Digitization has revolutionized the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry. Collaboration between teams, vendors, contractors and partners is faster and more efficient than ever – or, at least, it can be.
For all the benefits of digitization – removing burdensome paperwork and filing – it has introduced new complications that can lead to process breakdowns and inconsistencies in your data. That’s where a data management platform, like Panzura’s CloudFS file system, comes in: it allows firms to share and access data on a global scale with speed, accuracy and security.
Considering the large amount of data produced by firms, including copies and redundancies (often multiplied up to five times by internal and external requirements), AES firms need a lot from their data management platform.
Productive data collaboration is about avoiding bottlenecks. That requires a platform able to store files in a single, deduplicated view that can be accessed in real-time from multiple locations. Users must be able to work on Revit and other AutoCAD files without latency and performance issues bogging them down.
Data damage also needs to be monitored and mitigated to ensure your teams always have access to the information they need.
What is Panzura?
Panzura is a hybrid cloud file system. It allows users to manage, share and secure data across multiple storage devices and locations. To prevent data duplication and reduce your overall data footprint across locations, Panzura’s global file system CloudFS consolidates data into a single source of truth stream that improves visibility and accessibility across your organization. This patented file-locking process creates an authoritative set of data for you to store, ensuring everyone in your organization is working from the same data, alongside your vendors and your partners. By maintaining file consistency, everyone can work towards the same goal, even as changes are made to the file from another location.
To help ensure a single source of truth, CloudFS has cross-site collaboration abilities that help support file consistency, such as automatic file locking that prevents editing upon opening. Multiple users operating in the same file can overwrite each other, but CloudFS prevents this in AEC applications such as Revi, AutoCAD and MicroStation. In fact, any data created via file edits or creations are saved to new data blocks, further preventing overwriting.
Data loss or corruption can have severe consequences for architecture firms, delaying projects and straining client relationships. In the case of a disaster at one location, other locations will be able to immediately recover data because each location in your global file system will have read access to data from the other locations. In the event of data loss – accidental or malicious – you can restore files through snapshots taken every 60 seconds at every site location equipped with CloudFS.
Secure File Sharing and Collaboration
In an era where cyber threats are a constant concern, secure data transfers are essential. Ransomware attacks are also a growing threat, especially for firms managing high-value data. The Panzura Detect and Rescue extension can recognize both known and unknown variations of ransomware, containing the threat within minutes. The more time hackers or malware have in your system, the more damage they can do and the longer your recovery time. Quick detection can prevent ransomware or malware from disrupting your operations or, even worse, impacting your clients or partners.
Panzura’s hybrid cloud file services enable AEC firms to overcome common data management challenges while enhancing collaboration and security. CloudFS resolves data duplication, shrinking your data footprint and potentially reducing storage costs. Firms looking to improve data security can also benefit from ransomware protection and read-only files that prevent unauthorized edits.
Anders Technology works with clients to optimize their operations through the latest technology and build a stronger foundation for success. To learn more about our services, and the associated cost, request a meeting below.
