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The IT Forum gives AGC members an opportunity to discuss best practices and garner feedback about products and services that increase efficiencies. The following questions and answers were taken from recent forum posts.

Q: We are researching the pros and cons of developing in house, or finding an existing software solution to provide Web-based time entry, which would import into our ERP system via an approval process. Is anyone out there using a Web-based (IIS – hosted internally, no SaaS) time entry solution from a software vendor?
Jeff Sowell, MCSE, ITIL
Charter Construction

A: We implemented a program by HCSS at the first of the year called HEAVYJOB. We use it primarily for remote time entry, but with added value as a project management application that allows us to track and measure production quantities as well. We track man hours, equipment usage, materials used on jobs, and, with the note-taking capabilities, have a record of sub hours and great reporting on notes taken in the field. Highly recommend it. Good group of people. They stick to any issues and work through it until it is solved. We interface to Timberline, which was an issue for them, but as a SQL product, they can interface to many other products.
Greg Smolens
Sunland Asphalt

A: If anyone is looking into electronic field capture, they should really look at AboutTime Technologies. We implemented their system last year and it has been great. We bought 150 netbooks and run their software with biometric readers and send in our time wirelessly for 1,500 users each week. Don’t buy anything else without at least looking at them. I looked at 10-12 companies and conducted 3-4 site visits before deciding on them. Extremely pleased with our decision.
Kenneth Sewell
Baker Drywall

Q: Is anyone using mobile devices for capturing time card or job information? Tablets, iPads, Droids, etc.
Jerry Humble
Penhall Company

A: Based on an earlier recommendation, we are looking into ACS Connect. They support a wide range of ERP Systems and mobile devices: Blackberry, Android, Windows – www.acs-connect.com.
Jeff Sowell
Charter Construction