Wearable Construction Innovations: Where It Makes Sense, and Where It Doesn’t

Technological innovations are great, but seamlessly integrating new tech into your business is a challenge for even the most agile of construction managers.

A recent study by Genpact Research Institute found that out of nearly $600 billion spent worldwide on digital projects every year, two-thirds went to projects that offered bad returns on investment.

It’s wise to temper excitement about new technology, even innovations that seem perfect for construction. But it’s equally unwise to ignore cutting-edge advancements that could help your business.

Wearable device shipments will increase from nearly 202 million in 2016 to 501 million by 2021, according to ABIresearch. People in all industries are using wearables, and they’re going to be using them a lot more in the coming years.

Construction managers need to get into wearables, which boost worker productivity and improve job site safety.

But you also need to avoid being that construction manager who wastes two out of every three dollars spent on technology.

Let’s take an in-depth look at why you should invest in wearable construction innovations, and which wearables, in particular, hold the most promise for your bottom line.

Why invest in wearable construction innovations?

When we say wearable construction innovations, we’re talking about anything that a construction worker can wear that uses technology to improve performance or safety in some way.

There are a few important reasons why this type of technology holds such promise for the construction industry.

They boost efficiency.

Wearables help you gather data and minimize downtime across your workforce. Combined with construction management software, sensors track workers’ movements and can help you determine where your resources are going, and where they’re being wasted.

They ensure worker safety.

What your workers wear is the last line of defense against workplace injury. Offering the latest and greatest gear protects your business’ most important assets.

They improve worker productivity.

You want your workers to be more than safe, you want them to be comfortable, which in turn helps them be more productive.

Let’s explore three types of innovative construction wearables and determine whether it’s time to invest or hold onto your checkbook.

3 types of wearable construction innovations

1. Smart glasses

HoloLens (Source)

What it is:

Smart glasses are wearable computer glasses that augment what a user sees by overlaying data or imagery. Google Glass was an early product to the market; the tech giant started selling a prototype in 2013 for $1,500 before halting production in 2015 (and then announcing last year the product would be restarted).

Microsoft’s HoloLens has become a major player, and a few others have dipped their toes in the market. XOEye Technologies offers a construction-specific version, with smart glasses geared toward training workers.

Another variant is the smart helmet, which combines the safety benefits of a helmet with the augmented reality of smart glasses.

What it’s capable of on a construction site:

Smart glasses help you train newer workers who lack skills in a way you can’t with a book or a class. They’re also useful for communication, keeping you connected with your workers in real time. Smart glasses help workers cut down on mistakes by using augmented reality to boost precision.

Will it help you?

Smart glasses are one of the easiest pieces of tech to waste money on. They’re expensive—often costing thousands of dollars for one device—and if you run a small construction project with only a handful of workers, your money is probably better spent elsewhere. But, if you’re struggling specifically with finding a cost-effective way to train new workers on the job, smart glasses will solve that problem.

2. Smart clothing

What it is:

Construction clothing isn’t just clothing anymore. Smart clothing includes heated jackets, cooling vests, and even self-charging work boots that can track user fatigue and provide lighting.

What it’s capable of on a construction site:

Smart clothing goes a long way toward ensuring worker comfort, which can improve your bottom line by ensuring workers get more done per hour.

DeWalt sells reflective heated jackets with battery packs that can last a full workday, keeping workers comfortable in freezing conditions. On the opposite end, you can buy cooling jackets with either a fluid system that pumps cooling liquid through the vest or built-in fans so workers don’t become fatigued in the heat.

Another option is footwear such as SolePower’s Smartboots, which provide data that you can use to ensure worker compliance and safety.

Will it help you?

The heated/cooling technology is best for construction companies with employees working in extreme conditions. If you work in a mild geographical region, you can probably pass on these wearables. Smart footwear is a different story. If you’re worried about worker efficiency, purchase a pair and run a trial with one worker to see if they provide useful insights that can help you deploy workers more effectively.

3. Sensors

What it is:

Sensors continue to get smaller and smaller, and now you can put them just about anywhere: work belts, shoes, helmets—you name it. You won’t notice sensors at a glance, but they’re there just the same, working constantly on the job site gathering critical data.

