• Orange Loft, a Chicago-based developer of networkable office management software for architecture firms, has released a new version of its ArchiOffice program that allows firms to better manage submittals. Users can schedule when a submittal is expected to arrive, determine who in the office will be responsible for reviewing the submittal, log when the submittal was sent back to the general contractor, and track what action was taken on it. Project managers can now print reports showing the status of all submittals on a project and quickly take action if a submittal is late or stuck in review.
• Ansys Inc., a Canonsburg, Pa.-based developer of simulation software, has released a new version of its Fluent computational fluid dynamics software for Dassault Systems's popular CATIA 3D design software. The new version enables users to customize repetitive tasks, streamline update scenarios for large geometrical modifications, and better manage parallel processing in the CATIA V5 product life cycle management environment.
• A new website provides technical information and an overview of the bridging method of construction project delivery, which is gaining popularity in the construction industry, particularly with government projects. Developed by Atlanta-based Brookwood Program Management, the site also contains examples of buildings constructed using the bridging method, downloadable publications, and a section of FAQs about bridging. www.bridgingmethod.com
