Construction Management for Subcontractors

eSUB Exhibiting At 2013 CFMA Conference

For 31 years the Construction Financial Management Association (CFMA) conference has been the place to be for construction industry professionals who are interested in improving their skills, teamwork, collaboration and staying on the cutting edge of the latest construction industry technology.

What To Expect From The 2013 CFMA Conference

The 2013 CFMA Annual Conference & Exhibition will be held in San Diego and it will be another opportunity for construction industry professionals from across the country to gather and enjoy excellent networking opportunities; eSUB is proud to announce that we will be one of the exhibitors, our booth number is 504, we look forward to seeing you at this event.

Who Will Be Attending?

Besides being an excellent opportunity for construction industry professionals, the 2013 CFMA conference will also have other attendees including financial service professionals, attorney’s, underwriters, construction CPA’s, CFO’s and also controllers.

This year there will be 10 hours that will be focused on just the exhibition alone and three networking events which will give the 60 exhibitors and attendees plenty of time to network and talk about the latest construction industry products, services and solutions, like eSUB, that are positively changing the face of the construction industry.

Networking won’t just be the primary benefit of attending the 2013 CFMA conference, there will also be plenty of education opportunities as well including: Four General Sessions, Five Mini Conferences, Seven Dawn Peer Groups, 34 Breakout Sessions and Seven Tracks Designed For Focused Learning

Best of all, attending these events is also good for up to 7 hours of insurance CE credits and up to 33 hours of CPE credits too!

Notable Speakers At CFMA Conference 2013

If you’re still “sitting on the fence” and haven’t decided to attend this year’s 2013 CFMA conference, you won’t want to miss some notable presenters including: John Linkner, Anirban Basu, Brantley Barrow, Jeffrey Platt, Michael Re and Rob Waldman.

To learn more about the 2013 CFMA Conference please leave us a comment below, don’t forget to visit us at booth 504, or to start a free trial of eSUB, please click here.

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Since its first release in the early 1990’s, Microsoft Excel has been one of the main tools of choice for construction contractors across the United States but, the “ugly truth” about Excel is that it’s also been responsible for bad math on construction projects.

No Longer Universally Loved

Back in the early 2000’s, Excel was still universally loved by construction contractors because, it enabled them to do the same math or number crunching that they would previously send to their accountants, or statisticians, but times have changed.

Thanks to a recent report by Ray Panko, a respected IT management professor at University of Hawaii, we know that almost 90% of Excel spreadsheets have one or more errors on them and that’s a scary thought for construction contractors who rely heavily on the accuracy of their data.

For Ray Panko, the inaccuracy of Excel spreadsheet data is something that he wants every Excel user to know about especially if they are working on huge spreadsheets that contain tens of thousands of formulas because, those spreadsheets will have errors.

Europe Taking a Stand Against Spreadsheet Errors

In Europe, construction contractors, accountants, business owners and families that use Microsoft Excel are finally getting advocates to handle spreadsheet errors thanks to the European Spreadsheet Risks Interest Group, but this group only represents a very small percentage of total Excel users since there are almost 1 billion people who use Microsoft Office and that number is growing daily.

For Harvard economists like Kenneth Rogoff and Carmen Reinhart, spreadsheet errors can’t be shrugged off, because spreadsheet errors can also be responsible for questionable global fiscal policies and bad business decisions that will send more businesses into bankruptcy in 2013.

What’s Being Done in the USA To Stop Spreadsheet Errors?

Sadly, spreadsheet errors are a “new problem” that Microsoft and spreadsheet creators around the world are only now starting to develop certification programs and peer review groups to ensure that spreadsheets are being accurately created and used correctly.

Until more is done to stop Excel spreadsheet errors, top IT minds like Ray Panko encourage Excel users to take another look at their spreadsheets, before their data is relied on. A typical Excel user can press Ctrl + [ on a formula, to show what cells are feeding  into their total or utilize XLtest to insure that there aren’t any flaws on their spreadsheets.

To learn more about Excel spreadsheet errors or to get started with a free trial of eSUB’s cloud based, project management platform for subcontractors, click here or call us today at: (800) 493-3782

eSUB wins "Top Product" Award for 2013

eSUB offers a solution for tech-savy subs in the cloud. The "cloud" capabilities combined with its focus on the speciality contractor market, are what makes this project management software stand out. This is one of the reasons Constructech editor's selected the product: it is a cloud-based solution designed specifically for subcontractors to manage documents, bids, emails, deadlines, timecards, and other functions from any device. eSUB's project management software also integrates with many third party accounting software to eliminate duplicate data entry and is also gaining momentum with subs moving toward managing projects via mobile devices.

