Masonry Magazine January 2005 Page. 30
MASONRY
Software Showcase for Mason Contractors
The most radically changing tool for mason contractors are not the trowel, saws or materials, but the hardware and software in their offices. While the construction tools remain relatively unchanged, mason contractors need to remain on the technological learning curve when it comes to the software that is running their businesses. It's hard to discuss labor efficiencies in the field while turning a blind eye to labor efficiencies in the office, where missing a bidding opportunity might cost you.
This month, Masonry is showcasing just a taste of some of the software tools that will help you keep your business lean and mean in the year 2005.
ACCOUNTING
Tut Accounting Software by Tut Software
Ideal for: Mason contractor businesses with projects lasting over one month in duration, 20-plus employees.
System requirements: Any Windows-based PC; Windows server required for multi-user solutions.
Description: Payroll, payables, receivables, job cost, ledger and equipment make up this integrated software solution. Payroll includes certified reports, different union/pay rates per job, unit production tracking, 401K, and child support deductions. "Open the mall, enter invoices" payables reduces paper handling and keeps job cost accurate and current. Duplicate invoice prevention, automatic price checking, and quantity tracking aid accuracy. Expanded job control assists the allocation of management skills to projects needing you most. Weekly and monthly job cost reports are included. For more information or for your free videotape, call (800) 875-6885 or visit www.tutsoftware.com.
ACCOUNTING
QuickBooks: Premier Contractor Edition 2005 by Intuit Inc.
Ideal for: QuickBooks: Premier Contractor Edition 2005 is available in 1- and 5-user license packs for small to medium-sized businesses.
System requirements: 350 MHz Intel Pentium (or equivalent): 96MB of RAM: Windows 98 (SE)/2000/XP: 500 MB of disk space for QuickBooks installation; Internet Explorer 6.0 required (6.0 provided on CD. Requires an additional 70 MB): Microsoft.NET Framework CLR 1.1 (Provided on CD. Requires an additional 23MB); at least 256 color SVGA video: 800x600 resolution with small fonts: 2x CD-ROM; all online features/services require Internet access with at least a 56 Kbps modem. Multi-user mode is optimized for Windows 2000 Server or Windows Server 2003 client-server networks, and Windows 98 (SE)/2000/XP peer-to-peer networks.
Description: QuickBooks: Premier Contractor Edition 2005 is custom-built for contractors to help manage their businesses efficiently and accurately. The product features enhanced job costing tools to effortlessly track complete and accurate costs for jobs, ultimately helping contractors to make more money per job. Contractor Edition allows contractors to stay on budget with five new job costing reports including cost-to-complete and job cost by vendor. In addition, the product includes the ability to set billing rate levels by employee to save time and help reduce billing mistakes. For more information, call (888) 729-1996 or visit http://quickbooks.intuit.com.
ACCOUNTING
Paymee by Sapro Systems
Ideal for: Any size business.
System requirements: Windows 95 or later: Microsoft Excel 97 or later.
Description: PAYment application Made Easy for Excel, or Paymee, is a mason contractor billing software that creates high-quality progress billings for construction projects. Paymee was designed as a graphical and automated alternative to AIA form G703 & G702. Paymee is simple to use, powerful and very customizable to meet complex billing requirements. Put in billing details and a summary sheet is generated automatically. For more information, call (212) 593-1395 or visit www.PaymentApplication.com for a free version of the software.