IT™...The intelligent solution to structure design and material take-offs!
Keymark Enterprises has developed a unique software program that provides a complete engineered solution and material take-off called
IT™ (Intelligent Take-off). From a single input session, roof trusses, walls, floors, connectors and all other building components are structurally
analyzed and integrated. IT™ also provides a complete list of materials with increased accuracy. IT™ cuts the time in half from traditional
take-off and analysis methods.
Support for the IT™ system includes: operator one-week training course; in-field Simpson sales support; and a free technical help line.
Combining Simpson Strong-Tie’s forty years of development and manufacture of "No Equal" structural connectors with Keymark’s
innovative design software solutions, IT™ is the complete software for a Well-Connected House™. |
How IT™ Works
The operator spends one session describing the structure in 3-D. If the design has been completed in another CAD program, it can be
transferred to a DXF file. The imported DXF file can be traced easily in the IT™ module. From the description, the IT™ system develops loads,
sizes members, and frames solutions. The program ensures that loads developed within different systems are applied and addressed at all
levels. Distinct software modules generate truss, wall and floor solutions along with complete material take-offs. This process includes all the
Simpson Strong-Tie™ connectors necessary for a strong, safe structure, ensuring a "Well-Connected Structure™". See the flowchart for a
more detailed explanation of the IT™ system.
Results
Increased Accuracy - IT™ is based on precise geometric input. This means that the product specification for any part of the structure will be
accurate, unlike traditional approximation methods. Waste and shortage expenses are eliminated.
Increased Efficiency - Redundancy of operations is eliminated, greatly reducing processing time. For example, in the traditional method,
building geometry must be described separately for truss systems, wall framing, I-joist floor design, and sheathing take-off. With IT™, the
structure is described only once!
Control of Information - With IT™, a single designer controls a single process. This is an advantage over traditional methods requiring
multiple processes some of which come from outside your company (i.e.- wholesalers, truss suppliers, etc.). Each of these outside processes
is controlled by a different individual, resulting in increased lead times -and frequent miscommunication.
Engineering Quality Control - The take-off process requires engineering on trusses, headers, floor systems connectors and more. To do
the engineering without IT™, operators must calculate loads and then design elements. Loads are typically calculated by hand which is slow
and risks human error. IT™, by capturing the complete structure, automates the entire process and significantly reduces costs as well as the
possibility of errors. IT™ gives an engineer a potential solution in logical format for easy review.
Flexibility - Changes are easy: if a client’s design requirements change, IT™ easily refigures affected areas. IT™ works with the materials
you work with, including standard lumber, engineered wood and trusses. It can even compare costs of light gauge steel.
The Ideal Tool for Design Professionals
"IT" is a design tool to aid the qualified professional in providing sound building designs in accordance with applicable code requirements.
Any structure or portion thereof that would normally require the service of a registered Engineer or Architect must still be reviewed by one of
these professionals. Proper use of the IT software requires training and a thorough understanding of applicable engineering principles.
Although Keymark has tested the program to assure proper engineering design of framing members given proper input, computer output is
not a replacement for engineering judgement.

IT Wood Presentation
This PowerPoint Presentation is for Windows only and requires Microsoft's PowerPoint software. The Presentation originally fit on two discs,
they have been combined into a single zip file. Should you choose to download, the file size is 1500kb, and requires extraction with a program
such as WinZip.
Once downloaded, and extracted, run Setup. When asked for the second disc, click "OK", as both discs will already reside in your extracted
content.