Articles | ebuild.com

The Tapco Group Makes Green Building Easier with ecoScorecard (ebuild)

The Tapco Group is simplifying the green building product evaluation process for architects, builders and homeowners with the efficiency of ecoScorecard. The easy-to-use web tool is now featured on the sites of Tapco Group brands such as StoneCraft Industries, InSpire Roofing Products and The Foundry.

Digital Pens (ebuild)

Designed specifically for construction contractors, these Digital Pen Solutions offer pen-and-paper-like functionality for converting handwritten documentation to digital data for sharing and storing. The line includes DPS200 Forms for Microsoft Office Excel, which allows users to digitize handwritten data and format it back into Excel fields; DPS200 Markup for PDF, in which users can markup printed CAD documents and blueprints and then upload changes to the digital file; and DPS100 for Microsoft Office OneNote, which digitizes handwritten notes and sketches for storing. 800-874-6253.

Residential Design Software (ebuild)

The company now offers its Building Blocks design software as a stand-alone product, separate from its SolidBuilder platform. Designed for simple operation similar to building blocks, the software allows users to click and drag rooms into place for 3-D modeling and accompanying working drawings. 800-449-5033

Thermal Imaging Tool (ebuild)

IR-Fusion technology on the TiR32 thermal imaging tool allows users to marry thermal images with digital images, including a picture-in-picture view that provides for easy pinpointing of problem areas. The unit's 320x240 sensor provides for crisp, clear images. Designed like a tool, the device can survive a 6 1/2-foot drop and comes with two rechargeable batteries. Optional lenses can be attached. 800-760-4523.

Electronic Punch Clock (ebuild)

FastTrakker is a handheld device for workers to carry with them to use to punch in and out of the JobClock, a battery-powered system that provides easy, electronic employee-hour management on the jobsite. Workers use the FastTrakker's LCD menu display to select the cost code for that job/activity then touch the device to the JobClock to clock in for that activity. The JobClock then keeps track of every activity, at every location, and for every worker; the data can then be used electronically at the office to speed up and streamline payroll, eliminating the inaccuracies of paper-based systems. 888-788-8463.

Gerber Introduces a New Water Conscious Microsite (ebuild)

Gerber Plumbing Fixtures LLC, a leading sustainable plumbing manufacturer, offers customers a new cutting edge, water saving microsite called GerberGreenonline.com.

Web-Based Interface (ebuild)

Installed by the utility, Greenbox is a Web-based interface that provides real-time feedback on energy usage. It also supports monitoring water, gas, and solar energy. The service collects, stores, and analyzes usage data, rate plans, and billing information and offers historical charts, usage and cost analysis, billing simulations, community comparison, e-mail alerts, and carbon footprint displays. 650-292-8270.

Online Energy Management Portal (ebuild)

GridPoint Central is an online energy management portal that gives homeowners detailed information and control over their energy consumption and costs. By comparing a utility rate schedule against a customer's energy consumption patterns, the system can recommend the most cost-effective time to run appliances. Users can create a personal energy profile to automatically manage energy according to fluctuating utility rates and consumption patterns. 888-998-4743.

ArchiCAD 13 Revolutionizes BIM Collaboration (ebuild)

GRAPHISOFT today announced ArchiCAD 13, the latest version of its award-winning architectural design software. ArchiCAD 13 includes a state-of-the-art BIM Server (patent pending), introducing a new paradigm in design file sharing. The software allows anywhere anytime access to BIM files and relieves workflow management bottlenecks.

Simpson Strong-Tie Introduces DeckTools Design Software for Deck Builders and Suppliers (ebuild)

Imagine showing a prospective customer a picture of their dream deck - and not just a drawing or sketch, but a full-color, 3-dimensional image they can look at from any angle. DeckTools, a sales, design and estimating software program for decks, allows deck builders and suppliers to bring photo-realistic deck designs to customers right from their laptops.