Many AccuBuild Customers already own the AccuBuild Document Management module aka ADMS but, have you used the user defined folder templates yet? If not, you really need to check out this video! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_wrdQRZFqs
This video demonstrates a quick and easy way to organize documents into predefined folders using the user defined folder template feature in the AccuBuild Document Management Module.
At the end of this month (March 2010) we will be releasing the 2010 annual update CD for customers who are current with their software maintenance fees. One of the many new features on the update CD is a change to the Certified Payroll Report. The Certified Payroll report has been converted to the MAR (My AccuBuild Reports) format. This new format is customizable by the end users and allows for Certified Payroll Reports to be run for a single or many jobs at once.
Click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c1AJCqRFnyY to watch.
A while back we added a new feature to the Accounts Payable module in AccuBuild Construction Software. This new feature makes scheduling payments much easier. I have posted a new video demonstrating how to use this new feature. Click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sfdcbmq-lsc to watch.
If you’re a regular AccuBuild user, you may have noticed the UDF tab in various locations throughout the program.
But what are UDFs?
Simply put, UDFs allow end users to populate data in custom fields for various records like Jobs, Cost Codes, GL Accounts, Customers, Vendors etc… with custom data.
Why are UDFs important?
No two construction companies are the same and no software application (Not even one as Awesome as AccuBuild) can have every field built in necessary to track every scenario required. This is where UDFs can help.
For example, a roofing contractor may need to track Warranty Expiration Dates on each job. In AccuBuild, there isn’t a standard field called Warranty Expiration Date. With the use of UDFs in AccuBuild, you can set up a field on the Job List Called Warranty Expiration Date as shown below. UDFs eliminate the need to track information outside of AccuBuild which reduces duplicate data entry and eliminates data entry errors. Pretty neat huh?
How Can UDFs Help Manage My Business?
As mentioned above UDFs allow you to track custom information in one fully integrated database eliminating duplicated data entry, but UDFs can also help you track things like profitability or which vendors are best to work with.
Tracking Profitability using UDFs
Example:
ABC Construction Company wants to know which Construction Sector they work in is most profitable Commercial, Industrial or Residential. To find this out we can set up a UDF on the Job List called Construction Sector with a drop down list of the three sectors. This UDF allows me to classify each job in its appropriate Construction Sector as shown below.
This information can now be used to analyze which sectors are more profitable. This is done in My AccuBuild Reports (aka MAR) by copying and customizing existing reports or creating new reports from scratch.
The example below shows a modified copy of Current Contract Earnings Report in MAR. In this example, an additional group was added to the report with a subtotal for the UDF Field Construction Sector.
Now ABC Construction can quickly identify which Construction Sectors are most profitable.
This is just one example but there are endless possibilities of what can be analyzed with the use of UDFs and custom reports.
For more information on setting up and using UDFs
Click Here: http://www.accu-build.com/Downloads/UDFHelp.pdf
The 8407 RED Release of AccuBuild is now available on our website! This update contains a variety of updates you will appreciate and updates you will want to start using today.
Please note you will find additional 2010 state withholding table updates for Delaware, Kentucky, New Jersey and Oklahoma.
As you know, we roll out many updates throughout the year because we are always striving to give you the best construction software possible. Feel free to contact us with any questions. If you aren’t a customer and you would like to explore AccuBuild Construction Software, take a look at our demo section.
The 8407 Cumulative Update is on the AccuBuild website and contains all of the tax table changes for 2010 along with W-2 and 1099 changes for 2009. Several enhancements and features have been added since the 8406 Update and are now documented in the release notes for 8406 Red, Blue, Green, and Purple along with final notes for 8407.
The calendar year end notes are in the mail to all customers and a copy of these notes are on the AccuBuild website as well.
“AccuBuild Construction Software is so extensive, not one person can use every feature because there are too many to count” explains Steve Robinson, president & CEO of Rancho Pacific Electric. To some, this would be insulting. But to Mike Stearns, Sr., founder of AccuBuild, this is music to his ears.
The long-standing professional relationship between Steve Robinson and Mike Stearns, Sr. extends beyond 20 years. Both men pride themselves on creating trustworthy, ethical and customer-centric companies. “You know what you’re getting from AccuBuild – quality, integrity and service – because that’s what you get from Mike Stearns,” says Steve.
