Explorer Software’s construction accounting and project management system consists of at least 24 modules within an enterprise package. Contractors with specific specialties get the modules that most apply to them. For the heavy, highway, infrastructure and utility markets, there are four modules of interest.

The Equipment Control module of Explorer Software handles the accounting, tracking, and maintenance aspects of equipment assigned to jobs, or rented out. Of special note is the ability to find out the cost per hour of owning each piece of equipment. This tool lets equipment managers compare actual costs to estimated costs, or even actual loads or miles to loads and miles previously estimated.

The Service Manager module is an analysis, scheduling and tracking tool that helps establish, budget and operate an equipment maintenance program. As work orders are completed for component repair and service this module picks up the details of the work and records it by date, and miles, kilometers, or hours. Repair analysis worksheets guide management in determining not only the budget for each piece of equipment but also major repairs or equipment replacement needs. This module integrates with Explorer Software’s Equipment Control module so that total cost of ownership is kept up to date with the service and repair history; it also integrates with Accounts Payable and Work Order.

In the Work Order module, technicians receive the description of work to be accomplished, along with estimated costs. (Explorer Software schedules work orders in a user’s Microsoft Outlook Calendar.) With this estimate-versus-actuals analysis, service managers can determine what venue is the best to use for repair. (Sometimes repairs can be done more cost effectively by outside shops. Then, too, if equipment is needed back in service quickly outsourcing the repair might be the better business decision.) The Work Order module also tracks employee time on repairs and service tasks, and the inventory used. This module integrates with the Equipment Control, Service Manager, Payroll, Accounts Payable and Inventory Control modules providing updated information to those functions as work progresses.

Finally, Explorer Software’s Explorer Visual Maintenance Checklist guides equipment mangers through a comprehensive process of evaluating equipment readiness, with an eye toward potential problems. Because this checklist puts a visual reference in front of users and inspectors, it guides them in ensuring they actually check all items due for inspection. When discrepancies are found, the inspecting party can send a problem report to those in charge of equipment maintenance.

*** Other overviews in this article include Maxwell Systems, Spectrum Construction Software and HCSS software. You can also return to our introduction to heavy and highway software.