Columnists: Feldman
Business blogging basics
If you have not started a blog for your company (and those who already have can still be considered early adopters), here is some food for thought. ...
Building automation, control and GPS
HVAC service contractors familiar with building automation and control have lots of opportunities to expand traditional energy service offerings by adding the installation of information and analytics hardware and accompanying software to their mix. A growing number of software developers offer solutions that address building systems monitoring and optimization....
Service management software solution enhances workflow
Suitable for HVACR contractors involved in service work, construction and facilities management, SAM Pro Enterprise by Data-Basics Inc., www.databasics.com, is an integrated modular based software solution that is designed to help proactively manage daily business operations, end to end. ...
Software for here, there and everywhere
Singletouch, www.singletouch.com, a real-time data capture solution for industrial contractors doing large installations, covered in this column a couple of years ago, now takes advantage of touchscreen technology and includes capability for data capture on handheld tablets on jobsites regardless of the quality (or absence) of Internet connectivity. ...
Cloud computing
Cloud computing is an increasingly popular way of software developers delivering productivity software applications and users accessing them through any Internet-enabled browser as if the applications were installed on the user's own computer. Users benefit from software applications without investing in new infrastructure, additional personnel, or outlaying money to purchase packaged software. ...
Productivity enhancing software for the contractor
Adobe Acrobat X Pro, www.adobe.com, offers users working with all sorts of dynamic electronic content including video and photos an efficient way to create, read, edit and share PDF files. ...
Hydronic software, productivity apps to improve your business
Hydronics Design Studio Professional Version 2.0 by Appropriate Designs, www.hydronicpros.com, which is available as download and on CD, is Windows based software to aid users in designing high-performance hydronic heating systems in residential and light commercial buildings....
Two to go for the iPhone, the iPad
Total Office Manager field service management (Aptora, www.aptora.com) is an enterprise solution designed specifically for service contracting business. With modules related to numerous specialty functionalities, the software handles complete accounting, CRM, dispatching scheduling, payroll, inventory control, service agreements, flat rate pricing, marketing, sales lead management and field service management, including a mobile field service app that supports business management from mobile devices in the field. ...
Mobile computing solutions for the field
Mobile computing is going nowhere but up. Everybody wants in and there are plenty of tablets suitable for field use entering the marketplace this year. However, the 10-in. Apple iPad has the advantage of a library of 300,000+ applications already written to run on it. ...
On the move: a tablet for the field
Equipping key personnel in the field with touch-screen tablet computers loaded with construction application software designed to work with a tablet will keep everyone up-to-date on project information, and fully informed on project details and issues throughout the day....
Software, hardware for the field
The latest trend for roving crews is to use a mobile payment application that works with an iPhone or other easily portable and affordable mobile device. Here are two free mobile payment applications that, with the use of a supplied credit card encryption sleeve, will transform a mobile device into a credit card terminal and enable the user to accept credit cards from customers — and deal with any rejected cards — while still onsite....
One for the office, three for the phone
Almost two thirds of computer users have been victims of cybercrime from viruses, Trojans, and other malware that can wreak havoc on a PC. You can protect your business, to an extent, by never giving out company-related passwords and never opening attachments or links from strangers. However, a robust internet security program that defends against as many threats and malicious software variants as possible and has strong firewall protection from online dangers without sacrificing performance should be the basic defense. ...
Three technologically astute solutions
Bill and Patti Feldman cover the technological benefits of a voice recognition software, a multi-funtion all-in-one printer and Internet radio...
Benefits of web-based construction software
Web-based software is a growing trend in the construction industry. It is typically subscription-based by the month and, perhaps, by the number of users, so there is no hefty initial outlay. Software that resides online 24/7 provides complete project visibility among all enabled project team members any time and any place there is web access. ...
Application, camera increase accuracy in the field
In the construction industry, accessibility in the field to plans, specifications, schedules, change orders, photos and other relevant data about a project is not only becoming increasingly commonplace but — on some projects — essential. Used across the board, a dedicated online site that enables contractors, engineers, architects, clients and others to view and share all sorts of documents and details from the convenience of their iPads or iPhones can save time, reduce costs for reproduction and distribution of documents, and improve accuracy by ensuring that everyone is on the same page....
Fleet tracking, BIM offer advantages
Management can take advantage of the numerous tracking and reporting capabilities to improve fleet efficiency, reduce fleet fuel and maintenance costs, and modify driver behavior. ...
Web-based design, flat rate book applications
Here's a new online solution that combines pre-packaged design knowledge, opportunity for customization, and professional printing that enables users to create themed marketing materials of all sorts, ready for pickup at a participating local printer....
Two programs to help your bottom line
Here are two software solutions, one for creating customized flat rate pricing books and the other focusing on expediting scheduling, billing, job costing and other tasks performed by field service contractors. ...
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. ...
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