Your business could benefit from an FTP alternative. Although most businesses are currently using an FTP system, it is important to note that this type of filing system has a number of different limitations. These limitations don’t just slow down the processes; they could be costing your business a lot of money in the long term. Architecture, construction and engineering firms have consistent need for a file transfer system, which increases the potential of lost profits. If your business is an A/E/C firm and looking for an effective product to manage your businesses file sharing methods, consider the resources offered by eTransmittal. eTransmittal takes an extra step from being just an FTP alternative, with extensive tracking and security features built exclusively for the needs of A/E/C firms.

Here’s a little background on FTP and the benefits of FTP alternative options

The Limitations of FTP

FTP is short for File Transfer Protocol. It is a system that allows files to transfer between computers through a network. These files can transfer between accounts on a desktop computer but also can be accessed online. These types of file sharing tools are still used heavily, simply because FTP is inexpensive and it is something people know. However, in most situations, there are limitations.
Many times, in order to connect to FTP transferring, you will need to try multiple times to get a connection. In addition to this, there is little of any security, and there are no tracking features or innovative ways to organize files. With software such as eTransmittal, there are now FTP alternative programs available that can enhance your ability to share, track, and monitor files successfully and securely.

The Benefits of Using FTP Alternative Solutions

Instead of using the traditional system, consider the value behind FTP alternative file sharing methods. For example, these alternative solutions allow tracking and searching to be conducted on the systems. In addition, you can track any revisions made to the files, and know who opened the file and when.

Within the architecture, engineering and construction industries, the file sharing program offered by eTransmittal is a better option and a compliment to the way you do business. You do not have to wonder who is working on a file. You do not have to interpret written or spoken comments that come in from several people. You can organize and retrieve the files you need quickly. You can set up the system so that you receive an alert any time and every time a comment or a change is made.

In addition to these benefits, you can count on this system to reduce the amount of time it takes to send valuable files from one user to the next. It does not take as long to retrieve a file or to track a document either. This gives you more time to focus on areas of your industry you need to, including on the quality of the finished product.

FTP is something you may be using but it is not the best option available. Instead, turn to an FTP alternative you can trust with your company’s needs and with all of those important files you do not otherwise have access to. Work with eTransmittal to get the services you need in place so that your business can begin benefitting for a cost effective, more efficient system than the one you are using now.

Article Writing by ReignNet

bWERX, a Colorado-based provider of IT solutions for businesses, today introduced eTransmittal^™ (www.etransmittal.com), an easy-to-use, Web-based document distribution and management tool that simplifies, streamlines, and automates the exchange and tracking of architecture, engineering, and construction documents. This Web-based software tool works equally well for architecture, engineering and construction firms, and allows them to quickly, easily, and securely transmit and track large files of any type (drawings, PDFs, MS-Word documents, etc). eTransmittal has been developed and introduced as an affordable, more functional, and far more secure alternative to transmitting large documents manually (by courier or shipping), by email (which can't accept large file sizes and has no tracking functions), and by ftp sites (which often are difficult to use, and provide no tracking, and little to no security).

Because eTransmittal^™ is a Software-As-A-Service (SaaS) productivity tool, all that's needed to use it is an Internet connection and a Web browser. There is no need to install special software or hardware on each user's computer, and the system works for PCs and Macs. Browsers supported by eTransmittal include: Firefox, Internet Explorer, Safari, Chrome, and others.

"eTransmittal solves a very real problem in the A/E/C arena, which is the need to quickly, easily, and securely transfer large files – often among geographically dispersed project team members," said Justin Culver, bWERX president, CEO, and chief technology officer.

eTransmittal: Offering Features & Functions To Improve Profitability & Streamline Operations

"eTransmittal offers a variety of useful features and functions designed to streamline the operations of A/E/C firms, minimize risk, and re-route high-level professionals back to billable tasks vs. spending too much time on administrative work such as sending documents and checking with team members to make sure they received them," explained Culver. The following highlights key features of eTransmittal^™:

• Automated, Secure Document Transmission: Transmittals can be sent in as little as four mouse clicks. Users simply log in to the system and:
  • Click to select the documents that need to be sent to other project team members (when this is done, a pre-numbered transmittal automatically is created);
  • Click to select the contact (the person to whom the documents will be sent);
  • Click "Send." (eTransmittal then automatically notifies the intended recipient by email, within seconds, that a transmittal with documents and messages is waiting for them to review and/or download as a guest user of the system.
• Automated Document Version Tracking: Each document is automatically given its own number and time/date stamp, thus allowing A/E/C professionals to make sure they are working on the correct version of the document for a given project. eTransmittal also maintains a Revision and Status History on each document.
• Time- and Date-stamped Transmission Audit Trail: eTransmittal^™ automatically tracks when a transmittal was sent, who accessed it, and when they reviewed it and/or downloaded it, as well as when they sent the transmittal back with comments or changes.
• Automated Alerting: eTransmittal^™ offers a variety of alerting options, including a standard email alert to a recipient that a transmittal is waiting for them. Advanced alerts include alerting users how much disk space is still available, and when guest users have accessed the information sent to them.
• Label-based Document Organization System: Users can apply as many "labels" to a document as they choose which allows for fast, easy searches and location of documents within the system. Typical labels applied to documents include: Multi-site, Vendors, Company Divisions, Confidential, Geographical, and other document associations that need to be flagged. This labeling function is far more powerful and efficient for document searches than traditional, folder-based structures.
• Multiple Levels of Security: eTransmittal offers multiple levels of security including: users must log in with a name and password; documents are encrypted both when they are stored on the system and when they are transmitted using online banking/e-commerce-level encryption; and the advanced "Pro" interface features a "Public/Private" project option in which documents can be password-protected, so only those with designated user access privileges can view, modify, and send specific documents associated with specific projects.
• Other features of eTransmittal include: One central repository for documents, redundant storage of the material with multiple back-up servers to protect the data; powerful document search functions; and 24/7 access anywhere in the world using an internet connection.

