Top construction software articles of 2009
Categories: Construction industry news and trends, Cost Estimating, Engineering/CAD, Job Cost Accounting, Project Management, Microsoft Excel for Construction Estimating, Microsoft Project for Construction Management and Scheduling, QuickBooks Accounting Software
Posted by Rachel Kossman | Dec 18, 2009 | 14:48pm
As the year comes to a close, we’ve identified the most popular construction software articles of 2009. A common, unsurprising theme quickly emerged -- readers want to know how to get the most out of free or low-cost software such as Microsoft Excel, QuickBooks and Google SketchUp. Below are summaries of our top 10 construction software articles of the year; be sure to check them out.
Microsoft Excel Plug-ins for construction -- While Excel can be a huge help as a starting program for construction estimators, at some point in time, most builders hit the ceiling of Excel’s capabilities. This particular article covers a number of pre-programmed templates that allow users more functionality that they wouldn’t have been able to program themselves.
Is Microsoft Excel the right estimating tool for you? -- For construction professionals, it’s always a question what software to use. Many start with Microsoft Excel as it’s a basic, familiar tool. Whether it's really the right tool for you depends on the complexity of your jobs, and the degree to which your estimating tool must work with other software. This article explores the pros and cons of Excel as it is applied to the construction estimating process.
An Introduction to QuickBooks for construction -- This article acts as a very basic introduction to Intuit’s QuickBooks software for construction accounting. The story speakers with QuickBooks users and professionals, who identify the strengths and weaknesses of QuickBooks and why it’s a great match for the construction industry.
The advantages of QuickBooks for construction -- Part two of our three-part series looks at the advantages of using QuickBooks for construction. In addition to looking at the positives of the software, the piece discusses some of the ways for construction professionals to extend the use of QuickBooks.
The limitations of QuickBooks for construction-- This piece discusses some of the issues with QuickBooks software for construction, including migration, how to properly set up the software, and struggles in performing construction-specific reporting, retainage, work-in-progress expenses, prevailing wages and change order management.
Upgrading To Primavera P6 From P5 -- Primavera P6.1 was released in March 2008, and many contractors are considering upgrading from version P5. This article touches on what upgrading will entail in terms of lost time and learning curves. The piece covers the new features of P6, what the new version fixed and what it missed.
What to expect from Google SketchUp -- Part one of this series introduces readers to Google SketchUp, walking users through the software step by step, from what to expect when you first open the program to screen shots and troubleshooting. If you need help understanding SketchUp, this is the place to start.
Google SketchUp Pro: Layout Export Options -- In the third part of this series, this installment helps users explore the option of upgrading from Google SketchUp to Google SketchUp Pro 6, which sells for just under $500. The article covers the basic features of Pro and why a user would want to upgrade – starting with the need for extra functionality and exporting work into CAD, rendering & other software applications.
How to create an estimating workbook for assemblies in Microsoft Excel -- Excel has always been replied upon by professionals in the construction industry, and this article shows users how to take that one step further. It covers the basics of creating an assembly-based estimating workbook in Microsoft Excel, which allows users to use an estimating tool that allows for quick, preliminary cost estimates in the field.
Sharing Microsoft Project Schedules: Customizing templates -- This article, part three in a series about Microsoft Project schedules, shows readers how to customize the appearance of a schedule by modifying the pre-designed templates that come with Microsoft Project.
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Company Overview
Foundation software has been providing accounting software for construction firms for more than 20 years. According to the vendor, many of its construction clients previously used off-the-shelf job cost accounting software, such as QuickBooks or Peachtree, or software systems that are no longer supported.
150 Pearl Road
Brunswick, OH
Phone: 330-220-8383
Toll Free: 800-246-0800
Fax: 330-220-1443
Web: foundationsoft.com