TechBrief

TRENDS IN TECHNOLOGY

Top Productivity Apps for Construction Teams

In the new world of cloud-based mobile apps, small construction businesses need to look at ways to streamline and improve their workflows. Creating an environment in which information can be exchanged faster and more freely allows teams to operate at a higher efficiency. These new apps can help smaller teams gain a competitive advantage over larger teams.

Visit http://conappguru.com/apps/five-productivity-apps-for-construction-teams/ to view the full article online.

Five Tips for General Contractors to Make Their Sites Safer and More Efficient

On a busy jobsite, there are subcontractors everywhere — from carpenters and glaziers to bricklayers and ironworkers — all getting along with their own jobs. The carpenters don’t know the ironworkers, and the ironworkers don’t know the bricklayers. It's the general contractor's job to be sure the right hand knows what the left hand is doing. Here are five tips to help general contractors coordinate subcontractors and make sure that their sites are as safe and efficient as possible.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/ngc-nwl/articles/index-v3.asp?aid=343991&issueID=41291 to view the full article online.

How Technology Can Streamline the Workflow

Mobile technology is redefining the workday. Field workers increasingly leverage mobile devices for tasks that previously required time-intensive phone calls and paperwork. Today this technology is helping to streamline workflow by mitigating daily challenges that used to derail even the best laid plans. In a recent Aberdeen study, 82 percent of organizations identified mobility as a strategic initiative to gather real-time intelligence for issue resolution. Clearly, this technology offers significant benefits in enhancing end-to-end processes. The following are five ways we see mobility transforming the workday.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/ngc-nwl/articles/index-v3.asp?aid=343979&issueID=41291 to view the full article online.

TECHNOLOGY TIDBITS

Hello, iPhone 6S

The latest model of the Apple iPhone may look and feel like previous versions, but there are a few improvements which might appeal to would-be buyers.

Visit http://www.cnet.com/products/apple-iphone-6s/ to view the full article online.

World's Largest 3D Printer Unveiled

In September, WASP, an Italian engineering company, unveiled a 40-ft tall 3D printer, dubbed Big Delta. The behemoth is expected to supply quick and inexpensive housing units to areas hit by natural disasters and provide a solution to the rapidly expanding growth population.

Visit http://www.gizmag.com/wasp-big-delta-3d-printer-clay-housing/39414/?utm_source=James+Benham&utm_campaign=3c58e33e0d-JB+September+Tech+Talk&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_b88db17d0b-3c58e33e0d-323456697 to view the full article online.

UPCOMING EVENTS

VDC for Design Phase Management & Preconstruction
Tuesday, October 20, 2015 to Wednesday, October 21, 2015
Orlando, Florida

The use of virtual design and construction (VDC) techniques is becoming more widespread in just about every global economy. Governments, such as in the United Kingdom, are even setting targets for required VDC/BIM within the next few years. We would like to explore how the utilization of VDC techniques in the design and planning phase are ultimately impacting our project outcomes.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/ngc-nwl/articles/index-v3.asp?aid=344013&issueID=41291 to view the full article online.

Changing Your ERP System: Decision, Implementation and the Life Thereafter

October 22, 2015
2 to 3 p.m.

Member and Non-Member Price: FREE

At some point every organization must decide, "Is it time to change our Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) System?" If you decide to keep your current system you risk falling behind technologically and functionally. On the other hand, if you decide to change your ERP you will be faced with making a large investment, undergo varying degrees of disruption, and risk a failed implementation.

The primary reasons contractors seek new ERP systems include:

· change in management and ownership

· change in company direction

· greater need for business process improvements

· desired improvements in reporting and data mining

· field and office operations are not integrated technology is outdated or will no longer be supported, and more.

Once the decision is made to change to a new ERP system, there are common tasks that each contractor must consider in order to make the switch successful. From data conversions to user training, proper planning and implementation management will help make the effort worthwhile and maximize your return on the investment. Join the upcoming AGC webinar and meet two exceptional CFOs who made this critical decision to change their ERP systems and were very active in leading the implementation process, leveraging their systems today to help their organizations achieve their goals. Register here.

How to Foster a Culture of Lean and Innovation

November 17, 2015

2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Member Price: $79, Non-Member Price: $99

All webinar times are in ET

Becoming a Lean company is no easy task. It is truly a journey that begins with one person, one initiative or one department at a time. Along this journey, it is critical to obtain sustainability in order for the desired goal to not only be met, but to ultimately become a part of the very fabric of all involved with the process. Today we hope to share a few key points that allude to how we do just that as a team and as a company. The end goal is always about the people (the team) believing in the process because they choose to. It is not through coercion or manipulation, but through respect for others, commitment to becoming better and working together relentlessly for the greater goal, which allows for a culture of authentic change to develop over time.This webinar will discuss and explain some of the key components required for establishing a Lean culture within a business. Register here.

Associated General Contractors of America