The Stimulus’ Impact on Electrical Contractors
March 17, 2009
Much of the talk surrounding the recent economic stimulus package with regards to the construction industry has focused on how it is going to impact heavy/highway contractors. But how is it impacting other segments of the industry?
The NECA (National Electrical Contractors Assn.), www.necanet.org, Bethesda, Md., says the legislation will help ‘bolster’ the electrical construction industry with appropriations and tax provisions. John Grau, CEO, NECA, says it will also help improve the employment situation by “bringing people back to work.”
With possible new work to compete for, particularly in the public sector, electrical contractors may want to consider looking at technology solutions to manage the workload and separate themselves from the competition.
Accubid Systems, www.accubid.com, Concord, Ont., offers a line of products for electrical and mechanical contractors in the areas of estimating, project management, and service solutions.
In its January newsletter to its electrical contractors, Accubid listed key business attributes a company needs to take advantage of infrastructure opportunities. According to the newsletter, contractors will need to be able to manage the full scope of a project from beginning to end, have a proven performance record and trained labor force, as well as a history for low-risk projects. Additionally, companies will need to improve their business processes.
According to Accubid, this is done with good estimating, planning, project management, and financial management. Its technology can help improve these processes, while also offering professional development to teach contractors the principles and methodologies of estimating using technology.
While NECA says the new legislation might stimulate some general activity in the electrical construction industry, it also says the bill will allow electrical contractors to do more with advanced energy solutions.
“This is an opportunity to invest in the electrical systems we rely on and make smarter choices about how we power those vital systems,” says Grau. “NECA electrical contractors have been at the forefront of electrical grid improvements, smart meters, broadband technology, and renewable energy technology—all items included in the stimulus.”
WennSoft, www.wennsoft.com, New Berlin, Wis., recently launched an effort to expand its existing energy sector customer base. WennSoft provides project management, job costing, service, and equipment/asset management technology. Its solutions are built on top of Microsoft Dynamics GP, meaning these applications are tightly woven into a contractor’s financial system.
“Working with companies in mechanical contracting, construction, and specialty trades for the past 15 years, WennSoft has gained excellent insight on how to improve a company’s productivity, efficiency, and give it a competitive edge,” says Ruth Sheeley, industry account manager, WennSoft. “We’re excited to have the opportunity to translate this knowledge and experience to companies in the energy sector.”
It has developed an industry team to help expand its footprint in the sector as well as to understand the design, building, installation, and servicing needs of contractors in the energy market.
Along with the rest of the construction industry, electrical contractors will likely see a bit more activity due to the new stimulus package. As such, these contractors should consider using more advanced technologies to replace spreadsheets and improve business processes.