The tools used by construction workers have evolved to meet the changing needs of the industry. These new gadgets are full of convenient features that help improve workflow.
Choosing the right tool depends on your company’s specific needs and operations. For example, Sage 300 CRE is a popular project management solution for large enterprises.
DISTO X3 & X4
The DISTO X3 and X4 from Leica combine innovative distance measurement technologies with a construction-ready design. These laser distance meters are built tough for job site use. They have a 2-meter drop test rating, are dust and water protected (IP 65) so they can be cleaned with running water, and have a rotatable display for easy reading from any angle. These DISTOs are also compatible with the DST 360 adapter, which turns the meter into a professional measuring station capable of Point-to-Point measurements. This feature allows you to create accurate floor plans simply by taking clockwise and counter-clockwise room measurements. All the measured data can be transferred to the free DISTO Plan App for documenting and visualising.
The new DISTO X4 is designed for bright outdoor environments, and improves on the X3 with a pointfinder camera, which helps you to accurately aim the laser beam at distant targets that may not be visible through the full colour display. It also improves on the X3 by adding an acoustic signal that lets you know when you’re about to hit your target, making it much easier to achieve precise stake-out measurements.
Like the other X series DISTOs, the X3 and X4 are built to withstand the most demanding jobsites. Both models are backed by a 5-year warranty and are made from rugged materials, including a solid-rubber housing that’s built to withstand drops. They are also equipped with Bluetooth capability, and can be connected to Leica’s Free Apps, making it easy to incorporate all the measurements into your digital workflow. This saves time and helps you to avoid mistakes. This includes the Smart Horizontal Function which automatically compensates for tilts and uneven surfaces when taking horizontal distance measurements.
ShareMyToolbox
Easily oversee your construction tools and equipment with this easy-to-use tool management solution. It uses scannable tags and a mobile app to create an efficient tool check-in/check-out system, and the tag locations are displayed on a map. The mobile app also has the capability to capture images, make notes, and create custom forms to collect asset data. With its high level of customization, you can tailor the app to fit your company’s unique needs and requirements.
The US construction industry is plagued by widespread tool theft and mismanagement, which can have huge cost implications for companies. With this in mind, the team at ShareMyToolbox set out to develop an enterprising tool tracking application that would provide a better user experience for everyone involved, from field workers to office staff and logistics managers. Their solution combines the ease of a smartphone app with a powerful back-end tool tracking system to deliver an effective and profitable business model.
ShareMyToolbox is a real-time, mobile field tracking and small tool management software solution that utilizes powerful peer-to-peer sharing and accountability to help prevent lost tools. A centrally managed catalog is created, and the mobile app makes connections to users, allowing them to transfer tools between people and sites. This means that everyone is held accountable for the tools they are assigned, and there is no need to check tools in or out at a warehouse.
A free trial is available, and the platform comes with a wide range of features that are designed to support small- to medium-sized businesses. These include a robust search engine, which allows workers to look for tools by name, barcode number or type of tool. Additionally, users can track tool usage, generate reports and monitor equipment maintenance through the platform. The app can even be integrated with the Greenlee i-press battery tool-monitoring smartphone app, which tracks information including tool temperature, pressure, and battery charge.
The ShareMyToolbox solution was developed in an innovation lab within Viewpoint, a large construction software company, as part of its “Viewpoint Business Incubator”. It is available as both a cloud-based software and a mobile app. The app provides an intuitive interface for users, and the mobile app automatically syncs with the web portal. This ensures that the most up-to-date tool information is always available.
CoConstruct
CoConstruct is a construction software designed to help custom home builders and remodelers overcome design-build challenges. It allows them to handle client communication, project scheduling, and financial management in one place, so they can meet deadlines and deliver projects on time. The software also helps them provide their clients with a positive building experience that results in repeat projects and referrals.
Coconstruct has a user-friendly interface that is simple to navigate and easy to use. Its features include a dashboard that organizes project information, selections, and other data in a single location. It also lets users upload files to the platform and communicate with team members using to-do lists, messages, and notifications. Its advanced search tool makes it easy to find specific items or documents. Additionally, it includes a calendar that shows events and tasks related to the project. The platform also tracks warranty items and provides a way for team members to update statuses.
Another feature of CoConstruct is that it can be customized with a company’s logo and images, so it can look like it belongs to the builder’s brand. This is important because it will give the impression that the system is part of the builder’s business and will be more likely to generate trust. Additionally, it will make it easier for clients to track the progress of their projects and keep in touch with team members.
The platform also offers a number of management tools that can improve the productivity of the building process. These include file sorting and management, warranty tracking, orders and assignment statuses, and job logs. These tools allow the project lead to keep track of the progress of each team member and ensure that everyone is on the same page. They can also monitor the status of any issues or risks that may arise during the project and take steps to address them.
The platform also offers robust budgeting tools that can help you stay on track. It automatically retrieves budget actuals from QuickBooks, and it enables you to compare your estimates to your job costs. It can even automatically generate invoices and accept online payments to streamline your accounting processes. This means that your office team will always have the latest and most accurate information at their fingertips, making it easier for them to keep track of expenses.
Sage 100 Contractor
The Sage 100 Contractor software (formerly known as Sage Master Builder) is a construction project management solution that provides small to mid-sized construction companies and home builders with accounting, job costing, payroll, vendor and subcontractor management, construction estimating, and analysis capabilities. It is fully integrated, allowing all aspects of the business to be connected seamlessly. This means that you only need to enter information once, eliminating the need for multiple systems and reducing errors.
The estimating module provides a powerful and accurate way to calculate your job costs. The software features over 300 pre-built assemblies for new construction, allowing you to quickly create plans of work, perform a detailed plan takeoff, adjust labor productivity rates, and create a bid from scratch or using previous estimates. This helps you save time and money by ensuring that your bids are complete, up-to-date, and competitive. The software also allows you to maintain part pricing and keep your flat rate service book up-to-date, saving the cost of having it reprinted when prices change.
Once you’ve finalized your bids, Sage 100 Contractor makes it easy to export budgets, estimates, proposals, subcontracts, and purchase orders directly from the estimate. This eliminates manual data entry and reduces the margin of error in completing bids. The software also makes it easy to track labor hours and equipment usage, allowing you to quickly and accurately prepare time and materials invoices for billing. You can even assign different hourly rate markups for employees and equipment for each job, and choose to show or hide them.
Another useful feature of the software is its reporting module, which lets you view the big picture by putting all of your key performance indicators in one place. With customizable dashboards, alerts, and over 1200 easily accessible reports, it is easy to get the information you need to make informed decisions. You can view the full financial big picture and zoom in on critical details instantly, enabling you to act fast when making decisions.