Columnists: Feldman
Calculators, apps, software extend functionality
For tallying numbers quickly and accurately in the field, first came a handheld calculator. Then came dedicated programs that turned a generic calculator into a construction calculator. Now if you carry the right kind of Smartphone, you don't even need the calculator to perform fast project-relevant calculations at jobsites, at client meetings, or any place else on the go....
Software helps calculate residential HVAC loads, duct sizes
Developers and owners of residential homes are generally keen on keeping heating and cooling costs as streamlined as possible without sacrificing performance. A properly sized system costs less to run and provides the highest level of comfort....
A versatile service management solution for the field
FieldOne Systems Pro Edition, www.fieldone.com, is a secure, scalable service management system with many functions specific to the service industry, including dispatching and scheduling, service management, invoicing, inventory management, equipment tracking and customer care. The software offers a lot of flexibility in how a business handles day-to-day operations. ...
iPhone applications take to the road
Dedicated iPhone applications enable field service personnel with an ever-growing array of functionalities. Here are two solutions for technicians to take on the road....
Service management software solutions
Ventus Service Management, www.ventussoftware.com, is a customizable software solution for service contractors that can handle the full complement of service department activities, including electronic dispatching; preventative maintenance scheduling; inventory and equipment for tracking and managing stocked parts (in one or multiple warehouses or service trucks); service contract administration; and work order billing....
Three nifty software programs
Taking advantage of GPS and biometric technologies, SHARCC Time and Attendance, www.ueven.com, is a remote field service time clock solution that uses GPS coordinates to verify that a registered employee is on the job by requiring his or her biometric finger identification to clock into a customizable task or phase. ...
Three productivity solutions
Singletouch, www.singletouch.com, is a real-time data capture solution for mechanical and other contractors working on a job that requires materials and workload tracking. ...
Design programs for HVAC sizing solutions
Rhvac 8 by Elite Software, www.elitesoft.com, is an HVAC design program that calculates peak heating and cooling load requirements for rooms, zones, systems...
Web-based solutions streamline operations
An online document management application that enables contractors to gather, store and share information with employees and outside project participants...
Two field service management solutions
Not yet taking advantage of computerized scheduling, dispatching and other daily business tasks? Here are two Web-based solutions, which could get you to erase the whiteboard for good. ...
Get online quick in the office or in the field
Contractors without a business Web site can remedy that in a jiffy with 1+1 MyBusiness Site, www.1and1.com. Contractors can set up a Web site in just...
Programs provide education and training
Here are two software programs that use computer graphics to provide education and training on HVAC equipment and systems. One program is designed so...
Programs that put power in your pocket
Heads up for the early adopters among you. Want to travel light when doing your duct sizing and other calculations in the field? Now it's possible thanks to some new iPhone applications that put a lot of power in your pocket....
Software solutions from Trane and Carrier
Trane Trace 700, www.trane.com/commercial, is a design and analysis tool that, used in the planning stage of a building project, can help HVAC contractors...
Two new Web-based sharing solutions
If you've ever put together a company newsletter, but gave it up because of the many details and costs involved, and because the news became old all too quickly, you might want to take advantage of MagCloud, a web based self-publishing print-on-demand (POD) service. ...
One for the office, and two for the road
Madcad.com v3.0, www.madcad.com, is a web-based subscription service that provides online access, in HTML format, to building codes and standards from all major content providers....
Solutions streamline service and design
In today's tough economy, when customers are watching their budgets closely, running a tight ship is more important than ever. Use of software that boosts your level of service for current clients and your presentation pizzazz when selling new customers can pay off. ...
Mobile communications for the big guys
Mobile communication capabilities to and from the field are very smart tools for service contractors. A full-featured mobile field software solution, deployed company-wide on browser enabled PDAs or other mobile devices, keeps technicians connected to mission-critical information all through the day, simplifying work order activity and, in the office, provides real-time management visibility to field activity....
Software handles a range of construction business needs
Spectrum Construction Software (www.dexterchaney.com) is a comprehensive and flexible construction management solution with up to 30 integrated modules that can handle a broad range of construction business needs. Core modules for HVAC and plumbing contractors include Job Cost, Payroll, General Ledger, Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable. ...
Voice recognition program saves time, boosts productivity
Dragon NaturallySpeaking 10, a voice recognition program created by Nuance Communications (www.nuance.com), integrates seamlessly with most popular PC...
Three productivity-enhancing solutions
Interfacing seamlessly, Quickduct CAD and Quickduct CAM (www.shopdata.com) streamline the drawing of sheet metal duct layouts and the lay out and cutting of metal ductwork based on drawings. By sharing information, these two programs can boost productivity dramatically and substantially minimize waste of sheet metal. ...
Software calculates HVAC loads
With energy prices continuing to rise, the costs of heating and cooling commercial buildings are straining the operating budgets of many commercial enterprises....
Bidding software provides breakdowns
Accubid (www.accubid.com) offers a family of scalable estimating solutions for different types and sizes of projects. Each program comes with a comprehensive...
Pen converts handwriting onto flash drive
Technology continues to simplify the exchange of information in general and for on the fly note-taking and sketching in particular. Some 50 years ago,...
Daily Backup Software Provides Peace of Mind
Among office calamities, unexpected loss of data on an office computer from a virus or hardware breakdown ranks right up there on top of the list. Are you prepared? ...
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