To get started, create a new document and chose the custom Slides template (10 x 7.5 in portrait mode). Then copy, paste, use markups and the snapshot tool to create your slides. With the ability to place images, and use layers like we shared in our earlier blog post architectural illustration to toggle different element on or off. you can make almost anything. If you need to pull images from the web or other non-PDF sources, you may want to get Jing from TechSmith. Jing is a free download that I recommend when you don’t have spare change for Snag-IT.

Once you have your slide content complete, Presentation Mode is just a CTL + Enter away! That’s the shortcut to enter presentation mode. To exit presentation mode press ESC. You can also get to Presentation Mode from the View Menu in the upper right next to Settings. The view menu looks like this

Presentation Mode settings have options for Auto advance, loop after last page, background color choices and even offers page transitions (dissolve, zoom, split, fade,, etc). You can select your preferences from Settings | Preferences or just use the shortcut CTL + K and select Presentation.

Alternatively, if you have a Powerpoint slide deck you can use Bluebeam to convert it to a PDF. This is especially useful when sharing with someone that does not have the Microsoft Powerpoint application. If you don’t see the Bluebeam Office Add In (See right)when in Powerpoint, use the Bluebeam Administrator application to activate the Microsoft Office Plug-In or contact your systems administrator.

Want to learn more about Bluebeam or need on-site training for your construction team and office staff? I am available and travel the United States providing in-house customized training for your Project Managers, Estimators and supporting office staff. To arrange for Bluebeam Training in your offices, Email Me Your Contact Info.

The post Bluebeam Tips: Presentations without Powerpoint appeared first on Hagen Business Systems.

Turn Your Whiteboard into a Touch Pen Display

Construction presentation effectiveness is the difference between winning and losing a project. Since Powerpoint came on the scene, the innovative contracting firm has mastered storytelling and realizes than communication is a two way street. Proving your understanding of the project scope, site challenges and constructability is paramount to success. The static slide is being usurped by interactive presentations. Here are a few ideas to convert your next presentation from drab to interactive:

Make Your Information Visually Appealing
One of the most common presentation mistakes is made when displaying numbers in a row and column format. Most people think, I’ll make a chart or graph which is old school. Instead, create a Heat Map using Excel. This is especially effective when presenting energy data on a LEED construction project to an owner. This video from Annielytics is an excellent tutorial of how to create a heat map:

Add Interactive Elements
Links to supporting project data, photos, videos etc are the basics. Hyperlinking Slide content to construction documents or real-time data collection that translates these field updates into easily understood moving visuals are recommended. How you render project progress completion by building, floor or room can transport an owner inside his own building. Here’s an example of a design coordination meeting recently shared by Ryan Companies using Bluebeam Revu in a Studio Session:

All annotations and task statuses are captured in the Markups list of Bluebeam

Update Your Construction Visual Aides
Using whiteboards, projectors and flat screen monitors is so 2008. Convert your Whiteboard or wall-mounted flat screen monitor into a touch pen screen with the U-Pointer. It’s small and portable to take with you to a client’s office. Wherever your need to present, you can make a lasting impression, even at the jobsite:

Interactive Display at Jobsite with U-Pointer

Add a Liquid Multi-Touch Display and immerse your audience with an iPad-like project kiosk experience. Show your construction team link portal, interactive

32″ Liquid Display with Stand

plan sets, your visual punch process, the job site check-in process for your workforce and how you communicate when resolving time-sensitive issues.  The electronic documents of today necessitate mark-up and annotation capabilities.  Your client is expecting a mobile, connected and collaborative team that communicates efficiently.

Whatever cost effective technology you use on your construction site that adds value, improves communication and streamlines processes is a winning proposition to the construction team and the project owner.

For additional information on any of these technologies, please contact me directly via Email and please specify what product you are interested in.

The post Winning Projects with Interactive Construction Presentations appeared first on Hagen Business Systems.