Top Products 2008 - Residential
Don’t let the name Top Products mislead you into thinking these are the only viable products available in the market. Quite to the contrary, these products are a mere sampling of the most innovative and successful products at the disposal of the construction industry.
What we can assure you, however, is the products listed on the following pages are indeed among the crème of the crop for residential construction.
In our inaugural search for the Constructech Top Products our panel of editors took into consideration multiple factors during the judging process. This included the product description, our determination regarding the product’s overall usefulness/uniqueness to the construction industry, and the customer growth rate for this particular product in the market throughout the past few years. Of course we also had to incorporate our collective knowledge into the decision-making process. In order to accurately assess these products, we had to factor in our opinions regarding the needs of residential construction, as well as our knowledge of the vendor and/or competing products in the space.
The editors believe the aforementioned to be especially critical in this first year of judging, in order to provide Constructech readers with an accurate assessment of the ‘Top’ products. As with many of our awards programs we received multiple entries from companies that we had never heard of prior to this program. While the descriptions of the product and sampling of customers seemed interesting on some of these applications, we did not feel comfortable tabbing them as a Top Product based simply on an entry form. In other words, we want to be your eyes and ears for the most innovative technology in the market and not just award companies simply for entering. Thus, the editors do not believe they can recognize a company based on a brief entry alone.
Therefore, the staff may very well have overlooked a few products that are indeed very useful and innovative for construction, but the editors are very confident that the companies that are included have a strong place in the homebuilding process.
So let’s look at how the companies have been chosen. Winners have been separated into four categories. New Products features technology applications that have been in the market for less than two years. Enhanced Products features recent upgrades and/or re-releases of applications that have been in the market at least three years. Trusted Products are familiar applications that have been in the market at least three years. Supportive Technologies feature complimentary systems and technologies that play a critical role to enhancing core business applications.
The judging process was very long and arduous with some very passionate discussions about what the name Top Products truly means. With that in mind, we will continue to refine our process for next year and will ask for your suggestions throughout the coming year from the products you are using, why you are using them, and what you hope to achieve by using them. After all, we deliberated for a few days on the products, while you are going through the true ups and downs with these products on a daily, monthly, and yearly basis. Just think of what you can teach us and what we can share with all of you based on the feedback from your hands on experiences.
Our hope is that you, the readers of Constructech, will play an even greater strong role in shaping and finding the Top Products. For now, we are confident we have kicked off the program with a solid selection of the Top Products for 2008, as each vendor has provided sufficient evidence that they are indeed supplying the construction industry with a Top Product that will help builders succeed.
NEW PRODUCTS:
AxisPointe
www.axispointe.com
Lehi, Utah
HOMEPROFILE
This online turnkey solution contains all warranty and document management options builders need in order to effectively service clients during post construction.
BuilderMT
www.buildermt.com
Lakewood, Colo.
BPM (Business Process Management)
This business process modeling software allows builders to assemble components representing activities on a critical path schedule while creating backend processes.
http://www.constellationhb.com/landing/CTTopProducts.php
Markham, Ont.
ONLOCATION-SCHEDULE
OnLocation-Schedule is a wireless BlackBerry application designed for superintendents, construction managers, and operations executives. The goal of this product is to monitor and control construction schedules and payment processes, while improving communication with trades and suppliers. The product clearly displays production tasks necessary to complete jobs on time, while indicating the compounding impact of schedule changes on the overall completion date. With Auto Pay, field personnel can trigger the payment process from the field, or place a “pay hold” on tasks that are incomplete or need rework. This allows them to instantly alert trade partners and make the necessary adjustments.
www.csgsoftware.com
St. Paul, Minn.
THE SIMPLE SERIES
The Simple Series includes accounting, estimating, and scheduling all within one software suite. Using The Simple Series, small to medium-size builders and remodeling companies are able to generate estimates, proposals, change orders, verify over/under budgets, process payroll, create schedules, and other mission-critical tasks within a single system. The scheduling system generates bar graphs and gantt charts with or without percentage of completion and allows users to change data in one schedule and have it update all other schedules instantly. The estimating system includes complete proposal/specification tools, as well as an item catalog. The accounting system tracks costs, writes checks, creates change orders, and prints financial statements simultaneously.
www.fast-cat.net
Wexford, Pa.
FAST MOBILE DOCUMENT SYSTEM
One of the toughest tasks project managers face at the jobsite is how to appropriately handle the multiple construction documents and drawings. The FAST Mobile Document System (MDS) is a software solution that helps project managers consolidate multiple paper drawings and documents into electronic forms for total document control. FAST MDS manages project information, ensuring the project team builds from the most up-to-date documents.
Users are able to communicate changes, annotate documents, record events, and send emails from the field. Documents are stored in a patent-pending matrix, allowing users to digitally navigate a set of plans or specs, linking documents for rapid movement between floors in a project or view information by trades.
www.homeauto.com
New Orleans, La.
