VOL. 25 WINTER 2018
INTRODUCING | aSa Studio
aSa CONSULTING | New global staff
CUSTOMER FEATURE | New South Construction Supply
WHAT’S NEW | Online resources at iRebar.com
| The Complete Rebar Solution®
r e i n f o r c e rNewsletter
2018 — This Is Big! [email protected]
Letter from the President
Recently, a colleague asked me if aSa has ever run out of ideas for enhancements to our products. After a brief
chuckle, I responded that with the changes in our industry and the constant introduction of new technology,
this would be impossible. To be the best in your field, continuous improvement and change are necessities.
Sometimes the improvements are subtle, other times they are big. In 2018, aSa will be introducing the start of
some very big changes. There has never been another time in aSa history when we have invested more time,
talent, and funding in new development across our entire product line.
aSa Rebar Studio. Phase I of our fifth generation (5G) Reinforcing Systems software will be released in the first quarter of
2018. The new web-based software will ultimately replace all Windows-based aSa ex software. The first modules will be
Order Entry (Bar Listing) and Processing (Tagging). Later this year, we will be adding Scheduling, Bundle Inventory, Material
Tracking, Load Tracking, and Shipping Ticket. Current aSa customers can transition to the new products when all of the
modules they use are ready. We anticipate that most modules will be available by the end of 2019.
aSa ProRebar and CAD/Detailing. The big news for CAD is that ProRebar will soon be working with ProConcrete Connect
Edition, the newest version from Bentley. In addition, our 2D CAD/Detailing software will also work with ProConcrete,
eliminating the need to separately support MicroStation. And, we have improved our ProRebar REVIT takeoff feature. We
have also worked with Design Data and Tekla to enhance the interface with our new RDX file format. And, we are partnering
with an AutoCAD developer to introduce a 3D rebar modeling product worldwide that works within AutoCAD. Now, no
matter what CAD platform you use, aSa has a solution for you!
Business Systems. We are researching new accounting software from Sage and other providers to find the best products to
connect with aSa Rebar Studio. More details will be available toward the end of 2018.
aSa iRebar. We are pleased to introduce iRebar.com, the place to go for general rebar industry information, such as bar
diameters, weight factors, and shape codes. A free rebar calculator is also included. Soon, we will release an advanced
version of iRebar, which will have mobile applications to provide easy access to important fabrication information directly
from the job site.
aSa Go Rebar. Our online order entry application is now better than ever. The new release includes an enhanced
Shape Designer, better error checking, and improved entry of miscellaneous products.
From web software to CAD to mobile apps, aSa’s Complete Rebar Solution is continuously improving to help you run
your business better. Coming soon to computers (and tablets and phones) everywhere!
Scott D. LeibPresident/CEO
2 Winter 2018 · aSa Reinforcer
Know How. Can Do.New South Construction Supply has become a leading supplier in the southeastern US with the help of aSa software solutions.
6Features
aSa Client Care Portal and eLearn
The Client Care Portal is a special website exclusively for customers enrolled in aSa Client Care. It contains program downloads, all of our documentation, and a help desk where you can enter and manage your support tickets. portal.asarebar.com
aSa eLearn is our training site. Take classes, view your progress, test your knowledge, and more.asarebar.com/elearn
aSa Reinforcer: Volume 25 · Number 1
EDITOR Jerry Born · ASSOCIATE EDITOR Jason Butina · AUTHORS Jason Butina, Becky Hamilton, Jerry Born, and Scott Leib · LAYOUT & DESIGN Jerry Born
© Copyright 2018. The Reinforcer is published semi-annually by Applied Systems Associates, Inc. All rights reserved. aSa is a registered trademark and service mark of Applied Systems Associates, Inc.
All other product and company names are the property and/or trademarks of their respective owners. Reproducing part or all of this publication for purposes other than personal or internal reference use without express written permission of aSa is prohibited.
Subscribe To subscribe to the Reinforcer, browse to www.asarebar.com/contactus/subscriptions.
Customer [email protected]
Reinforcing Applications [email protected]
Business Applications [email protected]
Industrial Controls [email protected]
1.800.CALL.ASA
+1.724.733.8700
Whether you have a quick question or one that is more involved, our sales and consulting teams are ready to help.
Need Help?
New Reinforcing Info CenterThe new aSa-developed site provides quick mobile-friendly access to key reinforcing resources, tools, and more.
15
Introducing aSa StudioaSa’s new web-based solution for
the rebar, precast, and construction industries.
