More Data, Fewer Darts

C.C. Sullivan, Editorial Director -- Consulting-Specifying Engineer, 10/1/2000

Consulting-Specifying Engineer is in a better position to help engineers than we've ever been in before. Suddenly, our magazine is in a unique position to help firms get more information on building systems, more project leads and more trend information. By utilizing our new capabilities, firms can find targeted data-and throw fewer darts-for project design and business development decisions.

You're probably wondering how this is all possible. Well, last May, Cahners Business Information (this magazine's owner) acquired Atlanta-based CMD Group in arguably the first merger in decades to benefit consulting engineers.

A quick glance at the two companies explains why. Cahners publishes the only magazine for integrated mechanical/electrical engineering-yes, you're holding it-and CMD Group is a world leader in construction information. Known by many engineers as Construction Market Data, the company is a source of project lead information in every phase from planning to subcontractor awards, drawing from 88 local plan desks and more than 300 field reporters.

Engineers and architects also use its flagship publication, First Source for Products, the premier directory of building products developed by Architect's First Source. Many designers know Spec-Data and Manu-Spec, the product specification tools developed by CMD and the Construction Specifications Institute. Another product, CADBlocks, was created by CMD and Thomas Register to offer scaled drawings of chillers, generators and thousands of other devices and equipment types that can be automatically imported into CAD drawings.

Many will be surprised to learn, however, that R.S. Means-the world's leading source of construction cost data and consulting services-is also part of the CMD fold. Manufacturers' Survey Associates, another division, produces quantity surveys, plans and specifications for major U.S. construction projects. ProFile, a print and Internet directory of some 20,000 U.S. architectural firms, can help engineers expand their client base. Lastly, new Web sites such as Buildingteam.com and Architect Exchange deliver news and information on projects, products, costs and codes to the engineer's desktop.

And there's more. But just a glimpse of our recent merger helps explain why we think we're in an enviable position: that of bringing the best information on construction activity and building systems to consulting engineers.

We truly hope that our new sources of data will allow your firm to put away the darts and take a more targeted approach to the business of engineering.