Building Arizona

“Does anyone have photos of staff in the field, doing water resource analysis?” “We’ve got an interview coming up and I have a presentation to create, can you send me a few public outreach images ASAP?”  “Do you have a .jpg of our company logo?”  “Do you have a flow chart of the EIS process?”

These were questions the corporate marketing group at SWCA Environmental Consultants frequently received at the corporate office from staff looking for images and graphics. As our company grew and the demands for photos and graphics rose, we realized our central library hosted on our corporate server wasn’t adequately meeting the business needs in a timely fashion. It was also putting constraints on the corporate staff that were assisting with the image requests.  When we added it all up, we knew it was time to consider a better alternative. So, at the end of 2011, we sought out a better solution. Enter the digital asset management system, aka the DAM.

What The Heck Is A DAM?

A DAM is simply an online, on-demand, central repository for company photos and graphics (digital assets). We started the process by looking at four different systems used in our industry and evaluated adaptability, ease of use, expansion, and costs. Most of the systems could get us to where we wanted to be, but one in particular piqued our interest due to its integration with Deltek Vision. Based on our demos, references and costs of the system, we chose Open Asset, from Axiomic, a UK-based company with many customers in the A/E/C industry. Open Asset is a mid-level system that isn’t too flashy but gives us the ease of use, flexibility and accessibility that we were looking for in a system.

The Process

Before we could start using the system, we had to find and move all of our digital assets into one central location. This meant having proposal coordinators throughout the company pull their most commonly used, high-end project and reference images into one location on the corporate server.  Trying to accomplish this with 24 offices was easier said than done. The next step was surveying our coordinators to select and rank commonly used keywords, category structures and key fields from Vision that would make sense to the core group using the database. From this we started building the structure that would be used in the library to assign searchable keywords, project and reference categories. Simultaneously, we needed to update the naming convention of our images in our existing folder-based corporate library so that all images followed a uniform naming standard.

Once we had all of the images from the offices and all of the renamed images in the correct folders, we were ready for data migration into the system. This was the easy part. Once the 14,000 images were uploaded into the system, it was time for us to get to work again building the categories and keywords into the system. Additionally, we had to work with the Vision Connector to set up select project fields to seamlessly migrate project data (for use in the online library templates) from Vision to Open Asset. Over the next several months, marketing staff tagged, deleted, ranked and QA/QC’d images. When we were at a point where most images had appropriate tags, we launched the system internally to the marketing team for first review. During the review we refined the system as needed, then launched to our user base throughout the company.  Users can now upload and tag images to an access area which is reviewed by the marketing team for approval on a weekly basis.

The Results

The DAM system is still in the early phases of use and still a work in progress. As with any database, it’s only as good as those who use, fine tune, and continue to add to it.  With a system in place there is a sense of relief and kudos from those who have desired an online library and now have a resource available on demand.  Our staff has nothing but good things to say about it; how easy it is to use, how much time it saves; and that it keeps their frustration levels low.

And, we’re DAM happy about that.

Why would you need a Digital Asset Management system?

• Do you spend a lot of time looking for photos?
• Are your photos and graphics stored in many different places (CDs, servers, folders on desktop, folders on other office servers)?
• Does your staff store their photos on their local drives or their own computer?
• Do others around the company need to have access to those images as well?
• Do you spend time converting images to specific formats?

If you answered YES to any of those questions you’re just the candidate for a digital asset management system (DAM).

Advantages:

• Saves times
• One central location for all to use
• Easy to find images you want
• Easy for other users to upload
• Central toolbox
• Build and share albums for commonly used images
• Preserve your assets in one place (all historical images, etc.)
• Ditch the CDs, DVDs and backups
• Streamline processes
• Integration with Vision (data flow is seamless and consistent)
• Create templates in PPT/In Design for others to be used on the fly as needed

Key Points

• Dedicate staff members to help build the system.
• Gather your images in a central location (try to do this ahead of time).
• Survey your staff on commonly used keywords.
• Take a poll on who will use the system the most. You’ll probably find it’s a small core group and not the entire company. More licenses mean more cost to the company.
• A DAM is only for the assets you’ve taken and built. It’s not a place to store stock (istockphoto, shutterstock, etc) images unless you’ve purchased a multi-seat license.

Other systems evaluated:

Adobe Bridge – Already integrated into Adobe Creative Suites. Easily drag and drop images into your documents.

Cons: Every coordinator would need it installed on their system; still would access a folder based system. Would need to purchase CS platform for all coordinators.

Widen Collective – Intensive but easy to use system on the front end that many users can access and use within minutes of training. Allows a variety of assets and files. Instantly download marketing materials and images anytime, anywhere. Storage based in the cloud with maintenance handled by their tech team. No reliance on an internal IT dept. Lots of bells and whistles.