What it’s capable of on a construction site:

Sensors compile a tremendous volume of data on every aspect of your construction site. They use GPS and timestamps to track worker movements, determining when and where everything happens on your job site.

Sensors can track worker fatigue or alert you to slips and falls. You can even use some sensors to set up geofencing areas to alert workers that they’re entering a restricted or unsafe zone.

Spot-R, for example, is a belt sensor that can track movement and comes equipped with a button that alerts others of safety concerns.

Will it help you?

Sensors have come a long way, and construction managers who haven’t implemented them at their job sites should take a hard look at available options as soon as possible. They’re fairly inexpensive, and provide you with valuable insight that wasn’t available ten, or even five, years ago. They’re a worthwhile investment for any firm willing to do the analysis required to take advantage of sensor-provided data and can help you determine what changes you should make so your construction site operates at maximum efficiency.

Learn more about how to use technology on the job site

Wearables are a tricky subject in the construction industry. It’s no secret that the industry is slow to adopt new technology; a lot of construction managers are reticent about ditching the old ways in favor of something new.

Wherever you fall on the technology adoption spectrum, we’ve got a host of resources to help you figure out how best to use technology on your job site:

• Are Drones in Construction a Good Investment for Small Businesses?
• The 5 Best Ways to Reduce Injuries on Construction Sites
• 6 Key Elements to Assessing Technology Costs in Construction
• 2018 Construction Industry Trends: Here’s What to Expect

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4 Success Stories Your Construction Management Business Can Learn From

In your career as a construction manager, you’re bound to hit a rut.

You feel as though you’ve done everything you possibly can to maximize profitability—from improving your bidding process to boosting efficiency through new construction management software—and you’ve reached a plateau.

As a construction manager, you have to keep learning new ways to achieve success.

One of the biggest dangers small businesses face is getting sucked into doing things the same way they’ve always done them. This leads to stagnation and even decline as your competitors find better ways of doing things and lure customers away.

From 2011 to 2017, the construction industry ranked ninth among all industries in terms of the number of firms that were considered “high growth;” 1,170 construction businesses met that definition, according to the Brookings Institution. There are a lot of companies that seem to have things figured out.

So, what are they doing that you’re not?

Take a deep breath, and get ready to step outside your comfort zone. That step is what separates the five percent of incredibly successful companies from the 95% that simply do what everyone else is doing.

4 case stories to help you step outside your comfort zone

The trick to identifying the limitations of your comfort zone is getting outside of your own head and looking at other companies’ successes. Pull creative ideas from outside sources, and you’ll be well on your way to shaking things up.

Below, we’ll dive into four examples of construction companies that have enjoyed enormous success. We broke each story down into a key point, the problem they solved, and a final takeaway to help you replicate their success at your own construction management business.

Let’s get started.

1. Never run out of work

The problem:

“My firm needs to find (and win) more projects.”

The story:

It happens to everyone in this industry: Sometimes, the work just dries up. Maybe it’s because the region you serve is having a construction lull. Maybe competition is getting tougher. Or maybe you’re just on a run of bad luck.

Whatever the reason, you don’t have time to feel sorry for yourself—you’ve got to find work.

Where there’s a will, there’s a way. And one Iowa contractor found a way by being flexible—and I mean crazy flexible.

J. Pettiecord does 24-hour spill response, highway work, land clearing, and environmental construction. And that’s just a few of the project types the company has taken on.

Founder Jeff Pettiecord told Equipment World that in the 1980s he “literally chased fire trucks” to offer building restoration services. By not confining himself to one specific type of construction, Pettiecord opened himself to all sorts of projects and revenue sources.

The takeaway:

Pettiecord got ahead by not turning opportunities down. What opportunities are you missing out on just because it’s not the type of construction you do? If you’ve got the equipment and the know-how, take the plunge and bid for projects you’ve never done before.

2. Obtain a huge advantage

The problem:

“The big guys are killing me.”

The story:

When you’re a small contractor, you’ve got to be nimble. In addition to looking for work in areas you normally wouldn’t, you’ve got to be willing to find little ways to gain an edge on the bigger contractors who threaten your small business’ existence on a daily basis.

Taking advantage of government programs is a good way to do that. Just look at Tonto Rock Products LLC in Arizona.

