Some files are simply too big to be sent in your regular email. If you are in the architecture, engineering or construction business, you have probably banged your head into the wall a time or two trying to send your files safely, securely, efficiently, and, most importantly, on time. When you are trying to get a contract completed to the client on time, a good, solid file sharing system is a must. FTP, or File Transfer Protocol, has traditionally been the alternative these businesses have turned to send their oversized files, but FTP is not always secure, fast or safe. However, there is an FTP alternative that is designed specifically for those in the architecture, construction and engineering fields, and that is eTransmittal.

eTransmittal is an FTP alternative web-based file sharing company that is designed to take the hassle and struggle out of sending files quickly as well as securely. eTransmittal is a Software-as-a-Service tool, also known as an SaaS tool, that can be used with just an Internet connection and a web browser. Employees in various locations can easily send and receive documents instantly, regardless if they have a PC or a Mac. eTransmittal also works on any browser, making it easy for employees and clients to exchange files. With eTransmittal, your files are tracked securely and stored so they can be easily accessed by team members when necessary, making it a great FTP alternative for A/E/C documents.

FTP sites typically do not provide tracking and have little or no security, making them unattractive for clients with sensitive documents to send. AEC businesses are ready for an FTP alternative because of the risk they take in sending documents that could be hacked by their competition. If your documents are for certain eyes only, they need to be sent with the utmost attention to security. In the past, AEC documents would have to be sent via snail mail in order to get that kind of security. However, sen ding files manually can be time consuming as well as expensive. Now, there is snail mail and FTP alternative. eTransmittal is ready to change the way your business conducts its web based file transfers.

When you use eTransmittal to transfer your AEC documents, you will save time and money. You will lower the risk of having your documents seen by the wrong sets of eyes, which protects your intellectual property.  When you use eTransmittal, your documents will be time stamped, tracked and stored so that you can easily retrieve this information at any time. Even if the original staffer who sent the document is gone, you will have no trouble locating their files. You can make your business run smoother, and save yourself some cash, by changing the way you transfer files. When you sign up with an FTP alternative like eTransmittal, you will ensure that your files are always sent securely and will have the tracking to back it up. Once you make the switch to the web based file transfer system from eTransmittal, you will never go back to FTP.

File transfer software is something your business likely spends a great deal of time and money on, even though you may not realize it. As you are considering ways to make your business run more efficiently, consider how technology can make this happen. Take a look at all of your current systems. How well are the technologies you are investing in really working together to benefit your business? The more that you know about the options in file transfer software, or other technologies, the better your business can perform.

eTransmittal is one company that can make your file and document transfer systems run smoothly.

Many businesses are using a combination of new technologies to enhance the way business is done. These new technologies are often used in combination with older ones. There are many questions about how to integrate new technologies, how much a business should rely on older systems, and how to convert the processes currently being used. The best advice is to find efficient and cost-effective systems to allow you to move more quickly away from old systems. You’ll have a much lower risk of losing money in the long-term if adjustments are made before it becomes mandatory to do so.

So, what should you be investing in? Consider Software as a Service (called SaaS). SaaS focuses on solving problems and increasing access and service. Let’s focus on the file transfer system. The way you may currently be handling your vital documents, through outdated file transfer or FTP systems, often involves the process of downloading files to a computer or putting those documents on a server. You may need to network within your system to make this process happen. But, what if it could be easier and more efficient to work another way?

When you use SaaS instead as a file transfer software solution, you can just use a cloud. A cloud is an effective manner for managing any type of files and documents since all of the data is stored in one location that is easily accessible through the Internet.  Take a look at the benefits of using this type of Internet file transfer.

• Speed is a big factor. Files, no matter how large or small, are immediately available to the business. You do not have to wait for your system to upload to a file transfer software solution and then wait for the upload on the other end.

• Efficiency is another benefit. Everything is within reach and that means that everyone can use these resources as necessary. Search for files. Track files. Manage files easily.

When it comes to doing business with file transfer software, a variety of factors will play a role in the overall process. You will need to consider how you are doing business right now. Is it working for your business to the highest level? Is your business struggling with file transfer problems, lag time or simply inefficiency? Technology can make this process better, especially when you turn to companies such as eTransmittal to handle the service. In many cases, you can see a boost in your business’s efficiency when you turn to these systems.

Article Writing by ReignNet

The Internet has changed many things when it comes to Architecture, Engineering and Construction Firms. Projects can move much faster because files can be transferred in minutes, and comments can be communicated back and forth in seconds. Just as email, instant messaging and FTP software have helped increase the productivity of A/E/C firms; new web-based file transfer software has revolutionized the industry. Now, not only can files be transferred in seconds, but contacts, revisions, comments, and timelines can be integrated into one streamlined and automated system.