8
aSa Reinforcer · Winter 2018 3
From the EditorAs we approach our 50th anniversary, we’ve decided to update the look of the Reinforcer newsletter. Our last redesign was 10 years ago. While this issue may look different in style and layout, we still plan to provide interesting and valuable articles to you. Our new design may evolve slightly over the next several issues as we find ways to bring interesting content to our readers. Our hope is that the Reinforcer is a valuable resource for the rebar industry.
Please let us know if there is an interesting project that we can feature, or a topic that you think we should include. Drop us an email at [email protected].
Thank you,
Jerry Born
The Precast Show Denver
Big 5 Heavy Dubai
FEBRUARY If you are attending the 2018 Precast Show in Denver, February 22-24. Visit us at booth 1811 to discover how aSa’s precast solutions can increase production and boost your bottom line.
MARCH aSa is exhibiting at the Big 5 Heavy show in Dubai, March 26-28. The event is held at Dubai World Trade Center. Visit aSa Booth Z5A80.
Currently Supported aSa Software Versions
aSa currently supports v16.2, released May 2017, and v16.1, released March 2016.
Version 14.2 and all previous versions are retired. Our consultants will continue to provide phone and e-mail support for all products, including retired versions. However, we will not make any code changes — including patches, upgrades, or enhancements — for versions that have been retired. If you require a change to a particular product, and your version has been retired, you must upgrade to the newest version.
aSa HolidaysAs a reminder, aSa headquarters will be closed May 28, in remembrance of Memorial Day and July 4 to celebrate Independence Day.
News & Events
aSa Software Forum Pittsburgh
MARCH 2019 Mark your calendar and make plans to join us in Pittsburgh March 19-21, 2019. It will be a great time for aSa software training and networking as aSa celebrates its 50th anniversary.
4 Winter 2018 · aSa Reinforcer
Receiving Material with Bundle Inventory
Mill tags with 2D barcodes, or electronic bills of lading, contain heat number, quantity, bar diameter, grade, length, and weight. Using a barcode scanner with
aSa Bundle Inventory, it’s easy to receive stock and count inventory.
Do It with aSa
Detailed reportingAnytime access to important dataEasily print remnant tags, mill certificates, and item
bundle heat lists for each load of shipped steel.Retain and quickly access mill and heat information for
any bundle ... at any time.
Automatic trackingReal time updatesaSa automatically tracks heat info for all projects as you scan
mill tags and fabricated item tags at each machine.As bundles are scanned, aSa updates receipt quantities, bar diameters, lengths, weights, and heat numbers in real time.
aSa Reinforcer · Winter 2018 5
New South Construction Supply is consistently ranked among the top companies to work for in South Carolina, according to SC Biz News, the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce, and Best Companies Group.
This is primarily due to the empowered work environment and “KNOW HOW CAN DO” culture that is encouraged throughout the company.
Since the company’s inception over 35 years ago, New South Construction Supply has grown
from one location in Columbia, South Carolina, to nine locations across three states – Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. The company was originally founded by Wayne Gotto and Wayne Glenn, coworkers who decided to start their own company. They chose the name New South Supply because they wanted to be the opposite of their competitor, Old North Supply.
The company changed hands in November 2001. Jim Sobeck, a construction industry veteran, led an investment group that purchased the company. New South is now 100% owned by Jim Sobeck and his family. To clarify the company’s core product line, “Construction” was added to the company’s name in 2007. Out of their nine locations, New South currently has seven rebar fabrication shops. All locations are also distribution
Know How.Can Do.
6 Winter 2018 · aSa Reinforcer
AUTHORBecky Hamilton
Customer Feature
Everyone takes pride in their workmanship. We provide a premium service at a competitive rate. We also treat our customers like family and not just as paying customers.
and so the shearman can work with a pre-planned run.” New South added Bundle Inventory and Material Tracking in order to better manage their remnants, to keep track of heat numbers, and to cut down on mistakes such as shipping the wrong bar size or grade. Michael adds, “We want to track the progression of an order through the shop and ensure a better loading process.”
New South relies on aSa products to help fabricate and track material for a wide range of projects. Recently, the company provided reinforcing for the Burroughs-Mollette Elementary School, located in Brunswick, Georgia. The new 130,000 square foot structure is being built to replace a 50-year-old elementary school. New South has provided nearly 210 tons of rebar to McDonald Construction, the winner of the contract. The school will house grades Pre-K through 5. A unique feature of the building is that it will be a geothermal facility. Heating and cooling will be provided using underground temperatures. The project started in May 2017, and the school is expected to open in 2018.
and sales sites, supplying a wide range of items, such as hydraulic products, masonry materials, concrete products, and much more. Jeff Owens, New South’s Sales Manager in the Greensboro branch says, “We sell to anyone who will buy.”