eTransmittal Offers Significant Benefits to A/E/C Firms

"eTransmittal offers a tremendous array of benefits to help A/E/C firms of all sizes improve operations," said Culver. "eTransmittal is being used by some A/E/C firms which already have seen operational improvements as a result of using it." Highlights of product benefits include:

1. SAVE MONEY & IMPROVE REVENUE: eTransmittal frees up high-level professionals to focus on billable work rather than administration tasks that are non-billable, or billed at lower rates. There also are direct savings from reduced shipping and courier fees, as well as eliminating the costs of ftp site usage.
2. SAVE TIME: eTransmittal results in a streamlined process for sending, receiving & retrieving project files overall so less time is spent on the transmission and tracking of project documents. The labeling and search functions mean less time is spent searching for project documents.
3. IMPROVED ACCURACY: eTransmittal's sophisticated version control and version tracking functions ensure that A/E/C professional are working on, and finalizing, the correct version of the document.
4. IMPROVED PROJECT ACCOUNTABILITY: eTransmittal^™ improves communication and coordination between project team members, and provides a complete audit trail of what documents were sent to whom, and when…as well as updating document status (for example, from "in review" to "approved"). Project team members can be held more accountable for IF work was done, and WHEN it was done.
5. MITIGATES RISK: eTransmittal mitigates risk and the costs of non-compliance with deadlines because the system can verify the transmission, receipt, and downloading of documents. In the event that a dispute arises, eTransmittal's audit trail functions can lower attorney's fees and resolve disputes faster by quickly providing time-stamped proof of when documents were sent and received, and in what version.
6. INCREASED SECURITY & PROTECTION OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY: eTransmital provides a much higher level of security than email or ftp sites. This protects intellectual property (design work), as well as business intelligence (such as pricing information on services, and profit margins, etc.)
7. PROTECT DATA DESPITE TURNOVER: eTransmittal's labeling system and powerful search functions mean it's easy to find old documents and data, even if a key staffer leaves the firm.
8. ECO-FRIENDLY APPROACH: eTransmittal is eco-friendly in several ways. First, it minimizes paper usage; and second, it minimizes carbon emissions from physically shipping drawings to another location…allowing A/E/C firms to market and promote their eco-friendly, sustainable approach to business.

eTransmittal: Two Product Versions, Two Pricing Options

eTransmittal is available immediately, by monthly subscription, and in two product versions and pricing options: eTransmittal^™ Standard (the basic version of the product) and eTransmittal^™ Pro (an advanced version that offers more features and functionality). Both product versions offer unlimited guest accounts for the project team members at other companies who will be receiving and reviewing transmittals, and then sending them back.

eTransmittal^™ Standard is available now for $199/month for the required administrative level license, and $49 per month per individual user. Functionality included at this level includes: automated document transmission; document transmission history tracking; document version tracking; document labeling functions for fast document searches; basic reporting functions; a submittal inbox; basic email notifications when a transmittal is waiting; up to 10 projects for which eTransmittal can be used; disk space of up to 10 gigabytes for the account; and email-based technical support.

eTransmittal^™ Pro is available for $499/month for the required administrative level license. Individual user licensing starts at $99 per month per user, and scales down to as low as $24 per month per individual user, for 25 users or more. eTransmittal^™ Pro includes all the functions of eTransmittal Standard, plus the following:

• Advanced reporting capabilities (which includes a "report builder" that allows users to customize and create their own reports);
• Enhanced project file security (designate as "public" file, or "private file" that requires user access privileges);
• Archive function for inactive projects;
• In-house document transfer for review of work internally;
• CSV file contact import for easier population of the contacts listings;
• Advanced alerts;
• A handy transmittal forwarding function;
• Online and phone support;
• An unlimited number of projects that can be supported by eTransmittal; and
• Disk space of two gigabytes per user, on top of the 10 GB limit for the customer's overall storage needs.

"Unlike unwieldy, comprehensive document management systems that can take months to implement, and require heavy technical intervention, eTransmittal can be implemented in minutes, and users can send a transmittal with little to no training," noted Culver. "Simply put, it's a tool designed to bring about time and money savings for A/E/C firms, and it can be implemented and learned very quickly -- with efficiencies becoming evident within a short period of timing using eTransmittal."

About bWERX

Founded in 2000, bWERX is an IT consulting company that provides IT strategy and implementation for businesses of many sizes, and in a wide variety of industries. bWERX initially developed eTransmittal in response to specific requests from customers in architecture, engineering, and construction. Once eTransmittal was developed for one customer, it became clear that the product had broader applications, and it was developed into a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) technology for use by the A/E/C industries. bWERX was founded by Justin Culver, an engineer from the Colorado School of Mines, who has direct experience working for engineering companies, and a thorough understanding of engineering processes. bWERX can be reached at: 303-783-8878, and the eTransmittal site is www.etransmittal.com.

eTransmittal™ is a trademark of bWERX Inc.