Founded in 1966 by Steve’s father, Ray Robinson, Rancho Pacific Electric has been using AccuBuild exclusively. “Before we started using AccuBuild, we were doing our bookkeeping by hand,” says Steve. “Our bookkeeper left and Mike helped us implement the software. A few months later, we were up and running with no problem.”
Today Steve is excited to start using AccuBuild’s Project Management Module and the Purchase Order Module is on his radar because his company’s need for it growing quickly. “Using AccuBuild keeps us organized and happy,” he says. “I would never work without it.”
Steve decided to take time out of his busy schedule this year to attend AccuBuild’s 2nd Annual Users’ Group Conference in Las Vegas. “I’m impressed with all of the knowledge I’ve acquired and I plan on attending next year and bringing my staff too.”
When I talk to potential customers about AccuBuild Construction Software, one of the most popular questions is “how will your Project Management Module help me?” Well, it’s not a simple answer because there are so many benefits, but I like to explain it like this - if you could save each of your Project Managers two hours a week, would you? If you have ten PMs, that would be 20 hours of time that could be spent on more productive things. Powerful stuff, right?
Every contractor knows how project management can impact profitability. Yet managing all of the complex aspects of a project is a difficult and often overwhelming task. Thanks to AccuBuild’s Project Management Module, you can take the headaches out of your day-to-day business by streamlining operations and accounting. After implementation you will have instant access to critical project information 24/7, allowing you and your team to make more informed decisions, control costs, and keep small problems from becoming huge disasters.
You will be able to track correspondence to the finest detail with our full Microsoft Office integration. Thanks to our easy-to-use document scanning feature, you don’t have to worry about digging through huge jobsite folders. You can effortlessly create and track daily tasks, calendars, RFI’s, Change Orders, Submittals, Meetings and Daily Reports, as well as Word, Excel, email and paper files.
Learn more about what AccuBuild’s Project Management Module can do for your company by clicking here.
As we begin reflecting about business in 2009, it’s normal to look ahead as to what 2010 may bring. This is a great time to think about ways you can improve your processes and make the tweaks necessary to get organized. For commercial and industrial construction companies, streamlining your accounting with operations is imperative.
At AccuBuild Construction Software, we know exactly what you need to do business more efficiently. We’ve been immersed in the construction industry for a long time and the knowledge we have about software and technology makes it easy for us to create tools you can use quickly and easily.
AccuBuild software saves you time, keeps your staff on the same page and gves you the freedom to build your business. If everyone can stay on top of projects and not fall behind due to lack of organization or human error, your company thrives. If you’ve been considering construction specific software, I encourage you to contact me and discover what we have to offer.
The 8406 BLUE Release of AccuBuild is now available on our website! This update contains bug fixes that you will appreciate and updates you will want to start using today.
We updated Project Management by making enhancement to the PM Log Field and My Day Calendar. We’ve made adjustments to MAR Reports, the AccuBuild Blog Screen and fixed a small issue in Document Management (ADMS).
As you know, we roll out many updates throughout the year because we are always striving to give you the best construction software possible. Feel free to contact us with any questions. If you aren’t a customer and you would like to explore AccuBuild Construction Software, take a look at our demo section.
As we prepare for 2010, I’m pleased to offer our customers new AccuBuild Construction Software, as well as three ways to save. We are entering the “beta” phase of our new Scheduling Module and if you help us test it, you can get it for 40% off.
The Scheduling Module is a user-friendly tool you can use to streamline your business, whether your scheduling needs are basic or complex. Cost estimates, billing and sub-payments are easy to set up, so you can customize your project’s timeline with the click of a mouse.
View a demo of AccuBuild’s Scheduling Module by clicking this link:
http://www.accu-build.com/Downloads/Schedulingdemo.exe
We are also offering additional savings to customers beyond the Scheduling Module. In total, there are three great ways to save money and get ready for business in 2010.
1. Beta Testing Scheduling Module, 40% Off
Participate in beta testing the new AccuBuild scheduling module and get 40% off the purchase price. Beta version is scheduled for release in the 1st quarter of 2010. You must pre-order the module before December 31, 2009.