To read the full Press Release by PRLEAP please visit

http://www.prleap.com/pr/200401/

To Read Complete Write Up from Constructech please visit

http://www.constructech.com/news/articles/article.aspx?article_id=9575&SECTION=1

Technology moves fast, especially with more devices and services to streamline your work. But whats the catch? Just because new technology is out there doesn't mean that it's right for every contractor or that every contractor is ready to use it. Are you ahead of the curve? Many believe that by just simply purchasing the latest and greatest technology it will immediately solve their problems in the workplace, this rarely happens. Contractors must approach these new and innovative solutions with a goal and plan to achieve the desired result.

Software as a Service (SaaS) and Mobile Solutions are the most prominent technologies in the construction industry spotlight. Both offer ways to increase efficiency and will give subcontractors tools to run their businesses better.

Software as a Service or SaaS is a pay as you go subscription based technology for subcontractors to securely use the solution from any location or device that is internet capable. eSUB Construction Software is a great example of a SaaS based technology. With solution such as eSUB, it immediately gives the subcontractors an ROI because there is no need to invest in expensive equipment to operate it and the applications are accessed through the browser of any device with internet access. In addition the software is regularly updated and offer improved data encryption and security to protect your most valuable data.

With Project Managers and Foreman constantly out in the field performing and tracking labor, having a cloud based solution is a great way to link field activities to the home office.

Mobile Solutions allow contractors to quickly access and submit data from a mobile device in the field directly to a database that updates in real time with the home office, thus eliminating the risk of errors from manual entry. A solution such as this provides tremendous flexibility, allowing employees to be more productive out of their office and after work hours. Mobile Solutions help bridge communication between the field and the office to keep everyone on the same page and streamlined so that nothing slips through the cracks.

With eSUB you get the best of both worlds, a cloud based solution, along with the capability for use on any mobile device. A variety of applications within eSUB are available for use via smartphones, tablets, and other internet capable devices.

• Field Timecard Entry
• Project Management
• Change Orders
• RFIs
• Daily Reports
• Email Integration

In today's world mobile devices are everywhere, and they are now powerful enough to make the jobs of construction management easier. Technology in the field has transformed everything from project management, to delivery. It is making it easier for the executives to monitor all aspects of construction on their remote jobsites from their office or home. Owners and Project Managers can stay on top of construction without picking up the phone or sending countless emails. Handing off documents is faster and easier than ever with everyone on the same page and nothing slipping through the cracks.

Cloud computing is starting to play a larger role within the industry. With the use of the "cloud," service providers use the internet to offer on-demand access to countless field updates and changes. This enables information sharing with the whole project team. Specialty Contractors can access real time project information by logging into a secure company portal and then manage projects via any device and from any location.

What are the leading contributors to a construction's site success? Quality, safety, cost and schedule. Mobile devices such as Smartphones, tablets and iPads, in conjunction with cloud based project management solutions provide executives with a communication tool to proactively manage costs, as well as deadlines and deliverables. There is one aspect that has been missing until now-particiapation from the field. Attempts to get field information into a working system for tracking activities resulted in inefficient manual processes such as paper checklists, and managing by memory or disjointed email strings. Project Managers wasted countless hours attempting to update complicated excel spreadsheets and tracking down information needed to address issues. With cloud based project management, these manual tracking procedures are automated and accessible so that field personnel can update issues from the field while other team members provide support from the home office.

A huge contrast to traditional processes, cloud based project management provides a very proactive and efficient way to manage your jobsites. Team members can bring their iPads, Smartphones or any other mobile device to jobsites and complete checklists,update daily logs, conduct inspections, spot issues, manage photos, submit change orders and document other processes as needed. Project Managers can spend more time ensuring the work is completed correctly and less time entering data at the jobsite trailer. This instant link to the field also allows problems to be solved more efficiently. Project Managers or other field personnel can document issues with their mobile devices- pinpointing the exact location while attaching photographs and routing the problem to the correct people. This all allows the issue to be fixed quickly and thoroughly the first time.

All of this benefits the home office where management can track real time progress using an executive dashboard for complete transparency on project status. With customized form templates and workflow procedures established, all projects are managed in a standardized fashion company wide.

When comparing paper-based tracking procedures with cloud based project management- which can increase your operational efficiencies by over 50 percent- Specialty Contractors are taking a hard look at changing the ways they've managed jobs from the field and are seeing dramatic results- significant return on investment and increased ability to manage the quality on all their jobsites. Specialty Contractors are rapidly embracing a cloud based project management solution to stay ahead of the curve and level the playing field with their competitors who have already implemented these solutions.