Rob Hovanec, Director of Operations and Safety says, “The opportunity to standardize and optimize the fabrication process” was one of the deciding factors New South considered when they were looking for a software solution. Prior to using aSa, New South employees tracked all rebar information manually. New South began implementing aSa in 2013. They started with one location using Bar List and Production and have now implemented aSa in seven of their nine fabricating locations.
From 2015 to 2017, New South expanded its modules to include Estimating, Bundle Inventory, Shearing, Material Tracking, Load Tracking, Equipment Interfaces, and Shear Consoles. Rebar Fabrication Manager Michael Ray explains, “We added the full Production module to cut down on wasted time at the console,
Material provided by New South is installed at the jobsite. Stock and remnant optimization, accurate heat tracking, and built-in validations to prevent shipping errors are among the
reasons New South relies on aSa rebar solutions.
In 35 years, New South Construction Supply has grown from a single shop to nine facilities in
three states. Pictured above is just one of the company’s many projects.
— Michael Ray
aSa Reinforcer · Winter 2018 7
It has been nearly 17 years since aSa released e x, the company’s Windows-platform based rebar software suite. In that time, a lot has changed.
The world is more mobile, internet connectivity is available
almost everywhere, and software is moving off of the local workstation and into the cloud.
For the past several years, aSa has been designing and developing new software that runs in a web browser. Code-named 5G during development, the new suite of applications will launch in 2018 with the name aSa Studio.
The Web AdvantageaSa Studio will be available as a Cloud-based service — hosted in a secure, reliable data center — or on-premises for system administrators who want to manage the solution in-house. In either case, the software itself runs in a web browser.
IntroducingaSa Studio
aSa’s new web-based solution now has a name and a launch plan.
8 Winter 2018 · aSa Reinforcer
AUTHORJason Butina
Solutions
As our fifth generation software, nearly fifty years of product ideas and functionality are built into aSa Studio. Our new cloud software is the most comprehensive and integrated solution we have ever offered, and yet it is faster, simpler, and easier to use.
Another benefit you can expect from Studio is the system’s clean, intuitive interface. Menus, tools, and other screen components are completely consistent and easy to use across all aSa modules. While data-heavy programs like aSa lend themselves to keyboard entry and traditional size screens, the system is touch friendly and mobile compatible.
More than a faceliftaSa Studio was designed from the ground up to be faster, more flexible, and more powerful than anything we have ever developed. Where our e x Windows software has separate
Web-based software offers several key benefits over traditional client-server applications. For example, the only “software” each client computer needs to run aSa Studio is a free web browser, such as Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge. Installations and upgrades never need to be installed on individual client PCs.
Additionally, the hosted solution eliminates the need for an aSa-dedicated file server, database, and backup system. Plus, if you need to access aSa at the jobsite or work at home on a different device, all you need to do is open a browser and log in.
aSa Software Forum attendees at meetings in Pittsburgh and Sydney had the opportunity to use aSa Studio and provide valuable feedback.
Code-named 5G during early development, aSa Rebar Studio is the next generation of aSa software for
rebar estimators, detailers, and fabricators. As the suite grows, we plan to launch solution packages for
other related industries, including aSa Precast Studio and aSa Construction Studio.
— Scott Leib
> continued on page 10
aSa Reinforcer · Winter 2018 9
additional modules and functionality are added in subsequent phases. Eventually all e x applications will be incorporated into aSa Studio, and all current aSa Client Care customers can transition to the new software without purchasing new licenses.
Job, Customer, Inventory, and Order Entry screens depending on whether you use Rebar Financials or not, aSa Studio is truly one integrated and streamlined system with no repetitive modules.
”As our fifth generation software, nearly fifty years of product ideas and functionality are built into aSa Studio. Our new cloud software is the most comprehensive and integrated solution we have ever offered, and yet it is faster, simpler, and easier to use,” says aSa President Scott Leib.
Unlike aSa e x, which uses a customized version of Sage software for Rebar Financials, aSa Studio does not require third-party applications for any core rebar functionality. However, the system is designed to interface with any accounting software package you want to use for Payroll, Accounts Payable, andGeneral Ledger.
For aSa clients with multiple offices and fabricating shops, aSa Studio provides an extremely versatile platform for defining your organization’s structure. The system allows you to share (or isolate) customer
and job data across your locations.