Cons: Cost. Additional costs could add up quickly for add-ons. Too much for what we needed.

NetXposure – A very impressive DAM package that includes integration with Creative Suites and Vision. A slick system with a slick price.

Cons: Cost. Too much system for our needs.

6th Annual Event Begins on Saturday, March 31 Using Thousands of Cans to Fill Emergency Food Boxes at St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance

Competing teams of architectural, engineering and construction firms will both showcase their talents and feed the hungry when the CANstruction® 2012 competition and judging takes place March 31 through April 7 at its new home, the Phoenix Convention Center’s West Building (1003 N. 3^rd Street).

Now in its sixth year, the CANstruction competition will again benefit St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance and will be hosted by The Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS), Arizona chapter, under the auspices of the Society for Design Administration (SDA). The event has become one of the largest single-event donations for the Food Bank, with more than 56,000 cans used to construct incredibly imaginative designs last year, with all the non-perishable items used earmarked to help fill the more than 300,000 Emergency Food Boxes St. Mary’s distributes into the community annually.

The teams, which will include high school and college-aged design students working alongside some of the professional firms have 12 hours to build their structures on the morning of Saturday, March 31 at the convention center. The completed structures will be on display for the public to see beginning March 31 and continuing through Friday April 6.  During the exhibition, the public may cast their vote for the AIA Phoenix Metro People’s Choice Award and donate canned food to food drive boxes positioned around the exhibits.

Other awards will be given for Best Use of Labels, Best Meal, Structural Ingenuity and Jurors’ Favorite by a panel of judges. Winning teams will be publicly honored at an Awards & Networking Mixer on Tuesday, April 3. Winners from local competitions around the nation will compete in the national Canstruction competition through a slideshow photography submission.

“CANstruction is a unique way to raise awareness and non-perishable items for the Food Bank,” said Terry Shannon, the St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance President and CEO. “We are excited to be involved in the event for the sixth year and, as always, are very curious to see what kind of incredible structures will be created by these innovative minds.”

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***MEDIA IS INVITED TO FILM THE CANSTRUCTION BUILDING PROCESS ON SATURDAY, MARCH 31 (BEGINNING AT APPROXIMATELY 9 a.m.) OR VIEW THE COMPLETED STRUCTURES AND SPEAK WITH THE DESIGNERS ON MONDAY MORNING, APRIL 2. PLEASE COORDINATE WITH JERRY BROWN FROM ST. MARY’S FOOD BANK ALLIANCE AT (602) 684-0939 TO DISCUSS INTERVIEW TIMES AND AVAILABILITY.*****

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ABOUT ST. MARY’S FOOD BANK ALLIANCE: Now in its 45^th year of operation, the world’s first food bank is a non-sectarian, nonprofit organization that alleviates hunger by efficiently gathering and distributing food to 500 agencies that serve the hungry.  Serving two-thirds of Arizona’s 15 counties, the organization is a member of Feeding America, the national network of food banks, and is committed to volunteerism, building community relationships, and improving the quality of life for Arizonans in need. Last year, the Food Bank distributed more than 74 million pounds of food to families and individuals, provided enough food for 275,000 meals every day, and garnered more than 310,000 volunteer service hours. Web site: www.FirstFoodBank.org Phone: 602-242-FOOD.

Is your firm retaining clients and winning key projects?
This workshop will provide you with skills and tools to manage an effective business development program. Discover how to lead ALL of your employees to focus on client satisfaction and generate profitable business for your firm.

THE BENEFITS OF ATTENDING
By the end of this day-long workshop, you will understand how to:

1.  identify the characteristics of a successful business developer
2. motivate your business development team
3. cultivate productive relationships among BD, marketing, and technical staff
4. develop and implement an effective BD plan
5. create actionable business development goals
6. build strategic alliance partnerships
7. foster client satisfaction to build client loyalty
8. coach presentation teams to win projects

You will return to the office with proven techniques and tools for effective management of your firm’s business development team and plan.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND
This program is designed for any A/E/C professional—whether you work for a one-office firm or a global corporation—who is responsible for:

• securing work for a professional services firm
• training and leading employees to develop business
• creating and implementing a business development plan

Directors and managers of business development and marketing, project managers working with clients, and principals will benefit from the opportunity to strengthen their leadership and management skills through the material covered in this workshop.

INSTRUCTORS
The program is taught by seasoned practitioners representing some of the most successful architectural, engineering, and construction firms in the United States. Through a mix of discussion, presentation, and exercises, they will guide you to:

•  identify BD potential in others
• engage technical staff in BD strategies
• motivate presentation teams
• effectively manage client relationships

To learn more about SMPS’s stellar faculty, visit www.smps.org/Education/Business-Development-Faculty.

CURRICULUM
The workshop will begin at 8 am and conclude at 4:30 pm. A continental breakfast and lunch will be provided to give attendees additional time to network.

