Technology tips and trendS
Dear Readers:
Welcome to the February issue of the AccuBuilder. This month is all about cash flow. We’re featuring Part I of a three-part series on this hot construction management topic and in the Consultant’s Corner, Danny Parrish discusses how relationship building contributes to positive cash flow.
Plus, if you’ve ever experienced computer performance issues, you’ll want to check out this issue’s Tech Tip.
We hope you enjoy this edition of the AccuBuilder,
Josh Stearns,
Vice President of Sales & Marketing
AccuBuild Construction Software
Securing Positive Cash Flow
Part 1: Do You Have a Cash Flow Problem?
by Josh Stearns
This issue of the AccBuilder offers Part I of a three-part series on identifying – and correcting – current and future cash flow issues.
Many contractors struggle with cash flow. Although this can be attributed to many factors, admitting you have a problem is the first step to recovery.
Before you can take corrective action, however, you first need to understand where problems are coming from. That’s where your construction software reports come in. Here are five reports that can be used to identify cash flow issues before it’s too late to recover.
- Analyze Cash Flow by Job. The sobering reality is that many construction companies are one bad job away from bankruptcy. As each job progresses, it’s important to monitor how much cash is going out and how much cash is coming in. Negative cash flow should be a red flag that there is a problem with a job.
To see an example of a cash flow by job report click here.
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How Relationship Management Affects
Cash Flow
by Danny Parrish
We all know that cash flow is the lifeblood of contractors. What’s not always obvious, however, is that controlling cash flow often starts with relationship building. This is one area of construction management where a pro-active – rather than reactive – approach can make a huge difference for a company.
To become pro-active at building relationships that support cash flow, you need to emphasize to everyone that cash flow is important to your business. This includes internally with your employees as well as externally with your customers.
Employees. When it comes to cash flow, continually emphasize to your marketing and/or estimating departments that they should only seek to work with customers (or general contractors) that are financially strong. Make sure that your staff understands that billings need to get out on time and that collection efforts on late accounts should happen sooner rather than later.
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When Performance Is Key:
Optimizing Your Computer
by Mike J. Stearns
Many PC users have suffered an unnecessary lack of performance during day-to-day tasks. Have you ever asked why that progress bar is moving slower than molasses, or even gone as far to shout obscenities at the screen?
If lack of performance is part of your daily routine, here are some tips that will help your system perform at optimal speed.
Network Suggestions
Consumer grade network appliances don’t always meet the needs of small to medium sized businesses. However, there are an array of devices on the market designed specifically for multi-user networks that can handle a heavy load.
Network Performance Tips:
- Make sure CAT-5 cabling is certified and tested
- High-end “physical” firewalls and routers are more reliable and utilize services for secure remote access, routing and, most importantly, protecting your network from intrusion (just to name a few)
- Switches are intelligent devices that store physical addresses of nodes for quicker data transmission
- Use fast Ethernet or Gigabit Network Interface Cards (NIC) for workstations and servers
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