBD
STAAD.Pro Standard- Introduction to FEM. $1500. HB TBD
Everything 3D- Learn how to design in 3D using MicroStation’s surface and solid modeling capability.   $1350 HB. TBD
Bentley MAP- Covers the fundamentals of setting up a map database, mapping tools and more. Cost and time TBD
Rhino Level I-   Learn to make 3D NURBs models. $695 HB. Discounts available for educators. TBD
Dealing with Caltrans- Learn Caltrans standards. Includes Iplot, workspaces and more.   2-day class, $1500 HB. TBD   BA TBD

Increase Your Productivity
Over the past couple of years, Archway has had the privilege of helping a number of companies increase their productivity and business systems. At MJC, we helped them review systems and guided them to the installation of a new, low cost, very effective manufacturing accounting system. At Angeles Can we helped identify problems with inventory. Currently, we are working on the largest consulting contract we have ever had, helping a very large organization implement new systems. We first conduct an AS-IS review that ends with a flowchart of all existing systems. It is really important for all to agree on what the current situation is before moving on. The second phase is a TO-BE analysis where the goal is to achieve consensus within the company of how systems should work and what is needed to make it happen. Then follows the functional specifications plus technical specs on what should be acquired or developed. Then, implementation and training. If done properly, a systems study can improve company performance and competitiveness and employee satisfaction. Let us know if you would like a proposal for improving your systems.

Adopt-A-School
Bentley’s BE Careers program helps fulfill the tremendous need for future architects and engineers by providing software at over 99% discount, providing free course material and instructor training. But, the “bandwidth” of Bentley’s BE Careers staff is limited. To help increase the bandwidth, Bentley has introduced an Adopt-A-School program that allows companies that need trained architects and engineers to help by paying all or part of the cost of software. Bentley offers schools 54 software products at just $200 per seat per year. Companies that would like to help increase the supply of trained technical graduates can contribute just the cost of the software, or can be more actively involved with mentoring, guest lectures and more. Give us a call or email if you would like to participate.

Generative Components Workshops
Generative Components is now a standard extension to MicroStation for SELECT subscribers. It is also a part of the BE Careers Subscription for any school. Archway will conduct a complimentary, half day workshop onsite at an architectural subscriber to SELECT or at an educational institution to get architects or professors up to speed. The workshop covers the installation, launching, user interface and several tutorials including two roof examples and a bridge. A School of Architecture recently purchased a subscription via an innovative approach. Rather than the school purchasing the subscription, 10 professors pooled their funds and purchased the subscription in the name of the school. Even a 10 seat subscription entitles all of the students and faculty to have the software for their own computer. The complimentary workshop is available to other local subscribing schools and an online version is available for remote schools, however, availability is limited so signup soon. There is also a new Bentley Institute formal class which is available at Bentley Training Centers.

ProjectWise Breakthrough
Recognizing the problems of lost time looking for files, the cost of out-of-date revisions, and confusion; many software companies have promoted computer systems as the solution. Autodesk’s BuzzSaw, a host of independent software and Bentley’s ProjectWise. ProjectWise has been in development for 10 years and has improved every year. Today, ProjectWise is without doubt the best software for any organization involved in architecture, engineering or construction. It handles MicroStation, AutoCAD, Office and many other files types better than any competing software. File searching, check-out control, project startup files, company standards are all handled efficiently with ProjectWise. It seems that the market is finally realizing the importance of a managed environment and demand is high. This is the time for any company to implement ProjectWise or risk being left behind.

ARCHWAY’S PRODUCT LINE
Archway is a full service provider of technical software and hardware serving the Academic, Architectural, Civil and Mechanical Engineering markets.
DESIGN & ENGR SOFTWARE:

Archway Training Center
Checkout the training classes on page 3. Classes for every need for MicroStation, InRoads, Haestad, Bentley Structural, STAAD.Pro, RAM, Rhino, and VersaCAD. Increase your design productivity by learning from the experts.

Implementing BIM Free Seminar
Join us at the Anaheim Convention center in May for how to implement BIM successfully. Two IT Directors from large architectural firms will report on how they successfully implemented BIM.

Free CAD videos for Architects, Engineers & Educators
http://www.be.org/en-US/BE+Careers/Products/BE_Careers_eSeminars Checkout this site for free introductory videos and one hour webinars on the latest in CAD, InRoads, FEM, Water Modeling, parametric design and more.

