Masonry Magazine July 2012 Page. 32
NEW TECHNOLOGIES
limited features in each package. They would calculate their estimates manually, and reenter the data into a program to create an estimate. For each new job, they would go through the same process, entering much of the same materials and labor over again. On the accounting side, PT Masonry's financial records formed a long paper trail that was collected at the end of each year and handed over to their accountant.
"We were never able to track our costs very well in the past," says Leo Tesauro, Tory's brother, who handles the accounting end of the business. "If prices were fluctuating, we just went with what we knew. We had no historical trail of information. If the costs on our materials increased, we would have to eat those costs and, at the end of the day, figure out how to remain profitable. We lacked resources, and it took great effort to be profitable or to assess our profitability."
Using ProContractorMX's job cost accounting and financial management capabilities, the masonry company will have more accurate information for a critical advantage over their competitors. "With the reports available in this solution, we can see more clearly where the money comes and goes, and maintain better control of our financials," says Leo Tesauro.
He also explains that as part of their effort to improve operations and profitability, they are expanding their offerings to the commercial market. "To get commercial jobs, we must be union or offer prevailing wage," he says. "Prevailing wage was too difficult to manage before. The Davis-Bacon capabilities in Maxwell Systems ProContractorMX will help us pursue this new avenue of our business and new source of revenue."
ProContractorMX offers the capabilities for Davis-Bacon Certified payroll reporting, union, workers' compensation, and benefit tracking for merit shop.
By automating processes with a seamless software solution, mason contractors can save time, cut costs, and better control their overhead. With increased operational efficiencies and cost reductions, contractors can realize optimal profits on each project.
Mike Gillum is director of product management-estimating at Maxwell Systems, headquartered in King of Prussia, Pa. He can be reached at mgillum@maxwellsystems.com or 800-688-8226. For more information on Maxwell Systems, visit www.maxwellsystems.com.
Product Watch
Revu 10 Released
Bluebeam Software's Revu 10 is designed for collaboration, cloud storage and project communication, delivering solutions that enable architecture, engineering and construction professionals to do what they do better, without compromise. New features include real-time collaboration with integrated cloud storage, hyperlink management, space definition for automated tracking in PDFs, 3D PDF creation and markup to 3D views. Revu 10 allows users to store project files in a simplified document management system in the cloud: get to the "places" faster with "links; create the next generation of RFIs using Revu's new 3D capabilities; and use spaces to assign markups to their defined location. For more information, visit www.bluebeam.com.