2. Buy 1 License, Get 1 License 50% Off
Buy 1 user license and get 1 license 50% off. No limit on number purchased.
3. Buy 1 Module or Feature, Get One 25% Off
Buy any new feature or module and get a 25% discount. Email me for a list of AccuBuild Features & Modules and discounted pricing.
The 8406 Release of AccuBuild is now available on our website! This update contains exciting new features including long-awaited changes which open up financial statement printing and bank reconciliation processes into a future fiscal year.
In addition, some updated state tax tables are included for California, Wisconsin, and New Jersey. Be sure to read the release notes for this update including the notes for versions 8405 Blue and 8405 Red. All of the enhancements that were introduced at the 2nd Annual Users’ Group Conference are included in this release.
Across the board, industries are trying to cut down on the wasteful use of paper and the commercial construction industry is no exception. Unfortunately, the commercial construction is a paperwork-intensive business. There are POs, change orders, transmittals, RFIs and multiple copies of everything. Most construction companies are constantly facing a barrage of paperwork, files and huge storage facilities.
AccuBuild Construction Software not only offers an efficient way to deal with all of the documents, but also an eco-friendly solution - Document Management Module. AccuBuild’s document management software (ADMS) delivers a powerful business management system to your desktop that reduces the administrative costs associated with filing, retrieving and re-filing paper documentation. Features such as batch scanning, drag-and-drop file attaching and shortcut keys speed and simplify your construction imaging software use.
Instead of copying and storing pages upon pages of physical documents, construction companies simply scan, save and store files electronically. Then, instead of printing copies for everyone working on the project, digital copies can be distributed via email electronically.
Based on an article on DigitalLandfill.com, a conservative estimate says scanning can reduce paper consumption by one to three percent. Document management also saves time, resources, the opportunity for human error and space - no more huge files! If you’re struggling with too much paperwork, give AccuBuild a call today!
AccuBuild Construction Software would like thank Advantage Database Server being sponsor at our 2nd Annual Users’ Group Conference last week in Las Vegas. Advantage is a high-performance relational database management system. In essence, it’s the software that manages your data, including how it is created, accessed, updated and maintained within an application like AccuBuild.
The database has a dramatic effect on an applications performance, stability, and reliability. Advantage Database Server has been developed over the past 16 years. It is one of the most reliable, secure and highest performing client/server databases in its class. Advantage allows multiple users to access large and small quantities of data with lightning speed and accuracy while maintaining integrity. Thousands of businesses throughout the world rely on it to manage their data.
Advantage Database Server is specifically targeted towards Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) and is designed to be embedded into the business applications these ISVs build, sell and distribute. Advantage is ideal for small and medium sized environments, generally, 5 -500 users. Advantage requires no DBA or ongoing administration, excelling in database environments with limited or no IT Staff. Click here to learn more!
Today kicks off the first day of AccuBuild’s 2nd Annual Users’ Group Conference! Despite the challenging economy, close to 50 AccuBuild Construction Software users are able to join us here in Las Vegas. The day started off with registration and a lovely breakfast. Many attendees have not seen each other since last year’s event, so folks were happy to see familiar faces of friends and colleagues.
Mike Stearns, Jr. & Mike Stearns, Sr. set up laptops
Breakfast kicks-off 2nd Annual Conference
Attendees gather in Las Vegas
The Monte Carlo is providing us with an ideal set-up for dining and training. We are pleased to have two sponsors this year, Comdata and Advantage Database. Advantage Database Server is a high-performance relational database management system. In other words, it is the software that manages your data, including how it is created, accessed, updated and maintained within an application like AccuBuild. The database has a dramatic effect on an applications performance, stability, and reliability. Advantage Database Server is one of the most reliable, secure and highest performing client/server databases in its class. Thousands of businesses throughout the world rely on it to
manage their data.
Advantage Database Server & Comdata are sponsors
Comdata
Comdata can help you turn your accounts payable department into a revenue generator. Thanks to AccuBuild’s recent integration with Comdata, you can pay vendors electronically with one time use credit cards. Your company will earn cash rebates of up to 1% paid to you the following month through this secure process.The AccuBuild MasterCard solution and platform provided by Comdata, will help you reduce costs and increase efficiency.