Identifying BD Talent
• Characteristics of a Business Developer
• Developing BD Skills in Others
• Motivating Your BD Team

Developing BD Plans
• Working with Your Strategic Plan
• Setting BD Goals and Objectives
• Creating a Sales Pursuit Plan

BD ROI Strategies
• Different Methods for Tracking ROI
• Key ROI Metrics to Track
• Communicating BD Value to the C-Suite

Building Strategic Alliances
• When Alliances Are Necessary
• What to Look for in a Partner
• Maintaining Win-Win Relationships

Leading with Communication Skills
• Building Trust with Clients
• Working with Colleagues
• Developing Your Industry Reputation

Creating a Client-Focused Culture
• Fostering Relationships among Staff
• Understanding Roles
• Recognizing and Celebrating Success

Building and Motivating Project Teams
• Developing a Message
• Hitting the Client’s Hot Buttons
• Coaching the Presentation Team

Client Maintenance and Management
• Why Client Maintenance Is Vital
• Understanding Client Needs
• Leading a Client Satisfaction Process

Date: April 5
Location: Fiesta Resort Conference Center, 2100 S. Priest Drive, Tempe, AZ 85282

REGISTRATION FEES
SMPS Member: $395 (Early Bird: $345*)
Nonmember: $545 (Early Bird: $495*)
Registration includes a 100-page seminar workbook and continental breakfast, lunch, and refreshments.
Teams of 3+ Employees: Save $100/person!**

   This workshop is approved for 6.5 CEUs for the Certified Professional Services Marketer (CPSM) Program and 6.5 LUs from the American Institute of Architects.

Visit www.smps.org/bdmanager to register!
Register early to save $50 plus receive a series of readings on best practices in business development.*

American Council for Construction Education (ACCE) is a leading global advocate of quality construction education programs, promoting, supporting, and accrediting quality construction education programs. February 22, 2012, ACCE will be having a series of round table discussions on the “State-of-the-Union” for the education of future young construction managers and the value of marketing and business development will be one of the focuses. Ron Worth, CEO of SMPS, will be speaking at this event. More information can be found at : http://acce-hq.org/documents/Generalinformation.pdf.

By Jodi Weisberg for the Arizona Builder’s Exchange

Can you make a difference?  Yes, you can.  Literally—one can at a time.

Canstruction, an international community service project of the design and construction industries to benefit food banks, is kicking off its 2012 competition.  The event is run through the local chapter of the Society for Marketing Professionals (SMPS).

Founded in 1992 in New York City, the event is now celebrating its 20^th Anniversary.  In the last decade, canstruction has spread to almost 200 cities and several foreign countries.  It incorporated as a 501(c)(3) in 1998, and became trademarked in 2000.

Jerry Brown, Director of Public Relations for St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance, said this is an important event for them and among their top 10 largest food drives.  “Everyone thinks of us in November and December, but in the Spring, we don’t receive as much food.  So this is stuff we can really use!”

Jennifer Schaefer of Henderson Engineering and Maureen Carpenter of Pulice Construction are the co-chairs of this year’s event.  They expect 15 teams, up from 10 last year, which means even more food will be donated. “The more food we can raise the better,” said Schaefer.  “More teams equals more cans which equals more food.  It’s a win-win for everyone.”

Some interesting facts about how Phoenix fared in the 2011 contest:

• Ranked #7 nationally in the amount of cans donated
• More than 56,100 pounds of food donated to St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance
• Enough food for 47,547 meals

The rules are simple: Five person teams must plan, shop, construct and then tear down their can structures. Teams are comprised of architects, engineers, designers, contractors, and professionals mentoring students, associations or businesses.

St Mary’s Food Bank Alliance helps each team by weighing, wrapping and delivering the cans to the event site each year. “We want the teams to focus on building their structures and not worrying about hauling cans to the site,” said Brown. “We deliver everything on wooden pallets to make things easier for them.”

Among the new teams this year are a group of ASU graduate students in architecture and engineering.  With no company backing, the team is looking to use student food cards to purchase their cans.

The event will be held at the Phoenix Convention Center and is open to the public free of charge.  The public is invited to watch the teams as they build their structures on March 31, and to view them during the week they remain up, from April 1-7.

If you want to join in on the fun, or just have a desire to give back to the community, contact either Jennifer Schaefer at 602-336-5235, Jennifer.Schaefer@hei-eng.com or Maureen Carpenter at 602-889-1448, Maureen@pulice.com.

“I just want to encourage everyone to come out to this event,” said Brown. “It is unbelievable to see what these teams do and to see the planning, structures, and colors.  They are like works of art.”

Sponsorships are still available – see the benefits and levels of sponsorship available here.

In the coming weeks look for a complete list of teams and their theme build. Learn more about it here http://www.phoenixcanstruction.org.