Other Uses for the Computers
We get many requests from
our users about the 'best' software available for construction businesses. We
keep a current list of specific programs of interest to builders, and we are always happy to send it, upon
request. We are also happy to provide suggestions and advice over the phone.
NOTE-- In 2000, MacNail was replaced by
Goldenseal construction
accounting software. Goldenseal is an integrated program that
includes general accounting, job costing, payroll and
project billing, plus estimating and other features. The information
on this page dates from the early 1990's, but some is
still applicable.
If you are just starting
out with the computer, we would suggest that you computerize in roughly the following order:
1. Word Processing, programs--the first thing to use, with the quickest payoff. You can increase the professionalism
of your business tremendously by setting up a letterhead template that lets you print good-looking letters quickly.
As a bonus, computer letters are much easier to file, and much easier to find later on. Of course, you may need to
take an evening typing class! Although voice recognition may be around in ten years or so, it looks like the keyboard
will be the best way to enter words and numbers for quite a while yet.
2. Hyper*Estimators--they are quick and easy, almost fun. Although they are only designed to be 'rough' estimators,
they will make project setup for MacNail much easier.
3. Excel and MacNail--the MacNail construction accounting software will give you a handle on all that business 'number-crunching'. We
provide estimating, accounting, job costing, and scheduling. Other Excel templates are available for depreciation,
tax planning, income taxes, and so on. While spreadsheets are not the easiest programs to learn, they are such a useful
tool that it is well worth the effort.
4. CAD, programs--several good programs are available, including ClarisCAD, MiniCAD, and possibly MacDraw.
They will let you 'design-build' simple projects, and produce simple floor plans, elevations, and so on.
There is something about a good, clear, computer-produced drawing that often gets you the job even if you are not the
low bidder.
5. Database programs--FileMaker is still the best as of this printing. A good flat file will let you design
your own 'smart' business forms, which should quickly repay its costs from change orders alone. As a bonus,
it can give you a 'smart' address book and other handy little information files.
6. Scheduling programs--if you are doing enough jobs at once that you have frequent scheduling problems. Critical
path schedulers like MacProject help some people tremendously. Others find them to be more trouble than gain.
The computer can be an extremely useful tool for you to help organize your business. What it won't do, however,
is organize it without your help! If your whole financial and management system is a mess, you'll need to spend
some time organizing it while you are computerizing, or you won't get anywhere.
Most people seem to ease into computerization gradually, so don't be frustrated if it takes you a year or more
to get really 'up and running'. Computers and software are still improving rapidly, and there isn't
need for a great deal of haste. Any project you don't computerize this year will probably be easier to computerize
next year!
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