Technology tips and trendS
Dear Readers:
Welcome to the January issue of the AccuBuilder. This month we are easing into 2007 with a philosophical Consultant’s Corner and news about our new training and implementation services. (Check out the Deal of the Month that goes along with this news!)
We also have an article written by our President, Mike Stearns, Sr., that outlines 10 capabilities that automate and streamline payroll.
We hope you enjoy this edition of the AccuBuilder.
Happy New Year!
Josh Stearns,
Vice President of Sales & Marketing
AccuBuild Construction Software
How Well Does Your Payroll Software Get the Job Done?
by Mike Stearns, Sr.
For contractors, calculating payroll can be more challenging than completing a job on time and under budget. Union reporting, multiple pay rates, diverse deductions and tracking an assortment of taxes are just some of the variables incurred during each pay period.
Construction-specific payroll software simplifies paying your employees. But not all software is created equal. Some systems provide little more than the basics, requiring additional computing using spreadsheets. Others deliver more complexity than you really need, which can slow down data entry.
Whether you are currently evaluating software to manage your business or are interested in sizing up your current payroll system, here are 10 capabilities that automate and streamline payroll. Although your software may handle these tasks already, ask yourself how accurately – and easily – they get the job done.
Costing Time to Multiple Jobs
Does your software allow you to distribute an employee’s time to multiple jobs and phases?
For accurate job costing you must track all related expenses, including labor. Having the ability to enter payroll time line-by-line to specific job and phase cost codes will result in a better understanding of where your labor dollars are being spent.
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Reflection and Renewal: Finding the Best Path Forward in 2007
by Danny Parrish
The beginning of a new year is a time for both reflection and renewal. Although time passes, ineffective patterns do not need to repeat. That’s why I recommend setting aside a little time now to reflect on the past year and ask yourself some important questions.
What were your company successes and company disappointments? And, perhaps more importantly, what have been your personal highs and lows?
Often, our personal attitudes and emotions provide the blanket under which our company activity happens. As leaders, we have an obligation to our fellow team members to bring our best to work each day – both in attitude and performance. It is virtually impossible to keep personal events from intruding on our professional lives. That’s why this period of reflection and renewal should be one that looks critically at both dimensions.
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Windows Vista™: Are You Ready to Upgrade?
by Josh Stearns
With rumors of Microsoft’s newest operating system (OS), Windows Vista, being released any day now, you may be wondering if you’re ready for it. But the real question isn’t, ‘Are you ready?’ It’s, ‘Is your software and hardware ready?’
Windows Vista is creating a lot of buzz in the computer world – and rightfully so. The new OS is being prophesied as Microsoft’s best OS so far for business and home computer users alike. With enhanced security, a new Windows Explorer look and piles of new functionality, Windows Vista will undoubtedly be the future of the PC world.
If you’re considering an upgrade to Windows Vista, follow these simple steps to make sure you don’t become a victim of hardware/software incompatibility.
1. Take it slow. Wait until other businesses have tested Windows Vista in their environments and let them work out the kinks for you. I like to wait until the first major service pack is released before upgrading office equipment.
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