The role that technology plays in our offices is growing as we increasingly depend on it as a design tool, to meet deadlines, and to protect our files and intellectual property – to name just a few examples. For architects and designers, this dependence is often compounded by the need to move laterally across multiple mediums without lag, shifting from digital to physical means and vice versa, multiple times throughout any single day.
The design process is typically not so clear-cut that architects are able to move in a linear path – producing only one sketch, one set of drawings or one model. The fact that the design tools chosen have direct influence over any outcome only promotes this constant switching between screen and paper, virtual reality or model making in order to find the best result. This juggling act must be done with various other parameters in mind such as deadlines, budget and the quality of work, and technology should be an extension of the designer’s capabilities as opposed to a hindrance due to slow processing times or insufficient production.
Digital security maintains a critical, albeit subtle, role in this process. While often overlooked or simply misunderstood, poor cyber security can have an immense impact – on both the quality and timeliness of work and myriad other ways – should a business’ secure network be breached. Despite the seemingly low likelihood of such cyber attacks, the frequency and sophistication level thereof is on the rise, with ransomware alone projected to cost the global economy $8 billion USD (AU$11 billion) this year, up from $325 million USD (AU$450 million) in 2015. This cost stems from the “damage and destruction (or loss) of data, downtime, lost productivity, post-attack disruption to the normal course of business, forensic investigation, restoration and deletion of hostage data and systems, reputational harm, and employee training in direct response to the ransomware attacks. Given the often-confidential nature of construction projects, proposed or underway, architecture firms are not exempt from the need to be observant in order to prevent such incidents.
When rapidly shifting between digital and printed media, it can be easy to forget that the humble office printer is often the weakest link in an office’s network security: an estimated one in three office printers are unsecured, opening up a direct avenue for attack. This often occurs as a result of printers being ready to use straight out of the box, but does not preclude simple mismanagement.
Benefitting from HP’s ongoing commitment to providing the most secure printers on the market, HP PageWide XL printers are designed to meet all of your expectations regarding deadlines, quality and versatility, and security. Featuring built-in security features and remote monitoring capabilities, HP PageWide XL printers allow you to spend more time on your work and less time managing your printer, whilst protecting your and your clients’ information.
Furthermore, HP PageWide XL printers offer the fastest large-format printing production currently available, minimising the lag for architects and designers who desire a rapid, dynamic workflow. HP PageWide XL printers maintain black and white and colour printing capabilities, taking advantage of patented HP ink and printer head technology to produce the highest quality, long-lasting, light- and water-resistant prints.
For more information about HP and their PageWide XL Printers and Printing Technology, click here.
About the Sustainability Awards
The Sustainability Awards is Australia’s longest running and most prestigious awards program dedicated to acknowledging and celebrating excellence in sustainable design and architecture. Nominations received are shortlisted and then winners for each category are announced at a five-star Gala evening hosted this year at the Star, Sydney on 11 October 2018. The daytime event Sustainability Live is a CPD-endorsed education event where industry experts present a range of topics to educate, inform and ignite learning. Buy tickets
