I'm a freelancer, how can AYP help me?
AYP can help you raise your level of service very quickly by facilitating communication and making a number of processes easier for your client. By improving communication, you can achieve shorter project life cycles and take on more projects. With AYP, you and other freelancers can set up a virtual company that can service customers anywhere and any time, from home, the office or on the worksite.

I'm looking to do more renovation and extension projects. Will AYP help me make these jobs more profitable?
AYP makes it possible for the project management team to create more efficient business relationships with preferred contractors, designers and suppliers. The system allows the project management team to keep affiliated professionals and clients up to speed with the projects progress. AYP's audit trail reduces liability and misunderstandings on project deliverables. A quicker review and approval process dramatically reduces project life cycles, thereby saving time and money, and allows you to take on more projects.

You speak of raising your level of service, what do you mean by that?
AYP increases a professional's service level by improving communication with the client and other parties contributing to the success of the project. The mark up tool promotes better drawing clarification and a faster review and approval process, cutting down on the time it takes to complete the project. Reducing the number of firm/client meetings puts value on the client's time. Shorter project times are appealing to the customer and professionals involved. Clients appreciate being able to access their files anytime and feel reassured knowing that they can quickly check a projects revision history. Some clients don't like the hassle of FTP sites or having to download viewing software. AYP makes all of the above easier.

Can I customize AYP so that it looks like my business's application?
AYP allows you to upload your logo and a small portfolio of work examples to be displayed on all the application's pages. Not only does it look like your application, it also allows you to showcase and promote past projects.

I work on very large projects with a project management system. How can I use AYP without making a lot of extra work?
AYP allows you to upload and share large images with system users assigned to particular projects. All of your project files are hosted online and there is no software to download or monopolize your computer's resources. AYP facilitates better communication because all parties assigned to a project will be notified automatically of changes, so you do not have to contact them to arrange extra meetings or play telephone tag during your busy business hours. AYP can also serve as a compliment to project management systems. Sometimes you just need a quick clarification or approval on just one aspect of a much larger project. With AYP you can do that and have a complete audit trail of just that one aspect.

Sometimes I have to spend time defending client approved revisions that they seem to have forgotten about or overlooked. This causes tension on both sides. Can AYP help?
AYP provides users with a detailed project audit trail. Users assigned to projects can simultaneously view, comment on and approve drawings and changes. The audit trail keeps an ordered chronological record of all project communications and is available to all assigned parties. The audit trail reduces instances of misunderstandings and the communications are recorded for easy future reference, thereby reducing the liability and associated costs.

My company has been downsized and I need to prove I am vital to keep my job. Can AYP help me take on more projects?
AYP increases business productivity by reducing project life cycles. Enhanced communication with project teams, clients, and contracted professionals reduces lost time and liability. The mark-up tool allows for faster drawing reviews and approval while 24/7 online availability reduces the number of face-to-face meetings required during the life of a project. AYP's features and shorter project life cycles will increase your customer service levels, productivity and competitive advantage, enabling you to take on more projects in a shorter period of time.

What kind of computer system is AYP compatible with?
AYP has cross-platform compatibility and there is no software to download. AYP is a web-based solution and is designed to work well with all current web browsers. Whether you are running a Mac or PC, AYP will operate equally well.

Will I have to download anything or download updates?
AYP is a Rich Internet Application and Software as a Service (SaaS). The system is hosted online. No downloads are required for either you or your clients. The application will always be the latest version available, so you never have to worry about upgrades or version incompatibility.

How big do my computer's resources have to be to handle all these files?
AYP is a subscription service that allows your project team and assigned users to share project files, drawings and communications in an online hosted account. There is no software to download or run, so your computer's resources will not be bogged down.

I spend more time working outside of the office than I do working in it. How does AYP apply to me?
AYP can be accessed online 24/7 from any location with an internet connection. In the office, on the road, or at a worksite, if you can receive an internet signal, your complete AYP project files are available at your fingertips. AYP reduces the need for regular face-to-face meetings. Because less time is spent traveling to and from meetings or job sites, you will benefit from greater business productivity, lower fuel and maintenance costs and fewer instances of work stoppages.

I prefer to use the same designers and contractors on my building projects. Do they have to buy an AYP package to use it with me?
Inviting users to share project files with you using AYP is quick and easy and at no additional cost to them. When you subscribe to AYP, your subscription level is based on the number of internal users within your organization that are utilizing the system. The number of external users (clients, contractors, suppliers, etc.) is unlimited.