Z450 3D Printer
The new Z450 is a breakthrough in 3D Printing (rapid prototyping). Provides the lowest cost of operation and the only multicolor printer on the market all contained in one good looking box. Our customers use their Z for: building models and even city models as shown on picture at left. Archway provides sales and service including 3D Printing of your architectural models.

ARCHWAY NEWSLETTER - December 2007

In This Issue . . .

User Meeting: Implementing 3D BIM
Don’t miss this event! Everyone is talking about BIM (Building Information Modeling) and a few have actually implemented it successfully, but, the transition can be scary and difficult. Be sure to attend the MicroStation Users meetings coming up first week of December. Marty Doscher of Morphosis and Reg Prentice of Gensler will share their company’s actual experience implementing 3D BIM via Bentley Architecture and Revit, respectively. They will present twice, first at USC Harris 101 on Tuesday Dec 4 from 6:30 to 8:30pm. Next, they will present at Orange Coast College on Wednesday Dec 5 from 6pm to 8pm. Supper will be served. No cost to you other than parking. Why not benefit from those that have done it? RSVP to Linda@archwaysystems.com

DProfiler for Building Cost
If you haven’t yet seen DProfiler with RS Means from Beck Technologies, take 40 minutes and watch the recorded webinar at www.mycadvideos.com

Bentley Technology Update Road Show
Please be sure to attend any of the Northern California presentations to learn the latest in Bentley Technology including Bentley BIM and all the XM generation products including MicroStation, PowerCivil, WaterGEMS, Generative Components and more. Learn how to customize for maximum productivity. Learn about BentleyLEARN, the world’s champ in online training. Educators are encouraged to join us including some students. Enjoy a meal with us and receive a CD with the latest software for your evaluation. The schedule:

Who's who at Archway Systems

Arlene Black	Administration and sales
Leah Spitler	Civil engr software support
Tom Lazear	Admin, sales and training
George McMeans	Sales & training in Nor. Cal.
Mike Lazear	Programming & support
Erik Wordal	Training in Cal coastal
Rick Plummer	Consulting and sales
Josh Lazear	Webmaster & programming
Greg Hamano	Support & training
Sandy Lazear	Accounting
Linda Grubb	Support &administration
Daniel Lazear	Programming
Chris Grubb	Civil engr software support

REPORT

How many ways can you learn software?

In our consulting work, the one thing we run into at every client where they are implementing software systems to increase their productivity is the need for training. For whatever reason, it is easy to understand purchasing software but not so easy to set aside the time and money necessary for training. There are lots of reasons: the company is busy and they need the employees doing the work, or the company is tight with money, or philosophically they believe the employee can learn on his or her own.

Lots of studies show that productivity of employees is directly proportional to the amount of training they have in their job. Of course, this is based on the assumption that the company knows how to do their work, that is, has systems and procedures and standards in place that the employee can learn.

So, count the ways that employees can get trained: a. the employee can use the built-in tutorials in Help files to learn on their own over coffee breaks and lunch or in the evening. b. the employee can take a class at a local school or college c. the employee can learn at a short course given by the publisher of the software or at a certified training center, d. the employee can learn from an online, prerecorded class, or e. the employee can learn from an instructor-lead online course. Using Bentley as the example, here is an analysis of those ways:

Employee learning from the Help files. Lots of software has been learned this way in the past and Bentley software has tutorials in each of their products. But, today’s software has become so complex that a do-it-yourself training program will generally only touch a tenth of the capability of the software. Also, since software is more and more integrated, it is more difficult to learn the whole system from self-help. And, few employees will spend their own valuable time learning a software product. So, while better than nothing, learning from the Help files leaves lots of productivity on the table.

Classes at local schools can be a very economical and effective way to learn a technical product such as MicroStation or AutoCAD. In Bentley’s case there are a number of schools that do a great job in teaching MicroStation. That would include: Rio Hondo College, LA Trade Tech, Santa Ana College and more. And, a few teach other products such as Rio Hondo teaching InRoads. But, a company like a civil consulting company might use 10 products. No schools teach ProjectWise. Few teach advanced products like Hammer. So, the schools can only teach the basics. And, this usually requires the employee to take the class on their own time. Some companies do give time off, such as to attend Rio Hondo’s Friday course in InRoads. Schools go at a slower pace which can be good if the company has time or bad if the software must be learned for a specific project. To the extent possible though, school classes should be used.