OMNITOUCH 5.7
The latest touchscreen from HAI allows homeowners to monitor and control lighting, temperatures, audio, security, video, and other automated home devices that are connected to an HAI home controller. When customers demand one touch control for their automated home, this is one ideal choice as it allows them to perform a range of integrated tasks, including the ability to dim lighting, set timing sequences, and control lights via different zones in the home. The product also displays full color video feeds, enabling customers to take their integrated automated home to the next level.
Honeywell
www.security.honeywell.com
Melville, N.Y.
HONEYWELL A-BUS INTERCOM
The Honeywell A-BUS Intercom sends power and sound to multiple control centers throughout the home. Beyond simple point-to-point communication, this intercom includes such features as “whole-house annoucement” which enables owners to broadcast to each intercom unit throughout the home and has a hands-free operation function.
www.russound.com
Newmarket, N.H.
COMPOINT
Automated home technology providers are adding a new twist to an old standard in home communication these days: the intercom. ComPoint from Russound is a standalone intercom system for single family and multifamily homes that also integrates with multiroom audio systems. ComPoint features room-to-room intercom, global paging, do not disturb, and listen modes. The system also includes basic keypads, advanced LCD (liquid crystal display) keypads, and door stations available with or without a CCTV (closed circuit television) security camera. Rather than producing metallic sounds from an embedded intercom speaker, ComPoint leverages in-wall or in-ceiling speakers, meaning homeowners are provided better sound quality without compromising home communications and security.
www.udatechnologies.com
Auburn, Ala.
CONSTRUCTIONSUITE 2007
Designed for small to medium businesses, UDA ConstructionSuite combines estimating, job costing, QuickBooks integration, items database with Craftsman Costbook quotes, scheduling, comprehensive contracts and specifications, ConstructionNet CRM (customer-relationship management), and more to deliver a very comprehensive and user-friendly project management system for construction professionals. The high level of integration across technology applications provided by the UDA ConstructionSuite system gives users complete control. With powerful project management tools fully integrated with new ConstructionNet technology, users can make connections across projects, contacts, estimates, schedules, contracts, reports, and more.
ENHANCED PRODUCTS:
www.fasttrackschedule.com/builder
Sterling, Va.
FASTTRACK SCHEDULE 9.2
As an upgrade to its flagship project management solution, FastTrack Schedule 9.2 is ideally suited for all members of the project team. This release features graphical timelines that clearly display project status, cash flows, deadlines, and milestone dates for projects. This latest release allows for easier planning and control of multiple projects via project consolidation features, productivity enhancements, and builder templates. FastTrack Schedule 9.2 includes Microsoft Vista certification, universal certification for Mac users, and allows for enhanced data exchange with many leading project management programs, including Microsoft Project. Upgrades for existing users are available via the AEC Software Website.
www.builder1440.com
Baltimore, Md.
SALES1440
As an Internet-based sales and CRM (customer-relationship management) application, Sales1440 helps builders manage contacts/leads, follow-up and marketing campaigns, home/intersecting option selections, change order management, contract generation, sales analytics, and financial calculations. Recent enhancements to Sales1440 include a sales closing action plan, the CAP Follow-Through System an online home selection portal for home buyers, My1440Home a Web lead capture system, Sales1440’s Lead Funnel and an enhanced sales pricing and analysis tool, DealWorks1440. Within DealWorks1440 users are able to analyze profit margins on sales as well as mark up costs and establish pricing for plans, options, and lots for use during the sales process.
www.corecon.com
Huntington Beach, Calif.
CORECON 2007
Corecon 2007 is a Web-based estimating, project management, and job costing system. Corecon provides a very scalable and secure solution by using Microsoft .NET 2.0 platform, including SQL Server 2005. This allows users to access project data from the field, main office, or at home using a browser or wireless device. Its latest upgrade includes built-in dashboards and more than 450 reports, along with more robust documentation and collaboration features. Partnerships with Microsoft Office Accounting, Inuit QuickBooks, and SAP make this an ideal software suite for both small and large contractors.
www.homefront-software.com
Calgary, Alta.
PRECISIONBUILDER
HomeFront’s HomeBuilder Management Tool Kit is a suite of estimating, sales, construction, and service management software. Integrated with Sage Timberline Office Accounting and Estimating, HomeFront is made up of ProfitBuilder QualityBuilder a series of three Builder Web Portals and its latest enhancement, PrecisionBuilder. PrecisonBuilder allows users to update and maintain model and option price books linked with purchase orders. Using PrecisionBuilder, builders can create model and option pricing based on up to 12 forecasted cost periods. Tailored for custom and semi-custom builders, PrecisionBuilder offers the ability to create custom estimates and incorporate them immediately into the job quote.
iBEAM Systems Inc.
www.ibeamsystems.com
Boise, Idaho
IBEAM ONSITE
Helping builders combat theft and vandalism at the jobsite as well as capturing realtime progress on jobs, the iBEAM OnSite is a remote-controllable Web camera that runs via a high speed Internet connection. The product captures 1280 x 960 images and uploads them to the iBEAM server every 15 minutes. Recent enhancements to the product include higher-resolution archived images, time-lapse movies, and support for multiple archived images. The iBEAM OnSite includes optional wireless bridges that transmit up to 25 miles without the need to run cables. This latest enhancement requires an equipment upgrade on behalf of the user.
