Graphical Information Facilities Management System

Graphical Information Facilities Management System (GIFMS)

"A construction document creation and facility management tool

that simplifies National CAD Standards compliance".

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A National CAD Standard compliant application that facilitates the creation / management of Autocad documents and their associated databases as maintained by facilities managers, directors, engineers, and CAD designers. Databases and tables are archived within drawings to eliminate "data pathing" problems inherent in most other FM applications. All disciplines are seamlessly integrated to ensure project wide continuity. New documents are automatically created to the National CAD Standard to maintain uniformity and eliminate redundant drafting between firms, departments, & draftsmen.

Databases are linked to CAD drawings and reflect query results by hatching or flashing entities for instant recognition, location, and/or reporting. Associated data can be viewed/manipulated through a single-step browse function within the drawing file or via a user-friendly graphical interface that allows non-CAD users to access, and manipulate, the same data simultaneously. Data is shared across the enterprise to eliminate redundant data entry. Old `non-Y2K' compliant attribute data can now be batch converted in seconds!

GIFMS DETAILS | ADD-ONS |REFERENCE SITES | MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

FEATURES

Fully integrated with Autodesk's `AUTOCAD' - can now share documents over the internet.
Multi-discipline / Multi-Project environment that cuts drafting time exponentially.
Automatically creates construction documents in compliance with the National CAD Standard.
Extensive symbol libraries (auto-insert to specified AIA layers, auto scale, 2D/3D block aliases, etc.).
Database tables can be attached to blocks as they are inserted for instant schedule creation or graphical queries.
Drawing submittals tracked by percentage complete (tie to payment to ensure timely as-builts).
Checkin/Checkout that appends databases directly to dwgs for transportability & data integrity.
Revision tracking - drawings are archived chronologically for facility Installation Life Cycle Management (ILM).
Utilizing the “Living Document” concept, multiple departments/disciplines can now work simultaneously on the same facility without disturbing the data compiled by other departments.
All sub-disciplines xref'd automatically to ensure all users are on the same page (up to 36 disciplines).
Switching between disciplines automatically turns off non-associated disciplines (user configurable).
Databases created automatically simply by creating drawing (e.g. door/window schedules, hvac equip., square footage, surface area, quantity take-offs, assets, BOMA, etc.).
Databases update as drawing entities change (e.g. sq footage, surface area, door dims, etc.).
Generate new databases on-the-fly, within the CAD dwg, to track square footage, surface area, maintenance scheduling, assets, equipment, occupants, furniture, etc.
Import / Export databases in two easy steps
Perform full ad-hoc query/report generation immediately on newly imported data.
Send query results to the screen, drawing, external database, or spreadsheet for what-if scenarios.
Forms are created automatically from imported databases.
Data Auditing & Recovery to maintain data integrity - maintain confidence in data.
Share drawings & associated data with all authorized users on the network (eliminate database redundancy).
Quick access to facility data from within, or outside, of the CAD file.
Y2K compliance - convert 2-digit to 4-digit year in batch (attributes, database records, etc.)
Draft in 2D - convert to 3D with a mouse click (generate N,S,E,W elevation dwgs from a single 2D floorplan).
Accurate surface area data pulled from 3D faces.
3D Interactive walk-thru module - apply textures to the 3D faces as you continue walking.
Viewer module for quick manipulation of Autocad DWG, DXF, DWF, & raster formats.
Link photos or other drawings to facilities and/or entities for ease of identification.
Tie actions to entities in the drawings (launch programs, pictures, databases etc.).
Revitalization Plan integration for instant budget / 1391 generation.
Generate new 1391's automatically after creating new selection sets or phase adjustments.
Security. User's environment is based on assigned system privileges and experience level.
Runs on all major networks.

GIFMS DETAILS

MULTI-DISCIPLINE SUPPORT: Simultaneous users can work within their respective disciplines and have their changes reflected automatically within other referenced disciplines. All disciplines are x-referenced into a Master Document where viewports, with discipline specific titleblocks, are setup to reflect instant changes to sub-disciplines as they change. This living document ensures that all the latest construction document information is available for rapid output for construction bids, drawing transport, or archival. All construction documents are now viewable and printable from within one document file. All databases are accessible to all disciplines to eliminate re-keying of vital data and global querying / reporting.

MULTI-PROJECT SUPPORT: Multi-project Integration for Regional or Worldwide Support of Activities. Quickly add new projects (or activities) and manage all construction documents through a common interface. Superseded drawings are archived for an accurate paper trail. Query across multiple projects!

DRAWING CHECK-IN / CHECK-OUT: Sub-discipline drawings are checked out prior to sending to an A/E for as-built modifications. All database information for that sub-discipline is saved with the DWG and only the associated databases for that discipline are locked from changes until the revised as-built drawing is received from the A/E (this eliminates the need to locate individual databases tied to a drawing). On check-in, databases are automatically updated and a copy of the original drawing is archived for Life Cycle Management (the old revisions are archived and automatically enumerated to maintain their revision history throughout the Life Cycle Management of a facility). The newly checked-in document becomes the living document and is reflected in all respective disciplines. Problems associated with as-built verification and revision management are now eliminated.