If my clients and designers/ builders change all the time, can I get rid of old user accounts and add new ones under the same subscription?
Yes. You have the ability to activate or deactivate any user you assign to the system. Your AYP subscription package is based on the number of internal users you require, and there is no limit to the number of clients or external contacts you can add.

Where does all of the information in my AYP subscription get saved? Am I protected from system crashes?
AYP is a Rich Internet Application that is hosted on our secure web servers. We monitor our systems around the clock and perform regular data back ups. We have systems in place to restore all data in the unlikely event of a temporary system error.

I'm stuck and can't figure something out. Who do I contact for help and can I actually speak to a live person?
If you are experiencing problems or have questions or concerns, you have many options for obtaining help from the team at Hestia Solutions:

The AYP system features a live help instant messaging system that allows you to correspond with a customer service manager in real time.

You may call our customer service manager or sales team by calling 1-902-564-2100 or Toll Free (Canada and USA) 1-888-943-7842 (9-Hestia).

You may also choose to contact our team via email:
General comments and inquiries can be forwarded to info@ApproveYourPlan.com,
for Sales contact wanda.jerrett@ApproveYourPlan.com,
for Customer Service contact erin.standing@ApproveYourPlan.com.

Is this system really complicated? I don't have the time to climb a steep learning curve.
AYP is a user-friendly business-to-business and business-to-client system. Learning how to make AYP work for you is quick and easy and there are plenty of resources such as a detailed FAQ section, Step-by-Step User Instructions, Video Training Modules and Tool Tips that are built into the site to help you along the way.

I like that AYP offers an audit trail of communications, but what if I want to discuss a project detail with another designer or architect that I don't necessarily want to share with the client or builder?
AYP provides internal instant messaging capabilities for all system users. To conduct communication outside of a project's audit trail but within the AYP system, simply use the internal messaging system to contact other system users or project members.

After ordering my subscription, how long until I can use the system?
Once your AYP subscription payment has been processed, AYP will automatically forward an email with simple sign-up instructions. Simply follow the enclosed link, create your username and password and get started using the system right away.

I like to think of myself as environmentally conscious. How can AYP help my business be greener?
AYP makes it possible for users to conduct the majority of project planning and communications without having to attend face-to-face meetings or to be present at the job site. Reduced traveling not only saves time, but also reduces fuel and maintenance costs and harmful emissions. AYP is a potentially paperless product with the option of printing to paper when necessary. A reduction in paper use lowers business expenses, reduces paper waste and saves trees!

Approve Your Plan (AYP) Usage

How long will it take me to learn how to use AYP?
AYP has an easy to use interface. The software is designed so all the tools needed are at your fingertips.

How can I keep track of all the comments and uploads in my projects?
AYP features a detailed audit trail for your convenience. All drawings and communications are automatically incorporated in a chronologically ordered audit trail. External communications such as details of phone calls or emails can also be entered.

Can the system create reports?
AYP can generate detailed, printable reports. These reports include project/ job status, audit trails, client lists, and contact information.

How will I know when changes have been made to a project I am working on?
AYP issues an automated email to all persons involved in a project, notifying them of project changes, drawing uploads, changes, comments and approvals.

When can I access my AYP account?
The AYP system can be accessed 24/7 from anywhere with an Internet connection.

Can clients upload images into AYP?
AYP allows for bi-direction drawing uploads. Both firm and external users can initiate the uploading of drawing or image files. External users may only upload files to locations designated by the firm's internal users.

Will mark-ups and comments change the original drawing/image file?
In AYP, all mark ups are layered. The original drawings cannot be altered.

How can I manage an online drawing or image file?
AYP 's users benefit from direct file uploads and online saving, printing and viewing capability. AYP's servers maintain a safe, secure environment with file accessibility 24/7 from anywhere with an Internet connection.

Can my firm's account be customized?
AYP encourages corporate branding. Upload corporate ID/ Logo and portfolio images to customize your application.

Will all system users be able to access all projects and files within AYP?
AYP's robust user security system gives project managers full control over user access and actions at every project level.

Can we create individual project teams?
AYP easily accommodates team assignments. Teams can be created and assigned to all levels of a project.

What if I want to consult with a colleague and not have it visible to a client or supplier in the audit trail?
AYP provides users with an internal private messaging system to use as an alternative to external emails and comments recorded in audit trails.

How do I keep track of projects and their sub projects in AYP?
AYP has a multi-tiered project filing system. Our filing system can be set to accommodate one through thousands of drawings per project, and with as many levels and sub projects as required.