SMARTDRAW IN FACILITIES MANAGEMENT:

Alarm Contractor Heats Up Business with Professional Fire Exit Diagrams, Facility Maps

Michael Manning is an alarm installation and service contractor focusing on commercial projects. He needed a quick and easy way to document the wiring of fire & security systems, as well as clearly-marked fire alarm zone maps and exit route maps that clients could share with local fire inspectors. For example, one particular client needed maps customized for "you are here" locations around the complex showing emergency exits.

"In my line of business, there is always a need for clear communication," said Manning. "Completed work often requires 'as built' drawings which will remain with the project."

Manning could have hired a draftsperson to create the maps in AutoCAD, but it would be timely and expensive. He searched the Internet for a drawing program and found SmartDraw.

"SmartDraw really stood out, and I could see it would help me easily create these maps," said Manning. "I knew it would work for me right away."

Manning quickly saw that SmartDraw made easy work out of any map, floor plan or facility layout. SmartDraw allows users to select an appropriate template, such as an emergency exit diagram, and then enter in the relevant information, adding fire exits, alarms, and other NFPA-recognized graphics. The software does the rest: building the graphic automatically using built-in rules and professional design themes to guarantee polished, presentation-quality results in just a few minutes.

SmartDraw also features one-click export to popular document types such as PDF and MS Word^®, making it easy to share SmartDraw creations with others such as clients, fire inspectors, and others.

"It is easier, quicker, and more cost effective to generate the required documentation with a product like SmartDraw," said Manning. "If I were to contract the work out, the cost would be great."

Manning is also very impressed with SmartDraw's presentation-quality results, noting that his new diagrams are "very well-received" among his clients.

"By using SmartDraw, I'm able to offer the customer the total package, while acknowledging the fire inspector's need for clear facility documentation," said Manning.

Manning looks forward to creating a custom library of typical symbols in SmartDraw that he can use time and time again for a quick, uniform outcome.

"SmartDraw is just what I was looking for," said Manning. "Any product or service that reduces the overall time or energy required for a particular project is a gift. It allows the user to have confidence in future results."