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Connections are the Heart of Steel

By Michael Gustafson on Jan 2, 2024 4:44:10 PM

As we enter into 2024, I wanted to reflect on what I’ve learned over my past year joining the Qnect team. I’m amazed at the growing interest in early connected models and other related trends like AI and sustainability and how that is shaping our company’s direction.  As I see customers adopting Qnect to deliver more efficient and sustainable steel structures, steel connections remain at the heart of the process. As Allan Paull, Senior VP with AECOM Tishman said at NASCC 2022 “If I can connect the steel early, the rest of the project follows.” Working through how the steel connects is so critical to mitigating risk on the project, not just the steel but the other trades that depend upon the frame getting erected. I bet we can all agree, thinking through the connections is a key to efficient steel delivery. Working with a team that understands connection design but also detailing and constructability is crucial and is a testament to the success our customers are seeing. I wanted to share some of the advances we’ve made in 2023 and what is coming down the pike in 2024.  

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Every Bolt Counts: The Ripple Effect of Conserving Every Pound of Steel

By Jef Sharp on Dec 12, 2023 3:18:13 PM

As the steel sector searches for sustainable solutions in the carbon heavy construction industry, it is crucial not to overlook the power of conservation and efficiency. Decisions made early in the design process, using quality data, have a major impact on a building’s carbon footprint. In fact, when we use early data to our advantage, steel becomes a much more sustainable building material.

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Using Early Connected Models to Create a Precise Bills of Materials

By David Kowalski on Nov 2, 2023 3:52:12 PM

In the fast-paced world of construction, efficiency and accuracy are key to success. Construction Managers are always on the lookout for innovative tools and methods to streamline their processes, reduce costs, and secure more competitive bids. One such game-changing approach is the use of Early Connected Steel Models, which involve modeling and connection engineering during the design phase. In this blog, we'll explore how these models not only cut down on bids but also enable Construction Managers to provide precise Bills of Materials (BoMs) for bidding purposes. This was a hot topic for many Construction Managers at CMAA last week.

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Rationalization and RFIs: Silent Players in Excess Carbon

By Michael Gustafson on Jul 13, 2023 11:24:00 AM

Over the past year, I’ve heard from engineers that their clients are now asking how they are reducing embodied carbon in their designs. Back in the fall I shared some strategies for how to  do this (AECBytes, Dec 2022). However, with so many approaches that engineers can take, it may feel overwhelming knowing where to start. Many engineers are now asking the question: What are the most impactful actions I can take to reduce embodied carbon?  One engineer said to me, “If I design the structure efficiently to the building code, am I not already doing everything I can?”

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Approaching a Crossroad with Early Connected Models

By Michael Gustafson on Jun 9, 2023 4:17:34 PM

As we enter the summer season, many of you are planning your school breaks and getaways. With it also being half way through the year, I wanted to reflect on current market conditions in construction and the continued urgency to reduce project uncertainty.

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Embodied Carbon - Why it Matters to the Structural Engineer

By Michael Gustafson on Dec 13, 2022 8:11:58 PM

AECBytes Embodied Carbon - Why it Matters to the Structural Engineer

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Qnect in MSC Need for Speed Special Segment

By Pearl Burgoff on Dec 1, 2022 12:00:00 PM

Read about Qnect's software in MSC's December 2022 issue.

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Top Reasons Why the AEC Industry is Headed for Change

By Michael Gustafson on Oct 27, 2022 3:47:50 PM

By Michael Gustafson

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Connecting for Optimization by Jef Sharp in MSC

By Pearl Burgoff on Mar 1, 2022 4:55:04 PM

"LAST MONTH, I wrote about how early connected models can help steel fabricators. This month, let’s expand the discussion to include the myriad ways that early connected models help the steel industry as a whole.

At Qnect, we call early connected model delivery projects “ISD” for integrated steel delivery. There are many advantages to integrating the connection engineering, detailing, and optimization of the model before the bidding process begins (which I’ll explore in a second). Using these benefits makes steel less expensive and faster than other building materials—and also more sustainable."

Read on...

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Early Integration by Jef Sharp in MSC

By Pearl Burgoff on Feb 28, 2022 10:58:01 AM

Learn the 5 Ways Integrated Steel Delivery (ISD) is Beneficial to Fabricators in this month's issue of Modern Steel Construction. Check out Early Integration written by Qnect CEO Jef Sharp.

"[with ISD] the 3D model is fully connected early, with the connections engineered, detailed, and optimized often before the fabricator is awarded the job." - Jef Sharp, CEO of Qnect, LLC.

