Intac Intl. announces Wintac 2012 software release

BOSTON — Intac Intl. Inc., maker of the Wintac all-in-one business management software for the field service industry, announced the release of Wintac 2012. ...

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. ...

Soefker Services LLC uses software package to offer energy services

MEMPHIS — Soefker Services LLC had a problem. Its parent company, W.A. Soefker & Son, had been in the general construction business since 1944. In 1990 it started Soefker Services LLC as a dedicated services company. ...

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. ...

Grundfos Opens Facility for Innovative Water Technology

Grundfos Pumps unveiled its Water Technology Center, a new facility for promoting innovative water research and developing sustainable solutions, on Sept. 20 in Fresno, Calif. ...

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. ...

Dexter + Chaney celebrates 30 years in business

SEATTLE — Dexter + Chaney, developer of Spectrum Construction Software, recently marked the 30th anniversary of the company’s founding....

iMarket Solutions celebrates first year of business

BURLINGTON, VT. — iMarket Solutions celebrated its first anniversary on July 28, 2011, counting more than 100 businesses to its client roster. The Internet marketing firm specializes in HVAC, plumbing and electrical contractor websites....

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....

SPECTRUM CONSTRUCTION SOFTWARE

AUTODESK REVIT ARCHITECTURE 2012

HYDRONICS DESIGN STUIDO - PROFESSIONAL VERSION 2.0

WEB-BASED FLEET TRACKING SOLUTION

Fill’er up: How to decrease gasoline consumption

CHICAGO — Connecticut — $4.00; Illinois — $3.97; Washington D.C. — $3.97; California — $3.92; New York — $3.94. These are current state gasoline prices as of June 16, 2011, according to AAA’s Daily Fuel Gauge Report. ...

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....

Fleetmatics 8.0 GPS fleet tracking system delivers fleet performance visibility

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, ILL. — Today FleetMatics announced the latest release of its GPS software solution for tracking and performance management of mobile assets, the FleetMatics 8.0 GPS Vehicle Tracking System....

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....

Using smartphones for productivity, credibility, efficiency

According to a recent survey by Gartner, 67 million smartphones were sold in 2010. That number is expected to rise to 95 million units in 2011. It's likely that your peers, competitors, and customers have already made the switch. The question is, "How can you best utilize a smartphone in your business?"...

Piping calculator delivers accurate results

On industrial/commercial mechanical piping projects that require a high degree of precision, accurate calculations are key to a fast, successful installation. Nowadays, mechanical contractors are often called upon to measure pipe to tighter tolerances than previously customary. A dedicated piping calculator that performs construction math can be a handy productivity-enhancing tool for pipefitters on the job, mechanics in the fabrication shop, and estimators in mechanical contracting offices....

Professional Estimating Systems releases updated HVAC estimating software

HOUSTON — Professional Estimating Systems has recently released updated HVAC estimating software....

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...

QR codes access information quickly, efficiently

Quick response codes, generically known as two-dimensional bar codes, and commonly referred to as QR codes, act as immediate conduits to websites, videos, discount coupons or other marketing messages. ...