Development and release plansIn 2017, aSa formed Customer Advisory Boards (CABs) to solicit feedback and share ideas about the new software as it is being developed. Additionally, all attendees at the 2017 aSa Software Forum had a chance to test-drive aSa Studio.
Because aSa Studio is such an immense project, it is being released in phases. Phase I is expected in early 2018. The first phase will include Business Partner (Customer), Job (setup), Inventory (item setup), Order Entry (Bar List), and Processing (tag creation). Companies that use only Bar List and Production (without Shearing) can start using Studio when it is released. Others will need to wait until
A clean, intuitive interface and fast performance are key elements of
aSa Studio’s design.
aSa Studio’s menu is easy to use and
simple to customize.
> continued from page 9
Solutions
10 Winter 2018 · aSa Reinforcer
AUTHORJason Butina
AAlthough Djamel Bouteldja has been working with aSa since 2012, he is now taking a more active role
in representing us in the Middle East. His position as Director of Business Development, aSa Middle East, complements Jim Oliver’s role. Jim, an aSa consultant in the region, provides implementation, training, and support services, while Djamel’s key role is to build business relationships and share the benefits of aSa software with Gulf country fabricators.
Djamel brings a unique background to his position. A French citizen, he earned a degree from ICN Business School, and he is currently preparing a doctoral thesis in economic history. He has worked in the Middle East since 1999 with positions at Schneider Electric and the French Foreign Trade Department. In 2007, he founded BSEM, a consulting and business development company based in Dubai. In addition to working with aSa, BSEM successfully serves several large and medium size international companies.
Because of his many business contacts in the region, Djamel has been very helpful in introducing members of aSa’s sales team to fabricators in the Middle East. “Due to my multiple interactions with most of the cut and bend plants in the Gulf countries and the amazing support of the aSa team, I learned (about the rebar industry) very quickly,” says Djamel. He says Tim Berg, aSa Vice President for Business Development, was particularly instrumental in helping him to gain a strong knowledge of the industry.
aSa Middle East
Building Relationships with Gulf Rebar Companies
In the past, Djamel served primarily as an intermediary between U.S.-based aSa staff and Gulf rebar companies. Moving forward, he will personally meet directly with fabricators to promote the value of aSa products. Djamel says he is very excited to be representing aSa. He explains, “aSa solutions are flexible, friendly to use, powerful, and perfectly fitted for the day to day use by rebar fabrication operations in the Middle East. Moreover, the aSa development team is always listening to customer requests.”
Djamel Bouteldja Director, Business Development, aSa Middle East, and Founder and CEO of BSEM
aSa Reinforcer · Winter 2018 11
Johana Sanchez is our second representative in South America. Her specialty is providing CAD support and training to Spanish speaking
users. Johana brings a strong construction background to the table. After obtaining a degree in Civil Engineering in 2004, she worked with the construction company E da la Cruz Constructores Consultants. She was a construction resident in the construction of houses and common areas of residential complexes. She managed the
workers and ordered materials needed for the project. Johana also worked on other various construction projects, including a winery and a sports complex. After these projects were complete, Johana took a job with Diaco Gerdau. Here she provided remote training and technical assistance to customers, scheduled orders, and visited customer sites to ensure they were satisfied with the service they were receiving. In 2006, Johana was hired at Sidenal, a steel mill and rebar fabricator in Colombia. During
aSa is expanding consultant support to better meet our growing worldwide customer base.
FUTUREBuilding Our
12 Winter 2018 · aSa Reinforcer
Johana Sanchez
aSa Consulting
AUTHORBecky Hamilton
her ten years there, four departments were created, all of which were led by her. Her first role was in the newly created customer service department. Johana worked to build long-term relationships with customers, as well as provide better service to all of Sidenal’s customers. After succeeding in this position, the owner of the company, Mr. Reina, created a second department. In this department, she was in charge of accounting and also continued to maintain customer relationships. Johana then lead a third department that was created for logistics. She was in charge of shipping and deliveries, as well as order tracking. The fourth department provided training and technical assistance with Sidenal’s software. These four departments are still part of the organization.
Johana is very excited to be part of the aSa team. She is researching market needs in order to better serve the reinforcing industry throughout Central and South America. Johana says, “I hope to build lasting business relationships and work to position the aSa brand in Latin America. I want to use creative and innovative ideas in order to open new markets.”