Topics: Insider News
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Qnect Receives High Praise in Industry-Leading Magazine

By Pearl Burgoff on Sep 16, 2021 5:01:31 PM

An article in Engineering News-Record came out earlier this summer praising Qnect's cloud-based steel connection optimization software for the cost savings and efficiency it provides those who use it. The article highlights the 1.3-million-sq-ft Fenway Center project which is currently underway and expected to finish in 2025.

Well known structural engineering service provider, LeMessurier Consultants, contracted Qnect to connect the model for the project. 

“[By using Qnect] we have been able to cycle through numerous options to produce much more efficient connections,” says Craig Blanchet, a vice president at LeMessurier. “It has given us more confidence in the constructibility of the project, which helps mitigate risk.”

Read full article on ENR.com

Topics: News
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Dowco to Integrate Qnect Software into Detailing Process

By Pearl Burgoff on Jul 14, 2021 6:11:43 PM

AMHERST, Mass. — "As North America’s first Tekla Structures user we at Dowco had developed a myriad of tools, technologies and best practices around Tekla/Trimble software, but none offering the advantages that Qnect can,” says Ewen Dobbie, Dowco Consultants CEO.

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Qnection of the Week: Green Coffee Building

By Pearl Burgoff on Jun 3, 2021 9:03:01 AM

This week's Qnection is an extended shear plate connection from the Green Coffee Building project, engineered by Francisco J. Herrera G.

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Exact Detailing & Qnect Announce Collaborative Agreement

By Pearl Burgoff on Apr 29, 2021 6:01:59 PM

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Podcast: Henry Lederman shares the past and future of detailing

By Pearl Burgoff on Mar 1, 2021 1:03:44 PM

Topics: Insider
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Qnect increases connection library in latest release

By Pearl Burgoff on Jan 26, 2021 9:20:15 AM

Qnect’s release schedule is every two weeks. Some of the updates are communicated directly to the customers who submitted the request or have shared consistent use of a feature that we might have improved. During November and December several updates to the system were created that we wanted to share with you.

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The Fabricator magazine interviews Qnect’s Henry Lederman

By Pearl Burgoff on Dec 17, 2020 12:16:47 PM

“If I only knew then what I know now.” How often do you wish you could peer into the future just a bit? With Qnect, you kinda can. The speed and accuracy of Qnect means that you can test a number of different connections extremely quickly. This is like looking into the future because you can make revisions, decisions that previous to Qnect would take days if not weeks to make. 

Topics: News Product
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Qnect & The Steel Tube Institute [Webinar Review]

By Pearl Burgoff on Nov 17, 2020 1:39:22 PM

This special webinar, specifically tailored for members and supporters of the Steel Tube Institute, demonstrates how HSS vertical bracing is made more efficient using Qnect’s powerful connection design and optimization tool.

Topics: Product How to
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Absolutely, Positively Delivered Ahead of Schedule

By Pearl Burgoff on Nov 13, 2020 10:05:32 AM

When shop drawings absolutely, positively must be ready for a Tuesday delivery and it’s Friday, you can count on Qnect to deliver. That’s what happened recently. Oh and it was not Friday morning that Qnect learned about this but late in the day.

This is one way that Qnect makes steel smarter.

Topics: Insider
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Tech Tuesday: Export to PDF

By Pearl Burgoff on Oct 13, 2020 8:50:19 AM

Now available, Export to PDF. Qnect's customers have been asking for this and we deliver. Just like Qnect, export to PDF is a simple and painless way to turn your detailed Qnect reports into a sharable and for some more manageable format.

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Powerful Qnect Updates Increase Productivity

By admin on Oct 2, 2020 9:10:00 AM

This week, Qnect customers received a nice gift - product updates that increase productivity. These updates reflect hours of customer input, beta testing, and user interviews. 

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Qnect's CEO Interviewed on Investor Connect

By Pearl Burgoff on Sep 25, 2020 4:27:42 PM

In this episode, Hall welcomes back Jef Sharp, CEO of Qnect.

Located in Hadley, Massachusetts, Qnect is an intelligent, cloud-based connection app that gives fabricators, detailers, and engineers fast and flexible connections with significant cost and schedule savings. In minutes, users can connect most steel buildings without capital cost and with minimal initial training. Two important benefits of Qnect include Preference Optimization and Bolt Optimization.

Topics: Insider
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Qnect Hosts SteelDay 2020 Webinar

By Pearl Burgoff on Sep 16, 2020 4:49:39 PM

In celebration of the U.S. structural steel industry, you’re invited to a special webinar with Qnect as we host a SteelDay event on Friday, September 25! In this webinar, you will learn about technology advances that help steel detailers and fabricators.

