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Designer Joe Dellano extends the potential of these interactive presentations using equipment more often found in corporate conference rooms.The president of Design Solutions, Arlington, Mass., runs Chief Architect and AutoCAD on his laptop and connects the computer to an LCD projector that...
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Know the importance of keeping multiple computers in sync. Here are several proven solutions.Step up to PeerSync, starting at $299, to sync a whole network of users (www.peersoftware.com).LapLink starts at $100 (www.laplink.com), and PCAnywhere costs $180 (www.symantec.com).
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Xactware, makers of a popular estimating program used in insurance restoration, plans to release a package in March called Xactimate for Remodelers.Ken Badalamenti of Riviera Construction, Solon, Ohio, who participated in a focus group and has explored several estimating programs, says the...
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To increase referrals, compile an end-of-project "memories" CD, with crew interviews, clips of the client's family, and critical project documents. Other ideas: sales presentations featuring customer testimonials and training presentations with expert installers.
As software solutions for the construction industry continually evolve into more sophisticated business tools, contractors may find it difficult to decide what will work best for their companies. Whether switching to a different software system or shopping around for the first time, contractors...
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Over the years, I've tried to find a method of looking at my company's records that could render an accurate picture of our financial profile. Ultimately, with a good analysis of accurate data, I hoped we could make changes in how the company did business that might significantly improve our bottom...
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Jeff Bangs has been installing Corian in countertop applications for 13 years and has found the material easy to repair, allowing homeowners to maintain their countertop's appearance through the years. 6.0 Contact Management & Business Software, by Best Software Company, www.act.com.
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The InkLink tracks the position of the pen on the paper and sends the result to either a computer or PDA (personal digital assistant). --Joe Stoddard, a technology consultant to the construction industry, can be reached at stoddard@cbczine.com.
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Computers have made it easy to packrat away all kinds of data, but not so easy to find it again. The numbering scheme can be something you create, but it's probably better to base it on an established source like NAHB's Chart of Accounts (see www.nahb.com/builders/chart.doc).
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Chris Paquette says an online referral service has been a boon to his business. It outdistances similar services because people, not computers, match clients with contractors, according to the Philadelphia-area remodeler.Paquette, who usually does $350,000 annually in kitchen, bath, and cabinetry...