TECHNOLOGY  +  SOFTWARE

PRACTICE  TECHNOLOGY

The operations of the OCA Practice have been computerised for many years and with the advent of e-mail and the Internet, full use has been made of this technology.   OCA was one of the first architectural Practices to be fully equipped with CAD technology and complete CAD Stations.

CAD  WORK

As a result, all Clients can have the choice of having drawings and illustrations delivered over the “Net”, or on disks overnight.   Depending on the level of the Clients technology, almost instant delivery of completed drawings can be effected, and changes made rapidly in all designs to suit Clients urgent needs.   Drawings, etc can be delivered in positives or negative formats, compressed or otherwise, or in any acceptable format.  The location of the preparation of the drawings is non-critical and so workloads can therefore be spread over a network and can take up any slack in any office.   Maximum flexibility is therefore ensured.

Likewise, with all communications relating to the written word.  OCR is also used where images are delivered over the net and e-mail messages can be configured with attachments in various forms, compressed or otherwise.

CAMCORDERS

DV (Digital Video) Camcorders are also in use at OCA offices and staff have been trained in their use.  Recently the office acquired a DX100 Panasonic unit, 3 chip broadcast quality with 24x/120x zoom, permitting close-up digital recordings of inaccessible elements.  Site digital images can quickly be converted and transmitted over the net, complete with sound recordings to the Client for early consideration. 

Thus a site Inspection Report, in visual format and in full colour and sound, can be rapidly delivered to the Client over the net, or from site, so that full client consideration can be given to problems immediately without necessarily visiting the site.   Images can be read on a Mac or on a PC.    

SOFTWARE

The most up-to date editions of most software for both Macs and PC’s have been installed on OCA machines.  Luan O’Carroll writes software for construction elements and has marketed and sold such software over Europe.   Thus any problems in dealing with software bugs or infections can quickly be resolved.    Colour printers and enlargers are also in constant use in the office.    The use of the camcorders to improve images is being enhanced and all old records are being converted to digital technology to allow easy transmission over the net.    Zip drives and disks are in constant use.

Recognised software packages are used on all PC’s and Minicad on the Macs.   Additionally, Explorer v.5.2 is installed on the Macs; all of which have direct access to the net.  E-mail is filtered thru one access point and is delivered daily. 

Standard spreadsheets models (mostly Excel, although Claris has many advantages) with macro cells are in constant use.  Databases are delivered on Claris software and  accounting systems MYOB have been installed.   All have been proved to be Y2K compatible.

DRAWINGS  OVER  INTERNET

Drawings can and are being sent over the "net" and distance-working has been made possible under strict design supervision.  Clients can view progress on drawings on a regular basis and variations in design can be made with the least disruption.  Alternately, drawings and sketches can be screened on camcorder and digital tapes issued in place of paper drawings.

A0 and A1 Plotters and digital photocopiers and camcorders have been installed.

CAUTION / RESERVATION

New technology is only a means to an end.   Design ability and technical expertise are essential no matter what way the drawings or images of buildings are produced or delivered.  New technology should not obscure the need for experience on site and in the office.    The technical problems of the construction industry have not changed as a result of the new technology, but their identification has been made easier.