Topics: Product
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[Webinar Review] Analytics: radically changing how fabricators make decisions

By Pearl Burgoff on Sep 2, 2020 4:32:08 PM

In late August, we hosted a webinar focused on the power of analytics presented with Qnect data. The full video is below and then just below that is a transcript with screen shots. We had a great attendance and a solid Q&A session after the main presentation. There is also a 7 minute BONUS video that can be found here where you will learn more about future plans around the content presented in the webinar.

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Qnect Hosts Special Analytics Webinar

By Pearl Burgoff on Aug 17, 2020 1:28:49 PM

Why do fabricators care about analytics now? What has created this demand to have access to early data only available with advanced software?

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Qnect Wins AISC Hot Product Award

By Pearl Burgoff on Aug 13, 2020 11:53:33 AM

The Qnect development team took on a monumental task when they added Vertical Bracing Connections to the product roadmap. They were confident they could make it work but they knew it would take time and testing. 

The hard work paid off. Qnect received a 2020 Hot Product Award for “The world’s most efficient vertical bracing connection.” 

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Do Zoom Better with Steel

By Pearl Burgoff on Jun 10, 2020 3:41:15 PM

We’re seeing a change in the way we do business in almost every industry. Engineering and other pre-construction practices are no exception. For many, this did not happen overnight but has certainly accelerated due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Qnect has been hosting online demonstrations and conducting customer onboarding for many years. For the most part, it works. But it was certainly not the only way that we did this. Many of our customer onboarding sessions were done in person especially with larger customers where we were training eight or more people at one time. 

Topics: News
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Webinar Review: How Qnect Created the World's Most Efficient Vertical Bracing

By Pearl Burgoff on Apr 24, 2020 9:36:39 AM

[Scroll down for the webinar recording] Qnect hosted over 100 attendees for the Webinar introduction of vertical bracing. Vertical bracing completes Qnect’s full spectrum of optimized connections from gravity connections to moment connections and the lateral bracing system. What makes Qnect’s vertical bracing so efficient is the extensive use of their patented, iterative process for optimizing all of the engineering variables.

Topics: News Product
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Release Notes: February 2020

By Pearl Burgoff on Mar 13, 2020 5:36:42 PM

After the holiday rest, we had a productive and, I’ll say, exciting time on the product development side of the house. Most of the enhancements are working behind the scenes so you won’t notice too much on the User Interface side but you will notice a few items.

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Webinar Review: Benefits of Delivering a Connected Model

By Pearl Burgoff on Mar 4, 2020 2:52:55 PM

During this 30 minute webinar, we presented the benefits of delivering a connected model. This includes:

Topics: Events How to
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Aloft Hotels and Qnect: Helping Folks Sleep Better

By Pearl Burgoff on Feb 18, 2020 8:23:19 AM

Staying at a hotel usually means, checking in, getting settled, going to sleep, waking up, heading out. What visitors to the 135-room Aloft Chattanooga Hamilton Place won’t be doing is thinking about how much time and money was saved constructing it because of Qnect being a part of the project. That’s just fine by us but we do want our structural engineers, owners, general contractors, steel fabricators and detailers to know about the project.

Topics: Insider News
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Release Notes: January 2020

By admin on Feb 4, 2020 8:30:00 AM

It was a busy 2019, which ended in a productive end of year for product enhancements. In addition to the Release Notes found in the app, we wanted to highlight just a few for you here.

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Webinar Review: Analytics in Qnect

By Pearl Burgoff on Jan 28, 2020 12:38:56 PM

Qnect's Analytics webinar, that took place live on January 22, recieved strong engagment from the audience and generated some insightful questions that we include in the video as well as at the end of the transcript.

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Yale Connects with Future Leaders

By Pearl Burgoff on Jan 23, 2020 6:15:00 AM

Not all projects are created equal. We know this as well as you. Some are simply more fun, have more meaning or provide that challenge that happens only once in awhile. What’s exciting about a recent university project that involved Qnect are the activities that will take place inside once construction is complete.

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Qnect and BuildingPoint Canada Making Steel Smarter Together

By Pearl Burgoff on Dec 4, 2019 5:43:18 PM

Qnect and BuildingPoint Canada Making Steel Smarter Together
             

Qnect LLC expands its reseller network in Canada with BuildingPoint Canada

[HADLEY, Mass, December 5, 2019] - Qnect LLC expands its reseller network in Canada by entering a partnership with BuildingPoint Canada.

Qnect, a connection design and engineering SaaS application for the structural steel community, has announced a partnership with BuildingPoint Canada to sell and support Qnect across Canada.

