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       Computer Systems
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Computer SystemsThe Company has invested heavily in computer technology for all sections of the office. Through a continual upgrading process the Company has a powerful combination of computer software packages for analyses, design, draughting, costing and dynamic modelling and simulation.The administration section, accounts, CAD section and mechanical and electrical sections are networked to provide a cohesive and structured internal and external system with full e-mail and internet facilities utilising NTL network broadband delivery much improved transfer speeds of up to 1Mb/sec. All staff and engineers have access to a central IT service provided over a Cat 5e structured cabling system served by a Windows 2003 server with Windows 2000/XP clients. Centralised electronic storage of all administration documents, i.e. correspondence, project files, project specifications, contract details, gives direct and immediate access to such information to all staff. Similarly, central storage of all CAD drawings allows easy access by engineers to current plans for all projects using AutoCad LT2005 and Voloview. The Scanfile electronic file documentation system through which all incoming mail is electronically scanned and stored, is immediately and simultaneously issued to all personnel requiring access. All engineers have immediate access to technical documentation, British Standards, HTM's and the like via our subscription to the online Barbour Index Service. This system is constantly kept up to date ensuring that engineers have current documentation at all times. Engineers produce engineering specifications using the Barbour Index 'Specification Expert' (formerly the NES) which is updated on a continuous basis to ensure specification documents refer at all times to current standards. The Practice has committed to the development of it's Integrated Enviromental Solutions (IES) and is now one of only a few Practice's to have the in-house capability to develop dynamic thermal models and analyse life cycle costs. We have now augmented this system with the ability to carry out SBEM (Simplified Building Energy Model) calculations, which has become an integral part of the new commercial building warrant process. |