Learning more about AccuBuild Construction Software
Today attendees will learn about accounting basics within AccuBuild, Microsoft integration, change order processing, Project Management, custom forms and MAR basics. After an informative day of training session, attendees will get to relax and network at a reception hosted at The Pub in the Monte Carlo.
We are happy to announce that we will have the latest update for AccuBuild - Version 8406 (Beta Release - aka 8405 Red) available at the 2009 Users’ Group Conference this week in Las Vegas!
Attendees get a first-hand look at all the latest enhancements - several of which were on last year’s wish from the 2008 Users’ Group Conference. We are very excited about these changes and are looking forward to showing them to you at the conference.
Copies of the update on CD as well as full Demo Copies of AccuBuild will be available at the conference for those who will bringing their notebook computers. We will also be updating our blog daily with photos an details from Vegas. See many of you soon!
According to a recent article in the Dayton Business Journal, the backlog of construction projects increased from June to July.An economist from the Associated Builders and Contractors was asked when all of this stimulus money will start showing up in the economy. Good question!
Anirban Basu, chief economist for the organization, said the uptick answers the question: When will the stimulus package passed in February begin to show up in the nation’s economy?
Significantly less than 50 percent of the $131 billion earmarked for infrastructure improvements of the $787 billion has been spent so far, Basu said. The western states have the longest backlog in the country, rising from 7.1 months in June to 7.2 months in July. The backlog in the middle states, including Wisconsin, rose the most, to 5.6 months from 4.6 months in June.
“The backlog data is revealing because it reflects an acceleration of the pace at which stimulus money is flowing through the economy,” he said.
Maybe the downturn is over for the commercial construction industry - at long last!
Many small commercial construction companies started off using basic accounting software like QuickBooks or Peachtree. In the beginning, these tools are useful and help you stay organized. But as you grow and become more profitable, you need to re-examine these tools. Why? Well, here are three good reasons:
1. - Entry level software does not leave an audit trail. This is problematic. At some point it can be very important to go back and look at certain data and know where it came from and/or who changed it.
2. - Creating a WIP schedule is not easy. If you don’t have construction accounting software, you can’t easily create a WIP schedule in a fully integrated environment. Exporting data becomes a timely process and opens opportunities for human error.
3. - Creating a Committed Cost Report is not easy either! This is one of the most valuable reports you can use to proactively manage your company. Again, using entry level software does not give you the ability to generate this type of report.
The bottom line is it may seem like a hassle to switch to a new software system ot it may seem like a big investment, but the reality is this software is built exactly for the complexities in construction. Construction software can handle all of your requirements and offers an infinite amount of features and benefits that you might not even think of until you start using them. It will make your life easier and help you focus on the jobs at hand.
The commercial construction industry might be creating positive results for government projects, but small to mid-sized contractors are cutting bids too low. A recent Associated Press article, ‘Sunken Economy Boosts Public Construction Projects, sheds light on the growing problem of bidding competitively.
For example, in New Jersey they’ve noticed a significant drop in the cost for construction on projects like schools.
One reason for the lower bids is that prices of construction materials have been falling. The federal Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the price of steel and iron scrap fell nearly 57 percent from June 2008 to June 2009, and cement prices were down 15 percent over that period.
Jim Andoga, president of the Irving, Texas-based construction giant Austin Bridge & Road, said he was making bids a year ago that included paying 65 cents per pound for rebar used in concrete work. Now, he said, the same material costs him 26 cents per pound.
The falling bids go beyond materials.
Andoga said his company, facing more competition, has reduced built-in profit margins in its bids by about 20 to 25 percent over the past year. In 2006, he bid an average of 9 percent over engineers’ estimates, compared with 17 percent under this year” and still has not won as often.
“Contractors that don’t have long-term work saw their backlog drop so dramatically, they started sharpening their pencils,” he said. They needed to get any work to stay in business” even if it means losing money on some deals.
While contractors need to be competitive, you also need to be smart. Don’t lowball yourself right out of business! A great way to make sure you are submitting ideal bids and planning out costs to the penny is to invest in construction software. AccuBuild Construction Software offers you the peace of mind you need to make informed decisions.
