Miyerkules, Abril 27, 2016

Tools to Help Electricians Reduce Time Spent Managing Their Business

In today's competitive market, it's important for electrical contractors to spend more time on the job site and less on the administrative tasks required to run their business. Fortunately there are a number of software tools available that help contractors with tasks such as bidding jobs, scheduling both the people and materials needed on the project, tracking costs and, preparing and managing invoices, supplier payments and payroll. Many of these are available on both computers and mobile devices so they can be brought to the job site and updated in real time.

The general categories of the software electical contractors should have in their tool box are listed below with examples of some of the best-of-breed solutions. Each product includes a link to the provider's web site.

Job Bidding and Quoting

  • JobFLEX Easy to use mobile app with modules for bidding jobs, presenting quotes to clients, scheduling resources for the job site and tracking the project. 
  • Vision InfoSoft Similar to Job Flex but with a limited number of modules 

Technical Drawing and Schematic Creation

  • SmartDraw ‎CAD results without the CAD hassles. Creates electrical designs within minutes. 
  • Edraw Powerful but easy-to-use electrical drawing software to create professional looking wiring diagrams using pre-drawn templates and examples. 

Project Management

  • FieldAware Top-Rated mobile filed services management software for scheduling and dispatching workers and assigning jobs. 
  • TrackSmart Includes functions for scheduling, traking attendance and time clock. Allows for creating recurring work schedules which can be used over and over again. 

Accounting

  • Quickbooks The leader in small business accounting software. Powerful, yet easy to set up and use. Available as an online application for easy access. 
  • Zoho Easy to use online accounting software for small businesses to managed their finances and stay on top of their cash flow. 
Feel free to try out this list of tools and there's a good chance you'll spend less time managing your contracting business and more time growing it.




Linggo, Pebrero 14, 2016

What is a GIS System?

A GIS system allows users to create interactive queries, analyze spatial information, edit data in maps, and make a final presentation. Since its creation by Roger Tomlinson in 1968, many businesses have learned to rely on this technology. Some of the possibilities that businesses can enjoy through using GIS include better fleet management, optimization of maintenance schedules, site selection, defining routes, conservation of natural resources, improved communication within and between teams, better and more efficient record keeping and making informed decisions.

Source

While Tomlinson did not have the advantage of computerized GIS systems, business owners today are blessed with computerized systems that easily lead them through a five-step process allowing them to create their final presentation effectively. The first question that the system will guide the user to ask is to define the problem and its geographical location. As leaders create their query, it becomes clear what data they need to analyze and what format the final presentation should take. Possible questions that can be queried include:
  • Where are facilities that provide services currently located?
  • What is the population distribution?
  • Do people within the highest population density have the most access?
  • Are there people who lack access to service?
The second step is to acquire the needed data. Several different choices are available including vector files, digitized files, survey data, remotely sensed data, miniature unmanned aerial vehicle data or satellite remote sensing data. Once that information is entered, then the user needs to check the accuracy of the information. Users should make sure that the data is organized and note the source of the data.

The next step is to perform geographical analysis of the data. There are several possible ways to perform this analysis depending on the query chosen. Often times, it is helpful to draw a map to show the completed steps to arrive at the analysis. The final step is to present the data along with your analysis. These presentations can be done using several different formats including reports, maps, tables, and charts and delivered through printed media or through the Internet.