Portland, Maine (September 22, 2020) – Chalkline, Inc. has published a case study on the selection, implementation, and success HDR has achieved using VisiSpecs, The Visual Specification System.
HDR has partnered with clients to shape communities and push the boundaries of what’s possible for over a century. The firm’s expertise spans more than 10,000 employees in more than 200 locations around the world — and counting. Its engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services bring an impressive breadth of knowledge to every project. HDR’s optimistic approach to finding innovative solutions defined its past and drives its future. For more information, please visit www.hdrinc.com.
The Challenge: HDR developed and maintained its own custom, in-house specification production software system. First programmed in 1998, it was still in use in 2018. Based on now obsolete technology, its functionality was significantly falling behind commercially available software solutions. HDR’s Master Specification Systems (MSS) team was scoped with finding a suitable replacement for HDR SpecManager. Requirements included ease of deployment, migration, user acceptance, and the ability for vendor supplied training, vendor support, and a feedback system that led to functionality updates. Data interoperability for BIM was also desirable.
The Solution: After an extensive evaluation of several solutions, HDR chose Chalkline’s VisiSpecs specification solution based on its quick learning curve due to the use of Microsoft Word as the editing application, cloud-based deployment across many users within the firm, and the ability to integrate with BIM applications. The software was user-friendly and technically capable for more advanced users. After pilot testing, HDR masters were easily integrated into VisiSpecs. HDR then developed a “bottom-up” rollout plan. This involved gradually making it available to those specification professionals that would make best use of it, while continuing to maintain the existing specification system. This plan led to many users “pulling” the application in, rather than a central authority having to “push” the system out. This reduced the need for overhead support and eased the acceptance for many users.
The Results: The implementation of VisiSpecs at HDR was highly successful. HDR has about 1,200 user installations, with almost 200 of those being Project Administrators, or those who lead the specification production efforts on projects. HDR has created almost 1,000 projects in VisiSpecs and firm usage continues to rise. Other project documents are easily imported for use in VisiSpecs, and the recent turn to working from home has shown the advantages of using cloud-based software for specification production. There have been almost no issues with staff switching from being primarily office-based to primarily home-based. Projects are still being developed and deliverables are being issued on time, which would not have been possible using HDR’s old server-based software. The implementation has received positive user feedback, particularly noting the Double-Click Editor, Doc Outliner, QA reporting and publishing as significant time-saving features. Chalkline’s responsive product development/troubleshooting is impressive, immediately patching bugs and pushing out significant improvements annually. HDR is planning an integration of specifications and keynotes to further expand the connection between drawings and specifications.
Case Study Key Benefits:
- Enterprise Wide Deployment
- High User Acceptance
- Cloud Server Remote Access
- Automatic Software Updates
- Minimal Tech Support Needed
Read the complete case study and other customer testimonials here.
Visit www.chalklineinc.com or email info@chalklineinc.com to learn more about the VisiSpecs applications, request a free trial, register for live webinars, read customer testimonials, and download product information.
