What Is An FTP Site and Why Does True North Drafting Use One?
FTP is an acronym for File Transfer Protocol. As the name suggests, FTP is used to transfer files between computers on a network, such as the Internet. You can use FTP to exchange files between computer accounts, to transfer files between an account and a desktop computer, or to access software archives on the Internet. What started out as a simple way to send large files between our customers has gradually evolved into a document management tool that makes life simple and cheaper for everyone involved with the project.
We were recently rewarded a project for a new branch of Chase Bank in New Jersey. Even as little as five years ago, our customer (the glazing contractor) would have had to send us a complete set of architectural drawings by courier. This would add cost and at least a couple of days to ship them here. Instead we contacted the general contractor and they simply uploaded the drawings in electronic format (usually cad or pdf) to our FTP site, and within minutes we are starting work on the drawings!
After we have completed the shop drawings, we simply post them on our FTP site and our customer can review, download or print the drawings from the comfort of their office chair instantly. They are accessible 24 hours a day and can be shared with anyone who our customer feels inclined to distribute the secure password and login information to. So the next time a sub-trade calls our customer and requests a set of the glazing shop drawings, they can simply direct them to the FTP site for their own copy.
I should point out that True North’s FTP site can be accessed simply by using any internet browser (like the one that you’re using right now to read this blog), but there are plenty of free and cheap FTP programs that make the process even easier and faster. I prefer a program called Cute FTP. You can get it here: http://www.cuteftp.com/
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