MINNETONKA, Minn. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — November 16, 2010 — For a company that has spent two decades shrouding the confidential nature of its work in secrecy, it now has something it can tell the world about. Online Systems, Inc. has changed its name to Control Point Design, Inc., and has announced an extensive rebranding effort, including the launch of a new website, www.controlpointdesign.com, with detailed data about its specialized capabilities in 3D laser scanning and 3D CAD modeling.

Frank Latz, president, founded the Minnesota company 21 years ago. A national supplier of proprietary 3D imaging and modeling services to an elite industry of mega-plants, he has seen firsthand how its advanced technologies can save millions in construction and engineering costs. During a time of economic austerity for so many, Control Point Design is growing its business in double digits.

Latz attributes its rapid growth to the fact that it was one of the first nationally to offer these services, and continue to stand out among the handful of companies that offer 3D laser scanning and 3D CAD modeling at this scale. Control Point Design’s customers include some of the biggest industries in the world – petroleum plants, power plants, chemical plants, bio-fuels plants, wastewater treatment plants and hospitals. However, due to the extreme sensitivity of much of the work, Latz can rarely disclose details about the projects. Using 3D computerized imaging, which is calculated from millions of scanned points forming a “point cloud,” architects, contractors, engineers and designers can plan the steps of any project. The accuracy is so precise that parts can be prefabricated just on the basis of the results.

Laser 3D scanning and modeling enables a design team to virtually reconstruct any existing environment using CAD technology. According to Latz, “If a picture is worth a thousand words, imagine what 23 million images are worth to an industrial or commercial facility that is considering a redesign or retrofit.”

Many companies offer 3D scanning or modeling as separate items, but it is only the combination of the two which provides the comprehensive detail needed to prefabricate pipes and structures as an alternative to construction on-site. Petroleum plants in Alaska have been particularly quick to engage Control Point Design’s technology, as it gives these companies more control over preventing unforeseen construction delays. Latz says, “Economic conditions have forced many businesses to search for more cost-efficient methods of completing projects, and that exactly is our forte’.”

Control Point Design can reconstruct an entire industrial or commercial facility – in virtual reality – with the aid of advanced Leica High Definition Laser Scanning systems in a matter of days. Working with virtual reality, design teams from around the world have the ability to collaborate on projects. Architectural and engineering teams, who used to be stationed on-site for extended periods, can now work on projects from multiple locations. Prior to any real-world construction taking place, 3D imaging enables design committees to fine-tune and vet the minutest detail of any project before it leaves the computer screen.

Control Point Design, headquartered in Minnetonka, Minn., offers its services nationally to a wide range of industries, including oil & gas, bio-fuels, waste water treatment, power generation, hospitals, and manufacturing and commercial facilities. For more information or to schedule a demonstration, visit www.controlpointdesign.com, or call 952-449-0702.

Editor’s note: Photos available.

Burchfield & Wolin Public Relations
Stephanie Burchfield, 480-460-4111
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Control Point Design
Frank Latz, President, 952-449-0702
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