When it comes to project management and the ability to link the field to the office, mobile devices combined with cloud based technology are changing the face of construction. Is there a solution that focuses on the unique day to day challenges of project management at the subcontractor level? Constructech Magazine seems to think that there is. It was officially announced yesterday that eSUB and Viewpoint Construction Software joined forces as development partners in the project management space.

eSUB provides a cloud based solution designed specifically for subcontractors to manage documents, bids, emails, deadlines, timecards, and other functions from any device. eSUB also integrates with many third-party accounting software systems to eliminate duplicate data entry. With more subs moving toward an integrative strategy with mobile devices, eSUB is gaining traction as a valuable communication tool linking the field and the office. New features within our software include: two way project-specific and document-specific email integration; automatic email and text message reminders; and integration with Outlook, Gyoure tooogle, and iCal. The cross-browser compatibility enables subs to manage from any browser using any device.

To read more about what Constructech had to say about eSUB's better project management please visit:

http://www.constructech.com/news/articles/article.aspx?article_id=9541

To get updated information about eSUB joining Viewpoint Construction Software Development Partner please visit:

http://www.prweb.com/releases/2013/1/prweb10364183.htm

Las Vegas' recently wrapped Consumer Electronics Show (CES) isn't just for your typical electronics geeks anymore. Lets face it, electronics are taking over every industry, including construction, where foremen are now carrying the latest mobile device gadgets to communicate what's happening in the field back to the home office. eSUB recently took a trip to Las Vegas to cover the Consumer Electronics Show and brought back the Top Products from CES for Construction. Here are some great new and innovative products that we came back with to showcase for you all:

• Windows 8 Tablets and Convertibles

Panasonic ToughBooks have been around for years. The next generation ToughPads are highly sophisticated in their design and also functionality. These are great, rugged enterprise grade tablets made for the mobile worker. They are now made with increased durability to withstand extreme drops, dust, water, and freezing temperatures, which is great for the construction work environment. Panasonic ToughBook comes in 3 versions- 2 Android models and a Windows 8 model. Any of these perform great for a Project Manager and Foreman in the field.

Convertibles and laptops have never been as efficient in the construction workspace until now with the release of Windows 8. Previously, software was hard to use and most products were bulky. But now with the innovation of touch screen capabilities, it's going to take project management in the field to a whole new level. The featured product that we saw at CES was the Dell XPS12, which has a screen that opens like a traditional laptop. But then the screen also rotates via a swivel on the lid, which converts the whole laptop into a tablet. This functionality provides more flexibility to project managers who routinely travel from their office to the job site and fine themselves needing to update conditions from the field in real time. Multi-touch and multi-application run capabilities will make products like eSUB's Cloud Based Construction Software easier to use on a day to day basis on site. Windows 8 is helping to bring all your enterprise software into one product.

• OtterBox - Waterproof Armor Series

OtterBox has been the definition of rugged cases for iOS devices for years, but a waterproof case has been missing from their arsenal until this release. This case is nearly bullet proof, which is great for everyone on the ground level of construction sites. It can withstand drops upwards of 10 feet without the slightest damage to your device. A built in screen protector will also protect the screen from any damage, but the durability doesn't stop there. You can submerge your device in up to 6 feet of water for 30 minutes without causing any damage. For anyone on a construction site day to day, $99.95 is a great investment to protect your device from looming hazards.

• Parrot AR Drone

Some of you may have heard of Parrot company before, but they have taken things to a different level with the release of their Parrot AR Drone 2.0. Ask yourself this question, while on a construction site do you want to see the progress of a certain area that you just can't get to it easily? Or you don't want to disrupt the workers on the site? Well, those days are officially over. The Parrot AR Drone 2.0 come equipped with 2 HD 720p cameras to capture images from all angles. To control this camera-equipped helicopter, simply use your handheld device. While you are controlling the helicopter, you are also viewing the live feed of your flight. From there you can record pictures, nav data, videos, and upload them instantly from the controlling application. Questions about whats going on at a certain area of your construction site at any given time are now over thanks to live streaming video captured from your personal construction site spy drone!

• Armortech Screen Protector

Looking for a way to protect your device but do not like the bulkiness of a case? Well this product is just for you. Armortech Protector provides protection in extreme conditions. At CES they were dropping hammers right on the front screen of an iPhone without leaving a scratch on it. Now that's the durability that any construction worker is looking for. Work worry free knowing that no objects will scratch or destroy your phone, not even a hammer or nails!

The Consumer Electronics Show 2013 was a huge success. We at eSUB toyed with a lot of new innovative products that can be used in the field, not just as the latest "wow" factor, but also to make your job safer and easier.

The nation’s construction industry has recently seen a growth of 30,000 jobs in December, despite an overall increase in the industry's unemployment rate. This would account for the fastest pace of construction employment growth since February 2011.

