Using Computers in Your Business

NOTE-- In 2000 we replaced MacNail estimating and accounting, with Goldenseal construction estimating software. There are still plenty of die-hard MacNail users, so we keep the manuals online for their use! Goldenseal is an integrated software program that also includes accounting, scheduling and contract writing features. Note that this general computer software advice dates from the early 1990's.

The Computer in your Business

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.

If you are just starting out with the computer, we would suggest that you computerize in roughly the following order:

1. Word Processing--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 good 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--they 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!