As you know, next month AccuBuild will he holding its 2nd Annual Users’ Group Conference in Las Vegas. The event will take place October 7-9 at the Monte Carlo Resort & Casino.
If you’re interested in attending, please register today and reserve your rooms at the Monte Carlo online! The hotel deadline is September 15, 2009. Read more about booking your rooms by clicking here.
HOTEL DEADLINE APPROACHING!
The last day to book rooms at the Monte Carlo is September 15, 2009. Book your rooms today!
Telephone Reservations: To reserve rooms at the Monte Carlo, please call the Hotel Reservation Department at 800-311-8999. In order to receive the group rate, you must identify your affiliation with AccuBuild User’s Group Conference - Rooms only, Group Code XACCU. Rates cannot be changed at check-in or check-out if you fail to identify your affiliation at the time the reservation is made.
Electronic Reservations: If you would like to reserve your room at the Monte Carlo online, please copy and paste the link below into your browser. This will take you to the AccuBuild Group Registration area at the Monte Carlo.
https://reservations.mgmmirage.com/bookingengine.aspx?pid=MCH&host=group&code=XACCU
Join AccuBuild in Las Vegas for its 2nd Annual Users’ Group Conference, October 7-9, 2009!
-Do you know how to tell which Project Manager is the most profitable?
-Are you able to manage hundreds of subcontractors with ease?
-Do you know how MS Office Add In integrated with Project Management?
This year AccuBuild is offering basic and advanced level classes and duplicate classes on popular topics that will run simultaneously. From Document Management to advanced accounting to Microsoft integration, you will learn how to use all of the helpful features in AccuBuild Construction Software. You will also discover existing and new tools that you might not know about.
Last year, California-based Allen Engineering Contractor, Inc. sent six employees to AccuBuild’s Users’ Group Conference in Las Vegas. In addition to the president of the company and the controller, the company sent four more AccuBuild users.
The event created quite a buzz,” says Tiffany St. George, Contract Administrator at Allen Engineering Contractor. We had a lot to talk about after the conference and we implemented a lot of ideas we learned right away.
The folks at Allen Engineering Construction discovered how to brand their purchase orders and forms, something they didn’t realize they could do in AccuBuild. Tiffany said they started utilizing user defined fields as soon as they could.
Prior to the conference, we needed tools to help us get more organized,” explains Tiffany. “During the classes we discovered those tools and thought, ‘Wow! This is exactly what we were searching for!’ and that was a great feeling.” Tiffany goes on to say that today they are working with Comdata to use the new AccuBuild MasterCard, a topic that was covered at last year’s event.
Sending AccuBuild users to this conference is a must, says Tiffany. “The knowledge you gain is definitely worth the investment. We know how to use all of the features and tools in our system and it has helped us reduce redundancies and human error,” she says. “You can’t put a price tag on that.”
The company began using AccuBuild Construction Software in 2006. Allen Engineering Contractor has about 250 employees and out of those employees, 40 use the AccuBuild system on a regular basis. The company plans to offer the system to more employees in the near future. Six employees, including Tiffany, will be attending the conference this year.
-Do you know how to make your equipment profitable?
-Do you know how to tell which Project Manager is the most profitable?
-Are you able to manage hundreds of subcontractors with ease?
-Do your forms reflect your company’s or your customer’s branding?
-Do you know how MS Office Add In integrated with Project Management?
Last year our users told us what they wanted and we listened! This year AccuBuild is offering basic and advanced level classes and duplicate classes on popular topics that will run simultaneously. From Document Management to advanced accounting to Microsoft integration, you will learn how to use all of the helpful features in AccuBuild Construction Software. You will also discover existing and new tools that you might not know about.
AccuBuild Construction Software has released Update 8405 and it is now available for download from our website.
Please note 8405 includes all of the color updates from 8404. You will notice enhancements in Document Management, Equipment List, Payroll, Project Management, Purchase Orders, as well as a variety of corrections, and much more.
Mark your calendars!
Don’t forget to register for the AccuBuild Users’ Group Conference! This is the perfect opportunity to make sure you are utilizing your AccuBuild system to its fullest. Join us at the Monte Carlo Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, October 7-9, 2009. Register now to take advantage of Early Bird Prices!