This company found a way to success by becoming the first Native American Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) to be certified for sand and gravel manufacturing.

Company president Forrest Gressley told Small Business Trends: “I’ve got a Native American background. That, and coming out of the economy that we just did, I decided that every advantage that I could find I was going to utilize.”

The takeaway:

Are there government assistance programs you’re not taking advantage of? Check out grants.gov to see if there is one that fits your company’s profile, and learn more with HUD Exchange’s Small Contractors Initiative. There’s a host of other options out there, including a Small Business Administration mentorship program to help you compete for government contracts, as well as certifications that will give you the edge when you bid.

3. Assemble (and retain) a great team

The problem:

“I can’t find good people.”

The story:

Larry Merle, winner of Equipment World’s 2015 Contractor of the Year honor, opened Genesee Construction Service in 1999 with the help of only his wife and an old excavator he bought at auction.

At the time of his 2015 award, his company was worth $11 to 13 million.

Hiring the right people was crucial to his success. Merle told EW that he had a simple credo for choosing his employees: Hire for character and integrity, and train for skill. He chose people who would present a professional face to his clients in all the little things, such as not swearing at the job site, and provided the training they needed.

To win the loyalty of his employees, Merle knew he had to show them loyalty from the outset. He decided to give them pay and benefits that exceeded industry norms/expectations. And when employees found a way to drastically cut his equipment idle time at his request, Merle calculated the savings and cut a bonus check to those employees from a portion of those proceeds.

He even took a personal pay cut during a downturn, rather than lay off an employee.

The takeaway:

Are your employees really loyal to you, or would they leave as soon as they got a slightly better offer? Take a two-pronged approach to hiring in the future: (1) look for people with integrity who will go the extra mile, and (2) invest in them by showing loyalty through compensation, job security, and basic generosity and empathy.

4. Create an environment of collaboration

The problem:

“I can’t get my employees to work as a team.”

The story:

DPR Construction is a juggernaut in the industry, pulling in nearly $4 billion in revenue in 2016, according to Forbes. And yet, it doesn’t have a traditional chief executive officer, nor does it have formal job titles.

Despite that, the company boasts a culture of collaboration that few other construction firms enjoy. DPR was created by three men in 1990 who, today, are part of a board and seven-person management team responsible for running the firm.

Instead of a traditional corporate hierarchy, the three founders opted to run the company in a more democratic fashion, believing that this format would lead to honest feedback and sharing. If their employees weren’t afraid to speak up, the best ideas would float to the top.

By focusing more on responsibilities and less on rigid titles, the company was able to create a culture of collaboration and natural, healthy competition. Founder Doug Woods told Forbes: “People know who’s doing what. And scoreboards are visible to everybody.”

The takeaway:

You can box employees in by giving them titles that don’t fully encompass their skill sets. Wipe away those restrictive titles and give them responsibilities instead. Sit down with employees and talk about what they’re capable of, how it can benefit the company, and how success will be rewarded. Give them an opportunity to take ownership of their role, and you won’t have to micromanage them.

Take these success stories to heart, emulate them in a way that’s right for your business, and check out these other resources to come up with even more new ideas:

• Are Drones in Construction a Good Investment for Small Businesses?
• 2018 Construction Industry Trends: Here’s What to Expect
• 3 Construction Management Lessons From 21st Century Megaprojects
• 7 Construction Estimating Tips That Will Save You Money
• 6 Simple Ways to Save Money as a Construction Manager

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4 Ways Tech Boosts Collaboration in Design and Build Construction

Collaboration is a vital part of the building and infrastructure design and construction process. Email just doesn’t cut it as a collaboration tool anymore.

Explaining ideas to multiple collaborators results in long threads that are hard to keep track of, and unanswered questions and unhelpful feedback get buried in the process.

And that’s to say nothing of all those attachments—including contracts, drawings, and models—that make chains unwieldy because of size constraints. Forget about keeping track of versions and recipients.

The good news about email’s shortcomings? A wealth of new ideas, workflows, construction management software, and technologies have emerged in recent years that are both easily accessible and improve the collaboration process.

4 tech advances that facilitate design and build collaboration

So, what makes these recent technological developments superior to, say, sharing ideas over Slack groups and email chains? It’s the visuals.