Across the globe, Jim Oliver provides sales and service support to the reinforcing industry in the Middle East from his office in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Jim is looking forward to a challenging yet fulfilling position at aSa. “I’m very excited to work with aSa. I’m looking forward to working and learning from aSa’s team of experts in providing rebar software and support,” he says.
An experienced CAD/Detailing user, Jim
worked for 11 years in detailing and production at rebar plants in the Middle East prior to his position at aSa. He moved to Qatar in 2005 where he worked as a Design Engineer at Abdul Noor Rebar Factory. There he created placing drawings, prepared bar bending schedules, and provided technical support to the production department. He also initiated cost saving efforts such as implementing an optimization process to minimize waste. In 2008, after resigning from Abdul Noor, he moved to the United Arab Emirates. For the past eight years, he worked as a Senior Design/Production Engineer in Tech Steel Ajman. At Tech Steel, Jim gained experience using aSa CAD/Detailing and Production software. Jim’s job responsibilities included overseeing all aspects of detailing, monitoring job schedules, coordinating surveillance inspections with customers, and managing a group of detailers.
Given the growing rebar fabrication industry in the UAE, the demand for reinforcement steel has increased. More experts are needed to help fabricators in the region optimize material, as well as reduce waste, save time, and assure efficient processes. Jim’s goal is to build on his eight years of experience using aSa software; provide excellent support for all aSa clients in the Middle East; and focus on adding more aSa customers in the region.
Jim Oliver
aSa Reinforcer · Winter 2018 13
Modeling and Detailing
Get More from Your CAD InvestmentNew tools and technology provide flexible options for current and future aSa detailing customers. More complete details will follow, but below is a summary of some of the exciting changes coming your way.
ProConcrete Modeling
Bentley Options
AutoCAD-based 3D Modeling
Most aSa CAD customers are licensed for ProConcrete as part of the aSa CADpak. (Even if you only use 2D CAD/Detailing, you may still own the ProConcrete license.) Soon, you will be able to use the drafting tools built into ProConcrete for all of your detailing projects, both 2D and 3D.
If you own a ProConcrete license, soon you can use the value of your MicroStation license for a “credit” toward other solutions in the Bentley family. For example, Bentley’s Navigator and ProjectWise products allow detailers, engineers, contractors, and others to review and collaborate visually on 3D models and construction data. Many other products for the infrastructure lifecycle are available as well. Visit Bentley.com.
aSa is partnering with an AutoCAD developer to introduce a 3D rebar modeling product that works within AutoCAD. This new offering will allow companies that have invested in AutoCAD software and training to continue to use their current drafting system and still have access to aSa detailing tools and downstream connections.
14 Winter 2018 · aSa Reinforcer
What’s New
Fabricators, placers, contractors, and inspectors can now find dozens of resource tables, illustrations, and fact sheets covering all aspects of reinforced concrete
construction on one, mobile-friendly site. Additionally, the site includes easy-to-use rebar calculators. Simply enter your bar diameter, shape, and leg
lengths, and the calculator instantly develops and displays the overall length and weight of the bar. The entire resource section of the site and rebar calculator tools are all free and ready to use right now!
Planned enhancementsFuture enhancements to iRebar will include paid mobile apps that let
New Reinforcing Info CenteriRebar, a website developed by aSa, provides fast facts and helpful tools for every step of the building process.
Visit www.iRebar.com The new aSa-developed site provides quick mobile-friendly access to key reinforcing resources, tools, and more.
stakeholders view the 3D model and related data wherever and whenever they need it. Currently in development, these new apps are designed specifically to help professionals in the field view and manage need-to-know information for each project’s reinforcement, including fabrication history, mill cert information, installation progress, and inspection status.
aSa Reinforcer · Winter 2018 15
Barcode scanningA single scan records the
item’s status and sends electronic fabricating
instructions to the machine.
Technology
Rugged and durable The aSa TouchTracker features an industrial panel PC built to withstand the rigorous conditions of a rebar shop.
Easy mountingThe aSa TouchTracker includes mounting hardware so you can position the unit to best meet the needs of your shop.
Powered by Microsoft Windows
Inside the TouchTracker’s rugged case, Microsoft
Windows operating system and aSa’s rebar software ensure an easy, intuitive
user experience.
Automatic heat tracking aSa modules automatically track heat information by associating open stock bundles to produced items. The TouchTracker screen provides the operator with a clear picture of fabrication in progress.
aSa’s rugged tablet PC, with a connected hand scanner, is an ideal solution for stationary operations, shearlines, and coil benders.
TrackerTouch