Topics: Partners News
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Webinar Review: GCs Learn How to Reduce time to Construction

By Pearl Burgoff on Dec 2, 2019 5:16:19 PM

This special GC-focused webinar took place on November 20th, 2019. The webinar focuses on reducing time to construction for the general contractors. Learn about the connected model, preventing schedule drift, getting uniform bids from fabricators and much more. Qnect provides so much more than software and super service to help them be more successful. 

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FABTECH 2019 Heats up Chicago!

By Pearl Burgoff on Nov 19, 2019 1:01:27 PM

It starts with a welcome at the airport. I flew into Midway but I’m sure O’Hare had these as well - a nice “welcome” from Chicago with FABTECH up at the top. A nice way to kick-start the week!

Topics: Insider Events
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Why FABTECH 2019?

By Pearl Burgoff on Oct 22, 2019 11:19:28 AM

Chicago in November means uncertain weather, frustrated Bears fans and FABTECH 2019. I can’t do anything about the weather. I won’t even touch the Bears with a 10 foot I-beam. I will talk about FABTECH 2019.

From Monday, November 11 to Thursday, November 14, you can find Qnect at Booth #A3490. We’re there to share Qnect with structural steel fabricators who seek a more efficient workspace, fab shop and relationships.  

Topics: Events News
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"Qnect is revolutionizing connection design..." Read who said this.

By Pearl Burgoff on Oct 15, 2019 3:34:57 PM

It’s great to get an endorsement. Every business will tell you this. It’s even better to get an endorsement from a neutral, industry association. Qnect experienced this just a few weeks ago when we opened the October issue of AISC’s Modern Steel Construction (MSC)* magazine. 

“Qnect is revolutionizing connection design and conservatively reduces the time it takes design engineers and fabricators to collaborate on approved shop and erection drawings by more than 70%.”  ~ Scott Melnick, Editor

Topics: News Product
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Webinar Review: 3 Significant Steps to Improve Fabrication Production

By Pearl Burgoff on Oct 9, 2019 7:29:03 AM

This special and well-received webinar took place on October 2nd, 2019. The webinar focuses on three significant steps to improve fabrication production. Our excitement to share this information comes from a trend we were seeing with our customers. That trend? Qnect provides so much more than software and super service to help them be more successful. 

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SteelDay 2019: My Experience

By Pearl Burgoff on Oct 1, 2019 2:15:07 PM

It's not too often that someone like me, a marketer, has a reason to wear steel toe shoes. It’s just not an everyday part of my job.  But Friday, Sept 27 was not your typical day. It was AISC's SteelDay 2019, which only happens once a year. 

Topics: Events
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Are you being disruptive?

By Aaron Bartlett on Sep 26, 2019 10:30:41 AM

We all recognize how difficult technology adoption is in the construction industry, but times are changing!

Take a look at this article by Katie Jones for some hope.

Topics: Insider
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Event Review: Tekla Basecamp 2019

By Pearl Burgoff on Sep 5, 2019 11:22:55 AM

“Great to see Qnect’s progress”

“We look forward to working with you on this project”

“Safe travels home. See you in our office next month”

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Webinar Review: Fix Schedule Drift

By Pearl Burgoff on Aug 20, 2019 11:54:45 AM

Many of Qnect's customers have shared with us just how much Qnect saves them from schedule drift. They said that the buffer gained by using Qnect has not only saved their project but also their reputations. It's a busy time for most in the structural steel business so keeping to schedule is key. With this recent feedback, we created a webinar to share with others just how to gain weeks of buffer time to stay on schedule. View the video or read through the transcription below.

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Using Tech to Cross (State) Borders and Increase Wealth

By Pearl Burgoff on Aug 15, 2019 11:47:35 AM

You may have seen the July 2019 headline from a Kim Slowey story in Construction Dive about the concentration of construction activity in the US. But did you know....that many of Qnect’s customers work on projects that cross state lines? Working in a Building Information Modeling (BIM) environment and using SaaS applications such as Qnect allows for project participants to be about anywhere. The results include more project opportunities and greater margins.

Topics: Product How to
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Gearing up for Tekla Basecamp

By Pearl Burgoff on Aug 5, 2019 10:20:48 AM

What does the checklist for Basecamp look like? Well, for the Tekla Basecamp, it’s not hiking boots, tents, water and food but rather comfortable shoes, note pads and updated Tekla Structures and Qnect loaded on laptops. See why so many are saying "Steel Just Got Smarter" with Qnect.