DATABASE IMPORT / EXPORT: Import PWMA, FAMIS, ALFA, Spreadsheets, or any other legacy databases for query initiation and elimination of duplicate data entry. Select fields ad-hoc from newly imported data, generate SQL queries without having to know SQL, and create an Ad-hoc Report within minutes of initial import. Export GIFMS data for use in other programs. Allow quick access to databases integrated within existing drawings for instant report generation based on user queries, output the query results to a spreadsheet, another database, or an ASCII delimited format for what-if scenarios. See how various maintenance costs affect the budgeted total. As new databases are created or imported into the CAD drawings, forms are generated on-the-fly for data viewing without having to access the native CAD application. Convert non-compliant Y2K drawings easily. Link asset databases to graphically track inventory, computer hardware & software, communications lines, or link Asbestos data for graphically displaying hot zones (can also create keymaps of various types / percentages of Asbestos).

REVITALIZATION PLAN MODULE (RP): Many government activities have received Revitalization (RP) / Comprehensive Neighborhood Plan (CNP) data from contracted A/E firms but the data is only a snapshot in time. As budgets change, new 1391's are required to reflect revised funding allocations tied to a particular phase of a facility or site renovation. Through the Revitalization (RP) / CNP module in GIFMS, facilities can be selected, by priority, within their respective site plan CAD file, along with their associated revitalization cost data (34 cost categories), then deducted from the revised budget (watch as these selections interactively reflect a new budget balance). Next, the old phase cost data is modified and a new 1391 is generated from the new selection set. Future RP / CNP’s can be created on-the-fly from the live data to save millions in 1391 compilation. ACF and annual cost of living adjustments can be interactively modified to accommodate postponed projects.

2D to 3D CONVERSION WALK-THRU: Convert 2D Autocad drawings to 3D with a single mouse click. Walk-thru the model interactively within minutes of drawing changes or save paths for future looped playback / kiosks. Add textures via drag & drop to the 3D surfaces for interior design and facade perspectives (e.g.. brick, stucco, window faces, wall surfaces, door types, etc.). The 3D model is comprised of 3D faces that are used to accurately calculate vital information (e.g. surface area, perimeter, etc.). With a cost per Square Foot, accurate costing data is now available.

DOCUMENT VIEWER: 2D/3D Viewing over network with Redlining, Panning, Zooming, Layer or Level manipulation, & printing / plotting of drawings tied to a project. Supports all major raster, vector, word-processor, database, and spreadsheet formats including, but not limited to: DGN, DWG, DXF, HPGL, CIT, TIF, PCX, JPG, DOC, SAM, XLS, etc. Supports side-by-side comparisons of documents (highlighting differences), multiple levels of red-lining for multiple levels of management approval, change-marks, launch the native application that created the document (if available on the system).

DOCUMENT MANAGER: Link associated documents (e.g.. CAD Files, Spreadsheets, Word-processing Documents, Databases, Raster Images, Text Files, etc.) to a project as “Associated Documents”. An example of this would be; after selecting the “Associated Document” button, all documents (bid documents, raster drawing files, Autocad, MicroStation CAD files, Spreadsheets, Word Documents, etc.) tied to the current project would list out for instant viewing. Database fields maintain descriptive document information for nested queries. Documents can be launched into the native application that created it (if on that system) or into the viewer for redlining, printing/plotting, or layer/level manipulation. Or, launch a scanning application to add documents to the project database repository.

AVAILABLE OPTIONS

CAD CONVERSION SERVICE: MGM has more than 50 CAD designers & engineers to convert your hardcopy to CAD - compliant with all of the above standards.
SCANNING SERVICES: MGM provides scanning services with quick turnaround to all industry standard file formats.
RASTER TO VECTOR CONVERSION: Convert scanned E-size drawings (raster format) into Autocad, Microstation, or DXF vector format. Circles are circles, arcs are converted to arcs, walls & contours become plines, and line weights are maintained. Can literally save weeks of time converting site plans or topographic maps.
SCANNING MODULE: Scan engineering or support documents (paper, aperture cards, mylar, etc.) directly into GIFMS via Twain compliant scanners and link as “associated documents” to a project. Mgm is also an authorized dealer for large document scanners, made by Vidar & Action Imaging, if the focus is on scanning in-house.
INFRA-RED TRACKING: Attach miniature tag devices to assets or personnel and perform real-time tracking. Update inventory database in SECONDS!
REMOTE CONTROL: Access GIFMS from distant locations to find available housing - Save travel expense by walking thru units from your desktop. Remotely train and support isolated activities.

GIFMS REFERENCE SITES

US Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD;

US Naval Facilities Engineering Command,
Northern Division, Lester, PA - currently managing over 100 projects in 5 separate departments / disciplines);

US Naval Facilities Engineering
Headquarters, La Mesa, CA.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Runs on Windows 95/98/NT, Banyan, and/or Novell. Minimum of PII-233Mhz, 64MB RAM, 100MB Free Disk Space, Excel (for what-if scenarios or report export if desired), & Autocad R14 or higher. Training: Autocad Level I & GIFMS. MGM can provide all necessary training - our lead instructor is Ranked #3 in the US by Autodesk – call for short 4-day course outlines & schedules. GIFMS and associated training / services are on the GSA schedule (please see below).

* These products can easily be ordered directly off our GSA Schedule, Contract #GS-35F-4822G. Please request an ordering packet, with pricing, via Email (below).