A 2015 study published in the International Journal of Technology and Design Education concluded that visually supported collaboration technology enhanced student collaboration experiences, resulting in a better overall completed construction project.

From hosting initial meetings and sharing visions to passing on detailed design information, here are four ways to use visually oriented technology in your workflow to facilitate collaboration success.

1. It all starts with BIM

Building Information Modeling (BIM) is the cornerstone of the future of collaboration in construction. By using open international data standards—such as Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) for model-based data and PDFs for paper-based communications—BIM becomes openBIM, putting data at the center of solutions.

This gives project stakeholders of all types the ability to use information across a large spectrum, sharing detailed information about a building over its entire life cycle, from concept to completion.

BIM has been around for a while, but more adoption is needed to overcome the challenges inherent in a such a complex collaborative environment.

François Lévy, (M.Arch, MSE), AIA, author, and partner at Lévy Kohlhaas Architecture, said:

“Our firm uses BIM for the entire project design cycle, from the earliest design concepts to documentation of Request For Information (RFI) in construction, and everything in between. As a result, we can accelerate our design process through improved visualization, coordination, and documentation—and validate design decisions through BIM’s inherent data-driven intelligence.”

2. Set project expectations with virtual reality

Virtual reality (VR) has been making more and more headlines in the past few years. Many of today’s VR tech applications in the building industry focus on design representation and simulation, allowing clients to share experiences with designers by “walking through” virtual prototypes of their projects during the design stages.

The tech also helps contractors simulate the intricacies and dependencies of construction sequencing.

VR tech gives clients and collaborators a better understanding of the scope of a project and facilitates the decision-making process, especially for concepts that are difficult to fully communicate through static 2D drawings and charts. Another benefit? You won’t need to be on site to realistically explore the options.

Not all VR offerings require a hefty investment in equipment; some operate with any web-enabled device and even offer immersive stereoscopic mode if you have a smartphone and arguably inexpensive phone-holding headsets such as Google Cardboard, Google Daydream View, or Samsung Gear VR.

3. Work together in the cloud

Cloud-based integration, available for multiple software types, has a myriad of uses throughout a project life cycle, including making important project data sharing easier and more intuitive. Use this technology to reduce time and mistakes when shuffling files and information between members of a widely distributed team.

New technologies, such as the recent partnership of Vectorworks Cloud Services and BluebeamStudio, allow project team members to quickly create and host real-time online review and markup sessions. This means less time and effort spent convening a project team in a single conference room or passing ideas back and forth via email or messaging platforms.

Instead, designers, contractors, and their clients can work concurrently on a set of information in PDFs. Coupled with online chat, voice, and video tools, you have a rich exchange with no lag time or ambiguity across states, the country, or even the globe.

4. The future is augmented reality

We’re seeing more innovation surrounding augmented and mixed reality tech, but what are they, exactly? And how can they possibly impact construction?

With augmented reality (AR), graphical and non-graphical data is streamed into the user’s field of vision of the real world. Mixed reality (MR), on the other hand, takes elements of AR and allows further interactivity between the virtual and the real. Real-world elements not only have data overlaid, but can impact or be impacted by the data stream.

(Source)

Although we’re still in the earliest stages of development and experimentation with AR and MR—often seen in simple consumer-level games—we can imagine how this technology can be used in collaborative workflows.

With the ability to superimpose a design on real space using a mobile device, designers can better illustrate their vision to clients and contractors in real-world scale, context, and environmental conditions.

Job supervisors may soon be able to conduct daily inspections and compare results to a superimposed progress model, with discrepancies highlighted. Results are quickly noted and conveyed back to the design and construction teams for resolution or approval.

No more looking up and down, shifting focus from the real world to scaled 2D pages and back again; what is and what should be are merged without the need for human abstraction and interpretation, reducing errors and time spent correcting them.

What technology do you use in your construction business?

According to a 2018 Automation in Construction study, AR and BIM integration can reduce cognitive failures and increase productivity (when compared to a control group). These are just a few examples we see developers prototyping today. Who knows what tomorrow will bring?

It’s great to live in a time when technology continues to give designers, contractors, project managers, and clients easier ways to collaborate each year. By implementing these technologies, you may find yourself meeting deadlines, and saving money in the long run.

