Engineering and architecture firms run demanding software on high-spec hardware, work with very large files that several people edit, and hold project intellectual property that has to be protected. IT support for an engineering or architecture firm keeps CAD and BIM performant, storage fast and versioned, and the firm’s work secure. Scandifix does this for design firms in Edmonton.
A deadline problem: a Revit model that now takes eight minutes to open, a submission due tomorrow, and three people waiting on it. Storage and network sized for your actual file sizes, and worksharing set up correctly, is what keeps a project moving instead of the team watching a progress bar.
What design firms need from their IT
- Performance — workstations and storage that keep up with Revit, Civil 3D and large models
- Large-file collaboration — several people working on the same model without conflicts or slow saves
- Version control — the current drawing set is unambiguous, superseded versions archived
- IP protection — project data, drawings and proposals kept secure and backed up
The systems we support
- CAD / BIM — AutoCAD, Revit, Civil 3D, ArchiCAD, Bluebeam, Navisworks
- Workstations and GPUs spec’d for the software, on a replacement cycle
- File storage — fast on-site storage or a well-designed cloud setup, with mapped drives configured so nobody guesses
- Rendering, plotting, project management and Microsoft 365
Storage, performance and collaboration
Large models over the internet are slow, so most firms need fast local storage plus a considered cloud or hybrid setup for remote work — see cloud services. We size storage and network for the file sizes you actually work with, set up worksharing correctly, and keep the workstations maintained through our hardware service.
Security and backup
Drawings and proposals are your firm’s IP and often a client’s. We set up multi-factor authentication, encryption, controlled access, a monitored firewall and endpoint protection, and 3-2-1 backups with an immutable copy and tested restores — because a lost or encrypted project is weeks of work.
Common IT problems we fix
- Revit or Civil 3D slow, or models taking minutes to open
- File conflicts and ‘who has this open’ delays
- Remote staff unable to work on large models effectively
- A workstation not keeping up with a project’s demands
- Backups that have not been tested against a real project restore
How we work with design firms
- Assess — a review of your CAD/BIM software, workstations, storage, network and how remote staff work on large models
- Plan — a prioritised list with clear costs; monthly managed support, block hours or a project, plus a workstation replacement cycle
- Onboard — monitoring, tested project backups with an immutable copy, and a security baseline, with a confidentiality agreement in place
- Plan around deadlines — storage moves, upgrades and migrations scheduled between submission dates, not before one
- Support & review — one helpdesk, proactive monitoring, and a quarterly roadmap covering hardware and performance
Managed plans start at $199/month — see our managed IT support page.
Serving Edmonton and the surrounding area
We support engineering and architecture firms in downtown Edmonton and the south-side business parks, plus firms in the surrounding communities. Onsite when a workstation or storage needs hands on it, and sized for the model files you actually work with.
Other industries we support
Talk to us about your firm’s IT — call +1 (587) 400-9991 (also on WhatsApp) or send us a message.
Frequently asked questions
Can staff work on Revit or large CAD models from home?
Yes, but not always by opening files directly over a VPN – that is slow. Depending on file sizes we set up remote desktop to an office workstation, cloud worksharing, or a hybrid approach.
What workstation do we need for BIM?
It depends on the software and model sizes, but generally a strong multi-core CPU, 32-64 GB RAM, a professional GPU and fast SSD storage. We spec and supply them on a replacement cycle.
How do we protect our drawings and IP?
Controlled access, encryption, MFA, endpoint security and tested backups with an immutable copy. Drawings are IP – a ransomware hit on an untested backup is a serious loss.
How is IT support priced for a design firm?
A flat monthly fee based on staff, workstations and servers, plus project quotes for storage or workstation upgrades.