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Webinar Review: Determining the Lowest Cost Joint Configuration

By Pearl Burgoff on Jul 23, 2019 1:29:43 PM

Qnect's Henry Lederman and Aaron Bartlett, recently hosted a webinar titled "Determining the Lowest Cost Joint Configuration" for the general public. This blog post is due to the positive responses and requests for the recording.

The transcript below starts at marker 1:36 and ends just before the Q&A starts. This is the meat of the webinar and we hope you enjoy it.

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Here we grow again!

By Pearl Burgoff on Jun 23, 2019 6:21:14 PM

Qnect is excited to share with you some new names and faces on our team. If you’re a customer or just an interested follower, you know that we’ve been gaining traction and introducing more and more people to the power of Qnect. The continued interest in what Qnect provides Fabricators, Detailers, General Contractors and Engineers is driving our growth.

Topics: Insider News
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We are on Instagram!

By Pearl Burgoff on Jun 17, 2019 2:42:16 PM

Many of you are “on Instagram.” You told us to join you. You told us and we listened.

You told us to join you. You told us and we listened.

Why be on Instagram when we’re already on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter? We asked that same

Topics: Insider News
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Tech Tuesday: ROI for the Engineer (CE & EOR)

By Pearl Burgoff on May 21, 2019 7:12:00 AM

Are you a structural engineer -  a Connection Engineer (CE) or an Engineer of Record (EOR)?Qnect's SaaS solution provides a solid Return on Investment (ROI) for everyone including YOU the engineer. Today's Tech Tuesday blog is the final of this segment where we go through the different disciplines - Structural Steel Detailer, Fabricator, Erector and the Engineer both Connection Engineer and Engineer of Record.

Topics: Tech Tuesday
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Tech Tuesday: ROI for the Erector

By Pearl Burgoff on May 14, 2019 8:48:42 AM

Are you a structural steel erector? If so and if you are like other erectors, you might feel left out of the process when engineers, connection engineers and engineer or record (EOR) are involved. Well, Qnect's SaaS solution provides a solid Return on Investment (ROI) for everyone including YOU the erector. 

Topics: Tech Tuesday
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Now Available: Model Preparation e-book!

By Pearl Burgoff on May 10, 2019 5:32:33 PM

We’ve recently released an e-book about “Model Preparation.”

Why did we do this?

Just a few months ago, we hosted a webinar on Best Practices. Part of that webinar covered Model Preparation as it pertains to BIM (Building Information Modeling) for structural steel fabricators, detailers, Engineers - both Connection Engineers and EORs (Engineer of Record). Most of the tips pertain to modeling in Tekla Structures; however, the information can be used in other programs such as Nemetschek’s SDS/2 and Autodesk’s Advance Steel and Revit. The webinar covered some great points. You can view the webinar here.

Topics: Insider News
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Tech Tuesday: ROI for the Fabricator

By Pearl Burgoff on May 6, 2019 6:32:02 PM

Last week, we posted about ROI for the Detailer. This week, our post focuses on the Fabricator. Now, some structural steel fabricators will detail in house 100% of the time, some 0% of the time and the majority fall some where in between. Yeah, that's a wide range but that's the industry today. There is a short video here and below is the transcript with some screen shots pulled so you can read along or read alone. 
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Tech Tuesday: ROI for the Steel Detailer

By Pearl Burgoff on Apr 30, 2019 9:17:08 AM

What does Qnect do for the Steel Detailer? In today's post, we are going to take one of our most re-watched webinars "The True ROI of Qnect" and focus in on the detailer. Hosts Aaron Bartlett and Josh Hines focus on a few key topics including:

  • Schedule Advancement
  • Earlier RFIs
  • Fast In-Model Connection Design
  • Beam Web Reinforcement Awareness
  • Modeling Quality/Accuracy
  • Accurate Reporting from Model
  • Fast Submittal Review Process

View the video below and below that is the video transcript with images to follow along. So read or

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Qnect Announces 2018 Awards!

By Pearl Burgoff on Apr 29, 2019 7:00:00 AM

QNECT AWARDS WSP AND STRUCTURAL MODELING LLC

Users Making Steel Smarter

Qnect announced the winners of its 2018 User Awards earlier this month during NASCC: The Steel Conference. The annual awards are presented to the individual who ran the most sessions in Qnect and to the organization who ran the most projects.

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Steel Industry Impressed with Qnect at 2019 NASCC Event

By Pearl Burgoff on Apr 10, 2019 3:08:57 PM

Steel just got smarter and attendees at NASCC 2019 witnessed it first hand at the Qnect booth and in the sessions. Once again we can say, “Qnect had a successful week at NASCC: The Steel Conference.”