Is your construction business using any of these technologies? Which ones, and how have they helped? What technology are you excited to try next? Let us know in the comments!

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Are Drones in Construction a Good Investment for Small Businesses?

For years, you’ve run your construction project the same way. You’ve purchased some construction management software to streamline operations but haven’t been interested in the latest gadgets.

You’ve said to yourself: Drones? On a construction site? How about I just keep building things the way I always have?

But the times, they are a-changin’, and it’s wise to change with them. Drones are one area where construction managers should sit up and pay attention, because your business’ competitors will have a huge edge if they’re using them and you aren’t.

Drones are more than just a gimmick—they have multiple, highly practical uses on a construction site that will help you save money.

Let’s take a look at exactly what drones are used for on construction sites, and how they can help your business right away.

What does the research say?

Just look at the data.

According to a recent Gartner survey, 72% of construction firms will either begin using drones or are considering using them within the next two years.

Analysts believe the commercial drone industry will top $5 billion by 2020, and drones are replacing $127.3 billion in labor and services value already, according to one report. That money is going right back into the pockets of drone users.

If your small construction business isn’t in the drone game by 2020, your competitors are going to start gaining an edge on you, and you’ll lose bids as a result.

Gartner surveyed 120 construction firms on whether they either use drones or plan to use them at some point in the future and found that a surprising 27% of businesses are already using drones in their projects. Thirty-one percent plan to start using drones within the next two years, while another 14% are evaluating using drones at some future point.

If you haven’t even considered purchasing a drone for your construction business, you’ve still got plenty of company. A sizable portion of small businesses just aren’t sure about the technology and whether it will be helpful to their projects; 28% reported having “no plans to evaluate” drones for use in their construction projects.

3 uses for drones on your construction site

It’s clear that while drones are growing as a tool in the construction industry, a lot of companies just aren’t convinced by the technology. Exactly how helpful can drones be on a construction project? Let’s explore three uses for drones on your construction site and look at examples to show why you should consider implementing drones at your small business as soon as possible.

1. Surveillance and security

Drones let you have direct contact with work sites, even when you’re thousands of miles away. This boosts project efficiency by letting you monitor both your employees and their progress in real time, and you can use this data to coordinate with superintendents on site.

You can also use drones to check whether the right assets and materials are on site and where they should be.

In addition to all this monitoring, drones can protect your project. Every year, anywhere from $300 million to $1 billion worth of construction equipment is stolen from job sites, and less than 25% of stolen equipment is recovered. Drones let you monitor your job sites and spot any nefarious activity.

Drones provide personal security as well, protecting you and your company from legal action by providing accurate documentation and video evidence of possible workplace incidents and injuries.

Examples:

• Micro Aerial Projects produces small UAVs that can monitor each phase of your construction project. The company says that its UAVs are portable and flexible enough to quickly get to areas that would be tough to access otherwise.
• Kespry offers a UAV that can measure and communicate daily progress across multiple construction sites. The company also has in-house estimating teams to provide additional support to construction managers.

2. Inspections and surveys

Construction site inspections can be dangerous, especially when workers have to access hard-to-reach areas on unfinished projects. There is a risk of falls or other accidents, which is something you want to avoid at all costs.

That’s where drones come in. Drones allow you and your workers to comfortably inspect hard-to-reach areas without putting anyone in harm’s way. They do just as good of a job, and can do it a lot faster.

Drones can also conduct surveys that help you compare your virtual design to the real thing throughout the construction process, letting you make adjustments when needed.

Accurate land surveys provided by drones eliminate human error and prevent setbacks, keeping you on time and on budget. Topographic surveys produced by drones can be completed a lot faster (and more accurately) than human estimations.

Examples:

• DroneDeploy offers software that lets you take measurements by air, share maps to update stakeholders, and conduct surveys quickly and efficiently.
• Industrial SkyWorks flies drones that are used for conducting inspections on oil and gas assets, and offers in-house software (BlueVu) to process the gathered data.

3. Photography

Drones can take amazing photos of your construction project, which is helpful when it comes to sales or just keeping your client in the loop. Photos can also make you stand out against your competition by adding a layer of professionalism to your operation.