Attending a short course in a particular software has long been used by companies that have a sudden need for learning a software product. For example, many companies require or suggest that MicroStation be used for their projects. Examples include Caltrans, Albertsons, Starbucks, Target and more. Often the only way to meet the project demands is to take a short course. Bentley offers hundreds of such courses all over the world. A schedule of courses can always be found at the Bentley website (www.bentley.com, then click Training). Courses are offered at Training Centers such as Archway and on site, which can be economical for larger groups. These courses do require a dedicated amount of the employee’s time and the cost is not insignificant, but, well spent.

Bentley offers a variety of online courses including instructor lead and prerecorded. Online courses save travel time and expense and provide more time flexibility. The instructor lead courses can be purchased one by one or via an Enterprise Training Subscription (ETS). The ETS is an ideal solution for a company that is implementing a lot of new software or is growing fast, adding new employees. For one annual price, the subscriber can take all the online instructor lead courses plus all of the 600 prerecorded courses and can attend any of the short courses given around the world. The ETS also comes with some consulting help in setting up a custom training program. The minimum cost for this is $20,000 per year, but, money very well spent.

Bentley’s cache of prerecorded courses include everything from how to use a particular feature to a 4 day course like MicroStation Essentials. Prerecorded courses are available as a low cost package called BentleyLEARN.

The trend in technical training is clear. No online courses were available five years ago. Now a significant portion of all courses are taken online. That trend will continue to increase the amount taken online as the training software improves and the market gets used to it. Whichever training method is used, it is clear that the smart companies are equipping their employees for productivity with training.

Getting the most out of your systems
Over the past couple of years, Archway has had the privilege of helping a number of companies increase their productivity and business systems. At MJC, we helped them review systems and guided them to the installation of a new, low cost, very effective manufacturing accounting system. At Angeles Can we helped identify problems with inventory. Currently, we are working on the largest consulting contract we have ever had, helping a very large organization implement new systems. We first conduct an AS-IS review that ends with a flowchart of all existing systems. It is really important for all to agree on what the current situation is before moving on. The second phase is a TO-BE analysis where the goal is to achieve consensus within the company of how systems should work and what is needed to make it happen. Then follows the functional specifications plus technical specs on what should be acquired or developed. Then, implementation and training. If done properly, a systems study can improve company performance and competitiveness and employee satisfaction. Let us know if you would like a proposal for improving your systems.

Learn 3 CAD Systems in one month
Drafting 165 at Orange Coast College introduces students to VersaCAD, MicroStation and Rhino 3D in four short weeks during the January “Intersession”. The class is from 8am to 12:30 MWF. This fast paced class will make the student productive on all three software to round out the student’s portfolio and double the number of job opportunities. VersaCAD used by Stater Brothers and 1000 others. MicroStation used by process plant design firms, Caltrans and the US Army Corps of Engineers. Rhino 3D the standard for shoe, jewelry and consumer product design as well as architecture. Signup at http://www.orangecoastcollege.edu/academics/class_schedule/Class+Schedule.htm

Generative Components Workshop
Generative Components is now a standard extension to MicroStation for SELECT subscribers. It is also a part of the BE Careers Subscription for any school. A School of Architecture recently purchased a subscription via an innovative approach. Rather than the school purchasing the subscription, 10 professors pooled their funds and purchased the subscription in the name of the school. Even a 10 seat subscription entitles all of the students and faculty to have the software for their own computer. Archway will conduct a complimentary, half day workshop onsite to get the professors and a few students going. The workshop covers the installation, launching, user interface and several tutorials including two roof examples and a bridge. The complimentary workshop is available to other local subscribing schools and an online version is available for remote schools, however, availability is limited so signup soon. There is also a new Bentley Institute formal class which is available at Bentley Training Centers.

Bentley Q4 Specials
If you are in the market for software, don’t miss these great Bentley specials: for the architect, discounts up to 50% on 3D BIM. For the civil designer; 44% on PowerCivil. Give us a call or email tom@archwaysystems.com All specials end Dec 31, 2007.

ARCHWAY'S PRODUCT LINE
Archway is a full service provider of technical software and hardware serving the Academic, Architectural, Civil and Mechanical Engineering markets.

DESIGN & ENGR SOFTWARE:

Archway Training Center
Checkout the training classes on page 3. Classes for every need for MicroStation, Haestad, InRoads, STAAD.Pro, RAM, Rhino, Solid Edge and VersaCAD. Increase your design productivity by learning from the experts.