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Getting Ready for NASCC 2019

By Pearl Burgoff on Mar 28, 2019 5:47:50 PM

In less than a week, the doors to NASCC: The Steel Conference will be open to engineers, detailers, fabricators and, well, anyone else interested in structural steel. Qnect will be at Booth #1223 along with other industry leaders such Trimble’s Tekla team, Nucor and Meyer Borgman Johnson (MBJ).

It’s not just Qnect that’s sharing the good news. If you read Jef’s Blog post from the first week of 2019, you saw what Scott Melnick wrote about Qnect and our impact on the industry. You’ll also see Scott’s editorial below.

Topics: Events News
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Tech Tuesday: The New Sync Button

By Pearl Burgoff on Mar 20, 2019 12:36:09 PM

This new feature allows the user to report only on the information in the model without having to choose which sessions you want to include in the report.The user runs the Sync Button at the top of Button 3 popup window.  You to enter a Sync name and in about 5 seconds it is complete.

(Read full post and then scroll down view 4-minute video demo with transcript.)

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CEO Update March 2019

By Jef Sharp on Mar 14, 2019 10:26:37 AM

If you came here from my email, thanks! If you just stumbled across this post, welcome in and enjoy.

Keeping Qnect’s customers - both current and future - informed is my aim. We’re moving quickly around here with our QuickQnect service as well as our customer on-boarding and support.

In this update, I focus on three items:

  1. Qnect's blog
  2. NASCC: The Steel Conference // Booth #1223
  3. The Qnect User Meeting
Topics: Insider News
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Tech Tuesday: Analyzing the Data

By Pearl Burgoff on Mar 12, 2019 5:37:16 PM

Wow! This has been one of our most popular videos and we think you’ll get a lot out of this too. In the transcription, we have images pulled from the video so a combination of video and text with images should deliver what you need to analyze the data in Qnect. We’re excited to share this with you and even more excited to analyze the data from one of your current or recent projects. The best way to understand what Qnect can do for your business is to put it to the test. You’ll see on this page, a short video but then you’ll see directions of how to get that project to us.

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Tech Tuesday: Following the Prescribed Checklist

By Pearl Burgoff on Mar 5, 2019 12:37:33 PM

This Post builds on an earlier Tech Tuesday post regarding Model Preparation and will be followed by a post on Analyzing the Data, which gives us insight into Qnect’s reports. If you’re not subscribed to our Blog, please do. You will get inbox notification. You can also follow us on Social Media where we also post this information.

Topics: Product How to
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Tech Tuesday: Product Update Global Shear Plate and Single Angle Placement

By Pearl Burgoff on Feb 25, 2019 4:49:55 PM

To be more specific this is a Preference Setting update that focuses on the Global Shear Plate and Single Angle Placement.

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Tech Tuesday: BIM Model Preparation for Steel Fabrication

By Pearl Burgoff on Feb 19, 2019 3:53:03 PM

You know that proper model preparation for fabrication can prevent unnecessary headaches and frustrations. Preparing the model right the first time, leads to a smooth project handoff and much more. So what are the secrets? How can I be sure that my model is ready for fabrication?

Topics: Product How to
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My Changing View of NYC Steel, Buildings and Engineering

By Jef Sharp on Feb 15, 2019 8:17:00 AM

I spent fifteen amazing years in New York during a very amazing time, 1985-2000. During that time, I didn’t think about steel all the time like I do now. Then, I was bothered by the construction noise and the staging and street blocking, not paying attention to the incredible feats of engineering and logistics surrounding me. I would say this level of understanding is typical of most of the city’s 8 million residents.

Jump forward to today, 19 years later, and I find myself in NYC about once a month for Qnect. I see the city in a completely different light. Anyone with this much history of the city can see how the skyline today seems to be punctuated with new towers of gleaming steel and glass. The change marches on as does my appreciation for all that it takes to make these amazing structures go up and become living symbols of NYC.

Topics: Insider
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Tech Tuesday: Preference Settings Product Update

By Pearl Burgoff on Feb 12, 2019 8:24:49 AM

We are excited to announce a few big updates to the QuickQnect Preference Settings. You will now find three categories:

  • Basic Information
  • Connection Types
  • Forces

This allows the user to separate the Basic Preferences from the Advanced Preferences saving you even more time and allowing you to focus on what's needed with your particular project. 