The best thing about this potential use category is that you don’t need an expensive drone with specialized software to put it in action.

All you need need is a relatively cheap drone with a decent camera attached, and you can fly it yourself over your construction project to take the shots you want.

Examples: There are a ton of great photography drones that range from a few hundred to thousands of dollars.

• The Parrot Bebop 2 FPV retails for $499.99, takes high-definition images, and allows you to fly in total immersion with Parrot Cockpitglasses.
• The DJI Inspire 2 drone—which costs at least $3,000 on Amazon and can be up to $20,000 if you buy kits with it—offers high-definition video transmission, a 360-degree rotating gimbal, and too many other bells and whistles to list here.

How can you determine if drones are right for your operation?

Before you spend money on a drone (or two), you need to thoroughly evaluate whether your operation really needs one. Ask yourself the following questions:

• How much time do I spend conducting land surveys?
• How secure are my job sites?
• Is it difficult to conduct inspections on my construction projects?
• Do I feel connected with the job site even when I’m away from it?
• Am I satisfied with how I market myself in comparison with my competitors?

If any of these questions leave you feeling like you could be doing better, it’s time to start shopping for a drone.

If you’re not ready to make a purchase now, you should still sit down and develop a plan for working drones into future construction projects.

In the meantime, learn more about drones in construction with these helpful resources:

• 2018 Construction Industry Trends: Here’s What to Expect
• 3 RC Construction Equipment Tech Trends That Are Popular Now
• 6 Ways Construction Technology Has Transformed the Industry

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Information on Gartner’s Top Technology Trends for SMBs Survey
Gartner conducted this survey in April and May 2017 among 699 U.S.-based SMBs, with more than 10 employees and annual revenue of less than $100 million. The survey excluded nonprofit organizations. The qualified respondents are decision-makers, or have significant influence on the decisions related to purchasing technologies for their organization.

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The Best 3 Free and Open Source Church Accounting Software Options

Back in the 80s, Meineke ran a memorable advertising campaign based around the slogan, “I’m not gonna pay a lot for this muffler!”

The ads played on the fear that when you’re in a jam, some opportunistic company is going to take advantage of your situation and shake you down for everything you have.

You may be feeling that way if your church has grown to the point that spreadsheets aren’t cutting it anymore, and you need a church accounting software solution.

We’re here to help!

A word of warning: you know the old saying, “you get what you pay for?” That rings true when it comes to church accounting software. When you’re paying zero dollars and zero cents for something that typically costs hundreds of dollars, you are sacrificing things like added features, updates, customer service, and sometimes even user interface.

But if all you need is something basic and it must be free, there are options.

After scouring the web, here are the three best free church accounting software solutions available.

What church accounting software does

In its most basic form, church accounting software manages payroll, tracks budget, and records donations.

If you have stacks of fading receipts wrapped in rubber bands, if you find yourself “guesstimating” your budget for the rest of the year, and if you keep track of donations on sticky notes, you most certainly need church accounting software.

And if you think the French Riviera is a foreign car, you might be a redneck!

[CAPTION]That was a lot of fun, but let’s back to the business at hand.[CAPTION]

While there are lots of general free accounting software options available, and even some specifically catered toward non-profit organizations, we all know that churches have unique accounting needs that must be addressed in any church financial software.

For instance, the best church accounting software incorporates membership data to make donation accounting easier at tax time, and uses specific church terminology.

As Jeff Campbell, General Manager at PowerChurch Software, pointed out: “Churches struggle to keep track of donor restriction and track those balances … for example, a college will have a huge donor restriction fund, while a church will have lots of little ones.”

But we’re not just looking for accounting software tailored to the needs of churches. No, that would be too easy. We also need it to be free, because Millennials.

Here is our list of the best FREE and/or open source church accounting software.

1. GnuCash

 

GPL, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3521049

GnuCash is a free, open-source double-entry bookkeeping system created with the goal of providing capabilities similar to Quicken.

GnuCash has been around since 1998, so it has almost two decades of development and refinement on its side.

While GnuCash isn’t specifically designed for churches, it does have features tailored for small businesses.

Even more helpful, Jacob Oommen of Finance and Accounting for Churches created a comprehensive, 14-part guide on using GnuCash for church accounting.