Implementing BIM Free Seminar
Join us at USC Harris 101 on Dec 4 at 6:30pm or at Orange Coast College, Technology Building lobby on Dec 5 at 6pm. Two IT Directors from large architectural firms will report on how they successfully implemented BIM. Many $thousands of consulting PLUS dinner, at no cost. RSVP to Linda@archwaysystems.com

Z 450 3D Printer
The new Z450 is a breakthrough in 3D Printing (rapid prototyping). Provides the lowest cost of operation and the only multicolor printer on the market all contained in one good looking box. Our customers use their Z for: building models, golf club models, machine parts and even city models as shown on picture at left. Archway provides sales and service including 3D Printing of your models.

ARCHWAY NEWSLETTER - September/October 2007

In This Issue . . .

USC Sustainable Design Symposium
Over 150 educators and practicing architects attended a two day symposium on Sustainable Design at USC, July 26-27 hosted by Prof Kensek. Workshops on various BIM software plus talks by industry leaders. Bentley BIM workshops were attended by 18 educators and Bentley BIM proved to be the most interoperable with green building software.

Implementing 3D BIM Seminar
Be sure to attend the MicroStation Users meetings coming up first week of December. Marty Doscher of Morphosis and Reg Prentice of Gensler will share their company’s actual experience implementing 3D BIM via Bentley Architecture and Revit, respectively. Many architects have already been convinced to move to BIM, but, the transition can be scary and difficult. Benefit from the experience of large companies that have done it. No charge, but, space is limited so please RSVP to tom@archwaysystems.com. Watch for announcements: www.la-ocmug.com

Beck Software for Building Cost

You have got to watch a demo to appreciate this great software for building estimation. It reduces estimating time and cost by over 80%, increases accuracy and permits a firm estimate much earlier in a project life cycle. Archway customers include some of the largest contractors in the world.
Contact us for a 50 minute no obligation demonstration.

Generative Components
The MicroStation Generative Components Extension is now available on selectservices.bentley.com for download by any subscriber to Bentley SELECT. It is recommended that a workshop be taken before using this breakthrough software for parametric design of complex projects. www.bentley.com/GenerativeComponents

Who's who at Archway Systems

Arlene Black	Admin and sales
Leah Spitler	Civil engr software support
Tom Lazear	Admin, sales and training
George McMeans	Sales & training in Nor. Cal.
Mike Lazear	Programming & support
Erik Wordal	Training in Cal coastal
Rick Plummer	Mftr consultant and sales
Josh Lazear	Webmaster & programming
Greg Hamano	Support & training
Sandy Lazear	Accounting
Linda Grubb	Support & admin
Dan Lazear	Programming
Chris Grubb	Civil engr software support

REPORT

Whats all the fuss about Sustainable Design?

Whether you are a Republican or Democrat. Whether you believe Al Gore's Global Warming Hypothesis or not. One thing is sure: Sustainable Design is a very hot topic.
To an old mechanical engineer, it's kind of funny. We were taught to conserve and optimize the consumption of energy years ago. That might even be considered the central purpose of mechanical engineering. So, we can just say "thank you" to Al Gore for the hysteria he has caused and the red-hot market that has ensued. It is now very fashionable to drive a Prius and unfashionable to drive a Hummer.
So, what is the impact on architecture and building design? Well, good architects are doing what most were doing anyway, and BIM software vendors are all scurrying to link up to as many energy software as possible. The recent USC symposium on the subject was primarily an exposition by each BIM vendor of their status. Some of the vendors have tied their BIM software in tightly with one "Green software", if I can call it that. Other vendors have worked on interoperability with several.
Seems to me that the latter strategy is preferable at this stage of the market. Who can say which green software will be the market leader in a year or more. I believe Bentley has the right approach. Since Bentley is the interoperability leader (more file formats on the Save As/Export/Import), it was very easy for them to link to quite a large number of Green software. In addition, they are doing tighter integrations with a number of software including: Ecotect, Trane's Trace and Green Building Studio, plus more. Here's a list of the other energy software that Bentley is interoperable with: BSim, DeST, Energy Express, EnergyPlus, eQuest, HAP, IDATCE, IES, PowerDomus, Tas, Trnsys, and no doubt more.
In case you don't know those software, there is a great place to get up to date. The Department of Energy’s website lists a total of 300 different software. Some available at no charge and others available as commercial products. There are probably at least 50 of those software that deserve serious consideration. The DOE has an article on their site that analyzes about 20 products. Here is where to go for that:
http://www.eere.energy.gov/buildings/tools_directory/