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Tech Tuesday: How to Change a Single Angle Side in Tekla Structures

By Pearl Burgoff on Feb 4, 2019 9:04:37 PM

For this week’s Tech Tuesday, we’re going to learn “How To: Change A Single Angle Side in Tekla Using Qnect.” Qnect makes it easy to change the side of a steel connection from one side to another. There are several reasons why this will need to be done but our focus today is the technology to make this happen easily. In this video, you will see how to use the Qnect Listener and the Tekla Structures UDA to make this process work.

Watch the short video now.

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Tech Tuesday: Benefits of Button 3 for the Detailer, EOR and others

By Pearl Burgoff on Jan 28, 2019 9:32:13 PM

For this week's Tech Tuesday, we dive into Qnect’s Button 3.

Button 3 offers a number of productivity tools for QuickQnect users. You can use it to filter and show exactly the type of connections you want to inspect, then you can easily toggle through them for a visual check.

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Tech Tuesday: Change Connection Type on the Fly

By Pearl Burgoff on Jan 22, 2019 7:30:00 AM

For this week's Tech Tuesday, we share how to change the connection type on the fly by combining Tekla Structures with the Qnect connection design and optimization service. Many of our customers have told us that having this ability reduces time spent on a project, increases margins and keeps them in control of the project. Another result is much fewer headaches! Watch the short video now - it's under 2 minutes.

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Not Just Another "Welcome New Year" Post

By Pearl Burgoff on Jan 7, 2019 5:14:17 PM

This is not just another “welcome to the new year” post. We say that with confidence because 2019 already looks good, even with the great 2018 Qnect just experienced .

A great PUSH into the new year came from the voice of the steel industry - American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC). Longtime editor and Steel Conference Chief, Scott Melnick, wrote more than a few flattering words comparing Qnect to RAM Steel and the positive impact that Qnect has had and will have on the industry. Melnick writes, “the real advantage is the time it [Qnect] slashes from a project.”

The endorsement continues with a few time savings metrics. Melnick’s point is that “speed is the next big thing in the steel industry” and we believe, as he does, that Qnect’s technology will lead the way. (View the review here or at the end of this post.)

Topics: Insider News
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Qnect Extends its Popular Detailing App with Moment Connections

By Pearl Burgoff on Sep 27, 2018 11:59:00 AM

Qnect, the steel industry's leading connection design and optimization solution...

...today introduced new capabilities built to enhance the connection portfolio while providing customers with a never before opportunity to optimize top and bottom moment connections in their 3D model.

“The last few years, fabricators and engineers, as well as a few savvy general contractors, have increased their optimization requirements,” says Qnect CEO, Jef Sharp. “And Qnect has responded not only with the fastest and lowest cost (all in) connection design software but also with a robust and growing portfolio of connections. Today, we are excited to announce our latest addition to our continually growing portfolio.”

Topics: News
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ENR’s FutureTech 2018 — Energized Beyond Belief

By Qnect Marketing on Jul 24, 2018 7:16:43 PM

The intersection of innovation and construction sometimes seems like an awkward marriage. However, during the first week of June, I attended Engineering News-Record’s ENR FutureTech conference in San Francisco and walked away with inspiration, hope and excitement for all the places where the industry is making that marriage work.

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Three Themes to Spotlight from the NISD 2018 Conference

By Qnect Marketing on Jul 19, 2018 5:14:24 PM

The NISD's (National Institute of Steel Detailers) 50th Conference, held in Phoenix, Arizona May 4th and 5th provided a diverse set of speakers and topics, which did not disappoint the audience or me. Although this was my first NISD conference to attend, I came away with plenty of notes and ideas to share with my colleagues and you.

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Qnect's Great Week at NASCC 2018

By Qnect Marketing on Apr 20, 2018 12:45:23 PM

It’s good to have great weeks. Qnect had a successful week at this year's NASCC: The Steel Conference! Seeing our customers, partners and other members of the steel industry is always a highlight at this annual event. In addition, we gained more customers, announced an investment in Qnect by Nucor, enjoyed the Thursday Conference Dinner and soaked in the positive energy so many were feeling in the Baltimore Convention Center.

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Qnect continues to shape the steel industry with investment from Nucor

By Qnect Marketing on Apr 11, 2018 5:45:16 PM

America’s Largest Steel Producer is Lead Investor
in SaaS Connection Optimization Company

Qnect is welcoming Nucor Corporation (NYSE:NUE) as the lead investor for Qnect’s $3.8 million funding round. Qnect provides software and digital engineering to optimize connections and production throughput for better steel project efficiency.

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B+Op: The Great Optimizer

By Qnect Marketing on Apr 9, 2018 4:45:16 PM


B+Op (bäp)

noun An acronym for Bolt Optimization pioneered by Qnect.