Maxwell Systems Inc.
www.maxwellsystems.com
King of Prussia, Pa.
CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE
Maxwell Systems has been providing in-depth accounting solutions for many years, with added functionality to control various other business aspects of a construction company, including project management, resource utilization, and service management, among others. Its offerings are tailored to varouis segments of the market general construction (American Contractor ) subcontractor (Management Suite) and heavy construction (StreetSmarts). Maxwell Systems now adds digital takeoff and estimating technology via its recent acquistions of Quest Solutions and Estimation. The company has shown dedication and support for these product lines while providing its customer base with integrated estimating and takeoff tools to accompany its production management applications.
TRUSTED PRODUCTS:
www.cadsoft.com
Guelph, Ont.
ENVISIONEER
Ideal for builders, designers, contractors, and remodeling companies, Envisioneer is a design package focused on BIM (building information modeling) for residential. Envisioneer allows users to easily create 2D floor plans and 3D models automatically create elevations, plans, and sections and details add dimensions and notations to drawings provide full color 3D virtual tours for clients and assist during the options selection process. Fully integrated with third-party tools, Envisioneer can share model and drawing data in AutoCAD DWG format and create project cost estimates. Envisioneer can generate a detailed bill of materials directly from the model at any time, allowing for easy cost tracking.
www.construction-imaging.com
Rocky Mount, N.C.
CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENT MANAGER
Construction Document Manager is a comprehensive solution tool that captures, routes, and stores within easy access job documents such as RFIs (requests for information), RFPs (requests for proposals), change orders, submittals, checklists, notices, contracts, insurance certificates, warranties, timesheets, photos, and other content associated with a job. Configurable indexes within the product allow for wide-reaching queries, ensuring a reliable retrieval of the document and supporting documents needed. The product creates an audit trail of documents viewed and by whom, along with approval status which in turn improves accountability and optimizes workflow. In addition these documents can be viewed in Construction Imaging’s Invoice Router software.
CHAMELEON
As an entry-level and departmental document imaging solution, Chameleon captures, routes, and stores all documents in a construction office and keeps the data within easy access for all authorized users. Users are able to retrieve all documents, while indexing and connecting to the accounting system. Remote access and retrieval are attractive features of Chameleon. Its complete index structure is based on the type of document being scanned. Its routing system routes all documents and creates an audit trail that logs all documents sent, waiting, approved, and entered within the system.
www.marksystemsusa.com
Mt. Holly, N.J.
INTEGRATED HOMEBUILDER MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
The Integrated Homebuilder Management System (IHMS) is a single database ERP (enterprise resource planning) system that encompasses accounting, purchasing, land development, sales, contract management, scheduling, job cost, and warranty. Additional features include an Internet portal, individual Web pages for customers, document management, and executive dashboards that allow for a more in-depth look at operations. Its land development module, for example, allows users to input and maintain contract information by vendor, process vendor information, and create accounts payable invoices, among other tasks. Developed exclusively for builders and developers, IHMS supports a complete homebuilder process from prospect registration through the warranty stage, while providing numerous workflow and content management features.
SUPPORTIVE TECHNOLOGIES:
www.marksystemsusa.com
Mt. Holly, N.J.
IHMS INTERNET TOOLKIT
Providing builders with an integrated set of solutions, MARK SYSTEMS’ IHMS (Integrated Homebuilder Management System) is a set of solutions that encompass purchasing, accounting, land development, sales, contracts, scheduling, job cost, and warranty. Its IHMS Internet Toolkit is a supportive technology included with IHMS that provides users with access to the IHMS database via a Web portal. Builders find this an ideal option that allows suppliers and subcontractors to access schedules, job starts, and change orders, among other information, as well as print service requests. It also becomes a valuable tool for buyers to view options and upgrades, while also viewing job progress.
KEEP WATCHING:
BuilderTREND Solutions Inc.
www.buildertrend.com
Omaha, Neb.
BUILDERTREND
This Web-based project management and CRM application allows builders, trades, and buyers to collaborate on schedules, documents, selections, and warranty issues, among others. The product is gaining momentum with 124 builders signing on in the past year.
o2 Interactive
www.onsiteconnex.com
San Diego, Calif.
ONSITE CONNEX
This Web-based CRM solution provides access to sales, marketing, options, and warranty data in one application. The product has experienced good customer growth in recent years and is one to watch in 2008.
WinEstimator
www.winest.com
Kent, Wash.
MODELOGIX
Modelogix is a program that allows estimators to view past published estimates within the company to form a model for a future conceptual estimate. While just recently released, Constructech editors suggest keeping an eye on this product based on the successful track record of WinEstimator.