HEED, the software developed by Professor Murray Milne at UCLA, is a must for anyone who is just starting to look at green building software. It is a free download from:
www.aud.ucla.edu/heed You will find it very easy to use and deceptively powerful. It is built on a database of standard weather data, so a building can be modeled at its actual location. The steps are simple: specify number of stories, square feet and location and you get a couple of energy consumption estimates right off the bat. Then, you actually layout the building, landscape and hardscape in a very simple way. Place windows, position on the lot, specify roof, wall and other materials plus overhang, press the button and you have a new annual energy analysis. You can compare up to nine cases side by side. There are several uses for HEED: For one, every architectural student should be introduced to green building design through HEED. The software doesn’t get in the way of understanding concepts and it is available for the student’s own personal computer. Second, anyone needing a Title 24 analysis should use it. Third, developers considering a new project should use HEED way up-front in the project to determine the key design variables which will lead to an energy efficient design. Lastly, every homeowner should use it and find what they can do to decrease their own energy costs.

For owners, developers, general contractors, and architects at design-build firms, DProfiler from Beck Technologies is the answer. This great software calculates the annual energy consumption right along with a detailed RS Means capital cost estimate. See article on page 4.

We are glad to be a part of Sustainable Design.

Training Class Schedule
Archway offers a variety of training classes using the latest of each software. All classes use certified materials and are held from 8:30 am to 5 pm. Locations: Huntington Beach training center (HB) and S.F. Bay area (BA). Classes can be delivered on-site and online. For latest Bentley courses, see also: http://www.bentley.com/en-us/training/
Upcoming open enrollment classes:
MicroStation V8 XM Edition User Update- 2 day covers latest new features from V8 thru XM. Course includes a book and instruction. Cost is $800. HB: Sep 6-7, Oct 15-16,Nov 5-6, Dec 6-7
MicroStation V8 XM Edition Admin Update- 2day class covers V8 XM install, configure, customize etc. $1000 includes workbook and instruction HB: TBA.
InRoads 101- This is a Bentley certified, 3-day class using Bentley’s InRoads 8.9 training manual. Cost is $1350 including course book and instruction. HB: Sep 19-21, Oct 30-Nov 1
STAAD.Pro Standard- Introduction to FEM. $1500. HB Sep 17-18
Everything 3D Learn how to design in 3D using MicroStation's surface and solid modeling capability. $1350 HB. Oct 23-25
Moving to MicroStation- Covers the basics of MicroStation 2D for persons who know another CAD. This is a good first class in Bentley's certified course series. Cost is $1050 HB: Sep 18-20; Nov 7-9; Dec 18-20
Essential MicroStation- Even deeper than Moving to MicroStation, this four day class is basic for new users. Cost is $1400 HB: Sep 11-14; Oct 2-5; Oct 30-Nov 2; Nov 13-16; Nov 27-30
Productive MicroStation- Natural follow-on to Essentials. $1200. HB Oct 10-12
Rendering and Animation with MicroStation- Learn how render and animate your 3D MicroStation models from the Bentley expert. $3000 HB: Sep 25-28
Rhino Level I- Learn to make 3D NURBs models. $695 HB. Nov 19-21
ProjectWise StartPoint Quickstart- A 2 day course in how to install, configure and use StartPoint in combination with Microsoft SharePoint. $1000 HB: TBA
Sanitary Sewer Design With SewerCAD- Learn how to design sewer systems and analyze. Two-day class, $1495 HB: Oct 8-9
Sanitary Sewer Design With SewerGEMS- Learn how to design sewer systems and analyze. 3-day class, $1995 HB: Oct 10-12
RAM Power User- $1500. HB: Dec 13-14
Solid Edge Basics- The goal of this 2 day course making the student ready for productive work with an introduction to Part, Assembly, and Draft of Solid Edge. At $800 this is a very cost-effective and quick way to get started in Solid Edge. HB: Sep 10-11
VersaCAD 2006 Windows update- Covers all the changes in VersaCAD 2003 thru 2006. One-day class includes workbook, lunch and computer to use. Cost is $245. HB: Classes available on demand.
VersaCAD 2006 for Mac OSX Update- Covers all changes since VersaCAD 2001 plus review of some features. One-day class includes workbook, lunch and use of computer. Cost is $245. HB: Classes available on demand.