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NASCC 2018: Free workshops and a show special

By Qnect Marketing on Apr 2, 2018 4:32:16 PM

Join Qnect’s connection experts at NASCC 2018 for two free, hour-long workshops offering tips and tricks on how to optimize the connection and detailing processes to work faster, lower costs and accelerate revisions.

NASCC 2018 Show Special

With our big news we are offering a big promotion to kickstart your next project with Qnect. From April 16th until June 15th, 2018 Qnect will offer a 20% discount off the cost of the first 500 tons on your first Qnect project.

NASCC 2018 Show Special Coupon
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Industry Veteran Christian Erickson Joins Qnect as Director of Global Marketing and Sales

By Qnect Marketing on Mar 26, 2018 3:42:50 PM

Christian Erickson Joins Management Team to Drive Awareness and Customer Growth

christian_ericksonQnect, the connection optimization software company, is welcoming aboard Christian Erickson as its Director of Global Marketing and Sales. In this new role, Erickson will steer the company’s marketing strategies and sales operations in order to align with Qnect’s vision.

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The importance of quality and a good night’s sleep

By admin on Sep 21, 2017 6:26:52 PM

[div class="quotebox"][quote]And what is good, Phaedrus,
And what is not good—
Need we ask anyone to tell us these things?[/quote]
[byline style="text-align:left;"]Robert M. Pirsig, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance: An Inquiry Into Values[/byline][/div]

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Detailing drives everything

By admin on Aug 25, 2017 1:43:19 PM

By Jef Sharp, CEO, Qnect

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Qnect Accelerates Seattle Airport Project

By admin on Jul 13, 2017 8:40:14 PM

Above: Image of Sea-Tac International Terminal. | Photo credit: HOK Architects

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“Why isn’t everyone using Qnect?”

By admin on Jun 12, 2017 7:56:17 PM

At a recent meeting of the Boston Society for Construction Solutions, an attendee raised their hand and asked us this provocative question: “If Qnect is so incredible, why isn’t everyone using it?” It’s quite simple: until you witness the speed, power and accuracy of QuickQnect, it’s hard to imagine that what we’re doing is even possible.

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Qnect is partnering with Integrous Steel Software Solutions

By admin on Mar 20, 2017 7:09:36 PM

Qnect, LLC®, the only software company focused exclusively on optimization of connection design, is excited to announce it has signed a reseller agreement with Integrous Steel Software Solutions, Inc.

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Engineering News Record (ENR): “…Qnect will be a game-changer”

By admin on Apr 1, 2016 12:52:32 PM

A cloud-based digital engineer is hovering nearby, ready to calculate, design and optimize thousands of bolted and welded connections on 3D Tekla models as a service to subscribers.

QuickQnect is a Tekla plug-in about seven years in development and out in stealth mode since April. The developer says QuickQnect differs from other steel-connection software in that it uses powerful, in-the-cloud computers to examine loads rapidly, designing each connection to be as efficient as possible, rather than applying standard designs by connection type from a library.

To set up the tool, the engineer selects among dozens of preferences for job requirements, connection types, detailing, bolts and welds. Then, the model—or only parts of it—is uploaded to a cloud processor by clicking a button on the Tekla interface. The system extracts the forces and engineers the connections, says Jef Sharp, the developer and CEO of Qnect, Hadley, Mass.

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Qnect featured in Tekla Monday Minutes

By admin on Feb 9, 2016 4:28:44 PM

Tekla's Monday Minutes for February 7, 2016 includes an exclusive Special Promotion available to both new and existing Tekla users.

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Watch: Demo of Qnect's Bolt and Preference Optimization

By admin on Feb 8, 2016 11:40:56 AM

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Automatically engineer and detail Moment connections

By admin on May 7, 2015 2:46:52 PM

Qnect has created a sophisticated, automated process to engineer and connect steel joints by merging the engineering function and the connection function while keeping the engineer’s and fabricator’s preferences flexible.

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Software is eating the world of steel

By admin on May 7, 2015 2:43:17 PM

As Mark Andreesen of Silicon Valley famously said, “Software is eating the world…” This is evident in all industries and the Steel industry is a prime example. Software is efficient. Design something really well the first time and then deploy it over and over again, while making it continually better. Smarter.

So what is the limit to what software can do for Steel? Qnect addresses not just the software options of today, but the future of software to make the structural steel industry even more safe, economical and efficient.

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Qnect gets nod from steel trade press

By admin on Jun 19, 2014 1:26:04 PM

Modern Steel ConstructionQnect got a mention in the May edition of Modern Steel Construction. The trade magazine covered NASCC: The Steel Conference, where Qnect unveiled its new software back in March:

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