And the best thing is it’s easy! Just logging onto a web-site will allow you to do all necessary project steps in one place, with the click of a mouse. Here are the very basics about the file transfer software developed by eTransmittal for A/E/C firms.

Using the Program

eTransmittal is a web-based productivity tool. To run this file transfer software, all you need is an Internet connection and a web browser like Internet Explorer or Firefox. You don’t have to install anything and you don’t have to learn to navigate complicated software. Then, just like sending an email attachment, you upload documents into the program. After that, you upload all of your contacts directly from your email.

Sending and Receiving Files

After you’ve uploaded your drawings and contacts, then it’s easy sailing from there. With about four clicks of a mouse, you’re done. Just select the drawings, select who you want it to send to, and then click save. The file transfer software takes it from there.

Tracking the File and Revisions

All you have to do is log on to eTransmittal anywhere you are – at home, at your office, out of town. As it is web-based you can access it anywhere you have an internet connection. After logging in, you can see who’s opened it, which has edited it or commented on it, and all with a time stamp of when.  Easy instructions show you how to categorize documents with an innovative labeling system. 

You can insert your email or other contact information to receive real-time alerts when an edit or a comment has been made, or if a file has been retransmitted. Everything is automated and streamlined, allowing you to track the file, revisions and contacts in one place.

User Training Available

You can be comfortable that eTransmittal’s file transfer software is known for its ease of use and implementation. You can start using it in minutes, creating and sending transmittals. There are some aspects of the tool that you may want some instruction on, and that’s fine. In minutes, eTransmittal’s excellent tech support can provide instructions and advice as needed.

Architecture, Engineering and Construction firms transfer large files daily, if not multiple times per day. Along with transferring files they have to stay in contact with team members to gather reviews, revisions and comments. A typical day might be filled with conversations like “Did the file come through?” “Where is the latest version of the document?” “Which team member is currently reviewing it?” “Was the new version sent to the client?”

This list of typical questions and concerns goes on and on. You can see the need to simplify and automate the process of transferring files, with the added ability to track the changes and communications in a quick and easy way.

eTransmittal was designed specifically for the needs of A/E/C firms when it comes to transferring files, and to organize the numerous revisions that are sent back and forth. There are tough project timelines and things need to move fast. Security is also a major concern because projects often include proprietary information or trademark secrets. eTransmittal has created functionality that A/E/C firms need on every level. The program lets professionals stop chasing and tracking down documents and lets them to focus on finishing the project and finding the next one.  

Here are the Top 10 Benefits of eTransmittal’s File Transfer Software

1.      Organize projects and keep track of all related documents.

Know who edited what and when. Documents and transfers are automatically indexed and organized in a timeline with necessary statistics. Send documents in as little as four mouse clicks.

2.      Integrate and manage contacts, products, and projects with the latest revision of documents and transmittals.

In one glance know who was sent what, who signed off on which revision, and what the next step is. With just the click of the mouse, select the document to send, select the contacts and click ‘save’. The file transfer software does the rest.

3.      Easily track and retrieve documents with user defined labels, filters, and powerful searches.

Use powerful features like labels, indexing and search to easily find information and assign tasks. Be able to label people and projects within multiple categories – which allows for high-powered search of everybody and every document involved in the project.

4.      Collaborate with other applications using our scalable enterprise-minded software.

Make edits and comments in real time. See a timeline of all comments and revisions that have been made and know what the next step is.

5.      Go live with “Live Transmittals.” Get real time status updates on your drawings and documents.

Instead of constantly tracking down the latest revision and gathering comments from several team members, get an automatic notice when a step has been completed or a revision has been made.

6.      Secure your information supply chain by controlling the sending and receiving of documents.

If the last revision has been accepted or the project completed, make sure nobody can download or transfer the file. Don’t worry about having various versions of a project that have been downloaded by dozens of people.

7.      Save time and money by minimizing the manual tasks involved in sending and receiving documents.

No more uploading and downloading to ftp sites. No more printing out and shipping. No more phone calls to check in on project status.

8.      Reduce risks by providing an audit trail of document history and transmittals.

Know you edited what, when they did it, and what happened next.

9.      Remove the manual process of managing files on FTP servers and email.

A few simple steps at the beginning and then everything else is taken care of with eTransmittal’s file transfer software.

10.  Fly through our intuitive interface, regardless of training or background.

It’s easy and simple. Make edits and changes with the click of a mouse. You don’t need to be a tech-person and you don’t need to upload and download files constantly.