While most people don’t know; construction employment has been on the rise of 3 percent or 18,000 jobs year after year. Yes, the unemployment rate for December was 13.5 percent, but this is a vast improvement from 16 percent the same time last year.

Non-residential building construction has been on the rise adding over 7,000 jobs in December for a total of over 12,000 jobs added during 2012. Of those 7,000 new jobs non-residential subcontractors gained 5,600 jobs in December, but lost about 25,000 jobs, compared to a year ago. Residential hasn’t had that much of an impact but none the less added 5,800 jobs for the month of December.

Nationwide job growth has increased 155,000 across all industries, with this the private sector having expanded by 168,000 jobs and the public sector shrinking by 13,000. The national unemployment rate stood at 7.8 percent in December; according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ survey.

With all of this comes great news for specialty contractors of all trades- the largest single monthly increase in construction employment in over two years.

“It is conceivable that a significant share of the growth in construction employment in December came in reaction to Hurricane Sandy and the commencement of rebuilding in New York, New Jersey and other affected communities,” Anirban Basu of ABC.org said. With additional relief monies expected to pour into those communities affected by Hurricane Sandy, further construction growth is expected.

With the start of the New Year we are all optimistic in seeing our industry turn around and an increase of new jobs. We are seeing positive trends in all sectors of construction; let all of our New Year's resolutions be that we see another 30,000 jobs in January 2013. For Full Article, Click here

eSUB's email integration just got better. Now, whenever you send a document out of eSUB - Submittal, RFI, Change Order, Purchase Order, etc —all replies back and forth are stored in the Log with your original document. Just click on the email icon in every Log and see a complete history of email correspondence from all parties. We also store all attachments for easy access. With your new “project inbox” you’ll also see a copy of all project specific emails.

But what about random emails? Forward any email to your eSUB account and it will be linked. Now, spend less time tracking document updates from multiple Inboxes, and more time managing your projects from the field. Schedule a demonstration of the new email integration.

In the aftermath of an economic downturn, construction is one of many industries that are slowly recovering. However, the nature of business today is unprecedented and forcing companies to adapt quickly.

The 2013 U.S. Markets Construction Overview by FMI Corporation offers an in-depth look at specific issues of contemporary subcontractors including: Managing General Contractor relationships, Surviving in a Buyer's Market, Adjusting to prefabrication, and Staff Maintenance. In this whitepaper, various FMI Consulting authors and representatives discuss impressions of the construction industry, the stakeholder trends that have formed, and take a closer look at where the trends are headed in both residential and non-residential arenas.

Using the latest U.S. Census Bureau statistics, this overview provides over 40 graphical representations that portray current and predicted figures relevant to specialty trade contractors in the United States. Solving the economic predicaments of today is a complicated task, but re-educating ourselves and redefining the subcontractor within the context of today’s political and economic climate are two ways we can progress. We are thankful for FMI's dedication to understanding the construction industry including the time and effort to make this 75-page whitepaper available. Click Download below for your free copy! ($135.00 value)

eSUB is pleased to announce its membership in the Construction Financial Management Association (CFMA). Since 1981, CFMA has cultivated a close niche community of subcontractors, construction managers, architects, developers, engineers, suppliers, and consultants who are concerned with bettering the bottom line for their organizations by exchanging new innovations and ideas in construction accounting. CFMA membership will allow eSUB to continue to expand its foray into construction accounting practices by continuing to integrate accounting software packages with eSUB’s award winning cloud based project management.

Mobile technology devices are making it easy for field personnel to enter crucial information from the field into eSUB. That information can then be shared with accounting so that everyone is on the same page and nothing slips through the cracks. “We’re pleased to further this integration of information into accounting and to work closely with CFMA members to help guide us in the continuing process,” said Wendy Rogers, President of eSUB.

Together, eSUB and other CFMA members look to the future in assisting the overall success and interchangeability of construction software platforms. CFMA's connections to construction professionals allows for progressive brainstorming and a unique environment that promotes best practice project management and accounting. For more information on the CFMA and our involvement with other construction associations visit our partnership page.

A true professional project manager understands the importance of team alignment. Whether it’s in a sporting event or construction job site, a team with a thorough understanding of the desired outcome is more likely to achieve success.  This sort of discipline means practicing coordination through excellent communication, both in person and otherwise.  With a shared vision, company goals are more easily met. This could equate to budgeting limitations, completion deadlines, or even just customer satisfaction.

Implementing such a strategy means taking the next step towards your company’s overall aspirations. We are offering this free whitepaper article in conjunction with FMI Consulting which discusses the necessary changes that you and your team can use to figure out what works for you. Often times, the solution to many of your problems can be to synchronize your day to day operations through specialized project management software. Click below for more information