Stantec and Hensel Phelps Boost Performance with Canon imagePROGRAF

For professionals in the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) fields, Canon’s large-format imagePROGRAF series multifunction printers provide an affordable, all-in-one, copy-file-share solution for busy contractors and subcontractors. The system is an efficient and cost-effective tool to help AEC professionals print, copy, or save drawings, maps, plans, proofs and more.

Two companies in particular have reaped the benefits of purchasing an imagePROGRAF system – Stantec, a Canadian-based planning and project management services provider, and Hensel Phelps, a Houston-based construction management firm.

Canon took the following steps to boost overall performance for both companies, for less than $10,000:

Increased Efficiency

Stantec’s large-format printer was old and outdated, had low memory and could not handle complex design files and graphics. After the office purchased an imagePROGRAF system, the company could load documents much faster and print speeds were measurably increased – an A1 drawing could be produced in only 30 seconds and deliver up to 733 square feet of renderings in an hour.

The combination of the imagePROGRAF’s fast print speeds and powerful memory resulted in fewer employee hours dedicated to “babysitting” print jobs and the user-friendly design and interface meant staff members could use the device with minimal training.

Reduced Error

Hensel Phelps oversaw hundreds of projects spanning over numerous fields per year. It was imperative the company owned a printer that delivered error-free plans and drawings when communicating design details to builders.

Canon’s imagePROGRAF MFP system did just that with its high-density print heads, designed to mitigate line blurring and bleeding, plus a five-color reactive ink system that draws on four color-fast dyes to produce brilliant color. Its 4-picoliter droplets of ink delivered through 5,120 matte-black nozzles delivered print resolution of 2400x1200 dpi and line accuracy of +/- .10%, resulting in production of thin lines, small fonts and crisp and clear precise details– even on low-quality colored papers. These tools enabled Hensel Phelps to mitigate unnecessary errors which could lead to costly reprints and construction errors.

Reduced Costs

For AEC professionals, having a dedicated on-site large-format printer that can scan, as well as print and e-mail documents to clients and vendors, can save money that would otherwise be spent off-site.

To toe the line on job costs, imagePROGRAF’s new Accounting Manager tool tracks and manages how much ink and media was being used for each print job, as well as how long each job took to complete. Costs can be assigned to ink and paper to determine the cost of materials, and users can then input a variable cost for adding to the total print cost. These numbers can then be exported to Microsoft Excel for easy billing processing.

For further cost savings, the printer’s Economy mode can be applied for printing less detailed graphics to help reduce overall ink consumption and costs.

Fast Creation and Sharing

Before purchasing a Canon imagePROGRAF, Stantec’s printer did not have the means to scan to color so the office was forced to outsource those files to be printed by repographics.  The imagePROGRAF eliminated the need for Stantec to send out documents to third-parties – saving time and money when scanning to file and getting clients digital files.

Hensel Phelps was heavily involved in BIM coordination and needed a large-format printer that could coordinate 3D modeling needs among the design team while helping communicate that information to the owner, superintendents and others in the field. The imagePROGRAF iPF765 MFP M40’s built-in 250-GB hard drive was ideal for BIM workgroups that needed to print file sets from various workstations.  Multiple users could now share the printer without worrying about workflow bottlenecks – resulting in improved and streamlined work processes.