Implementing Civil Drafting Workshop
Bill Brown, President of California Drafting Teachers Consortium hosted a workshop on civil drafting all day August 18 at Santiago High School in Corona. Demand for civil drafters is high these days because of all the infrastructure work in California and elsewhere. Since MicroStation is the standard at Caltrans (and 47 other states), MicroStation was the basis for the workshop which also introduced civil terms and the new SkillsUSA category for civil. The workshop will be repeated at future CITEC events. Unlimited free MicroStation PowerDraft available to attendees. Email us if you would like to host an event, or if you would like a link to a 50 min PowerCivil video.

Learn 3 CAD Systems in one month
Drafting 165 at Orange Coast College introduces students to VersaCAD, MicroStation and Rhino 3D in four short weeks during the January “Intersession”. The class is from 8am to 12:30 MWF. This fast paced class will make the student productive on all three software to round out the student’s portfolio and double the number of job opportunities. VersaCAD used by Stater Brothers and Walker Parking. MicroStation used by process plant design firms, Caltrans and the US Army Corps of Engineers. Rhino 3D the standard for shoe, jewelry and consumer product design as well as architecture. Signup at http://www.orangecoastcollege.edu/academics/class_schedule/Class+Schedule.htm

Archway welcomes Chris Grubb
Chris Grubb joined Archway as a civil engineering software application specialist. Chris is a senior in civil engineering at Cal State Long Beach and will be working part time in support of Haestad software including WaterCAD, WaterGEMs, SewerCAD and SewerGEMs.

Bentley Q3/Q4 Specials
If you are in the market for software, don’t miss these great Bentley specials: for the architect, discounts up to 50% on 3D BIM. For the civil designer; 44% on PowerCivil. And, if you need MicroStation and currently own AutoCAD, give us a call or email tom@archwaysystems.com

BentleyLEARN
BentleyLEARN is a tremendous value for a professional user of Bentley software or an educator. For the pro, the cost is just 20% of your annual SELECT bill. For the educator, BentleyLEARN is included with your BE Careers Subscription, so no extra charge. There are 600 online, prerecorded training classes on the BentleyLEARN website. Send an email to tom@archwaysystems.com if you would like to receive a pamphlet describing how to use BentleyLEARN. The pamphlet includes the steps to get to the course you need as well as suggested course outlines for teaching or learning: MicroStation, InRoads, Bentley Architecture or PowerCivil. Let us know if you would like to tryout BentleyLEARN for 30 days at no charge. If you try it, you will like it.

ARCHWAY’S PRODUCT LINE
Archway is a full service provider of technical software and hardware serving the Academic, Architectural, Civil and Mechanical Engineering markets.

Archway Training Center
Checkout the training schedule on page 3. Classes for every need for MicroStation, Haestad SewerCAD, STAAD.Pro, RAM, Rhino, Solid Edge and VersaCAD. Increase your design productivity by learning from the experts. Especially note the Rendering and Animation class on Sep 25 to 28. This class will be taught by Jerry Flynn, author of the very popular book: "Rendering with MicroStation". This is a rare opportunity!

Rhino 3D Class for Educators
Checkout the incredible deal for educators at one of our upcoming Rhino 3D classes. Educators receive a $200 discount on the class PLUS they receive a copy of Rhino 3D, 4.0 with a professional (not academic) license!

MyCADvideos.com
Checkout this site for free introductory videos and one hour webinars on the latest in CAD, FEM, and more.

Z 450 3D Printer
The new Z450 is a breakthrough in 3D Printing (rapid prototyping). Provides the lowest cost of operation and the only multicolor printer on the market all contained in one good looking box. Our customers use their Z for: architectural models, golf club models, machine parts and even virus DNA models! Archway provides sales and service including 3D Printing of your models.

Archived News and Newsletters

ARCHWAY NEWSLETTER - February 2008

In This Issue . . .

REPORT

SELECT-Software Quality Assurance

ARCHWAY NEWSLETTER - December 2007

In This Issue . . .

REPORT

How many ways can you learn software?

ARCHWAY NEWSLETTER - September/October 2007

In This Issue . . .

REPORT

Whats all the fuss about Sustainable Design?