Oommen stumbled upon GnuCash when he was tasked with taking charge of the accounting at St. Stephens Mar Thoma Syrian Church in Bangalore.

“On taking over my duties, I discovered that the accounts in our church were maintained using the old method of Physical Ledgers,” he wrote. “We decided at the outset to migrate to a software system to maintain the accounts.”

“I decided to do a prototype bookkeeping implementation using (GnuCash), to evaluate how it could be used for our purposes,” he added. “If it worked, it could potentially save, our church, and possibly other churches, a lot of money.”

Oommen documented the process on his blog, which provides detailed instructions on everything from the basics through advanced features like year-end reports.

Although Oommen originally implemented GnuCash at his church in 2013, he updated the guide in February of 2017 to reflect several new features including auctions and split transactions.

If you have enough free time and computer expertise, you can follow Oommen’s plan to download GnuCash and customize it for your church, all for the bargain price of $0 (minus your own labor).

2. ChurchTrac 9

 

churchtrac.com

ChurchTrac Online is one of the most affordable and user-friendly church management solutions according to Capterra.

Starting at less than $10 per month, you’d be hard pressed to find a more affordable church management package.

But it’s not free, and that’s where ChurchTrac 9 comes in.

Retired in 2012 due to compatibility issues after 10 years of service, the desktop based ChurchTrac 9 is still available for free download for churches with less than 100 names, though you may need an older operating system to successfully run the program.

ChurchTrac says that it will still provide basic tech support on ChurchTrac 9 through the end of this year, and ChurchTrac 9 users can easily be migrated to the fully supported ChurchTrac Online product.

While ChurchTrac 9 provides basic accounting features, it lacks some advanced features like online giving, volunteer management, name archiving, family check-in, congregation access, and fund-based accounting.

But if your church’s computer is still running on a Pentium 4 chip and you have a small congregation, ChurchTrac 9 could be all you need.

3. ACTS

 

acts.sourceforge.net

ACTS is a free, open source church management system that has been in development in China for more than 10 years. In 2015, the OpenOffice-based program was translated to English.

Because ACTS is native to China, some of the instructions may be a little difficult to understand for English speakers. But the development team does offer support in the form of a comprehensive manual, a Facebook developer community, and even email support.

The developers report that the program has been downloaded more than 13,000 times as of February of 2017.

ACTS has an impressive list of features—including membership data management, facility management, donation management, and accounting functionality like vouchers, profit and loss and balance sheets, and unlimited account codes—and is completely free.

It is available for download via SourceForge.

For a few dollars more…

It’s probably dawning on you by now that the pickings are slim when it comes to fully functional church accounting software that is also completely free.

Remember that the additional time you spend customizing a catch-all accounting program, or wrestling with an outdated, unsupported piece of abandonware could be worth more to you than a few dollars per month.

As this Elexio article argues, the money you save up front could be lost over time in man-hours.

If you come to the conclusion that paying a reasonable price for your church accounting software isn’t the end of the world, check out our Top 20 Most Affordable Church Management Software research.

Also, if we missed an awesome, totally free church accounting software solution, let us know about it in the comments!

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5 Things to Look For When Buying Construction 3D Modeling Software

Ever wonder how some famous buildings might have turned out if their builders had some good 3D models during construction? Perhaps the Leaning Tower of Pisa wouldn’t lean. Maybe the Pyramids of Giza would have ample room for a gift shop.

Just goes to show the importance of choosing the right software (or having software available, period).

In recent years, 3D modeling through computer-aided design (CAD) software has emerged as an incredibly important tool that helps construction companies become more efficient with their projects.

For some in the industry, CAD software may seem new. In reality, many of these programs have been around for over a decade.

CAD software emerged back in the 1960s, and revolutionized an industry that had spent centuries using the “pencil on paper” (manual drafting) method, which dates back to the 16th and 17th centuries when draft machines were introduced.

Over the ensuing decades, CAD software was improved and refined. It now lets construction companies design entire buildings—and every item within—digitally using 3D modeling.

What does this have to do with your business?

That’s all well and good, but what does this mean for small construction businesses?

All of this change and evolution in CAD and 3D modeling software means that your construction business has a ton of CAD software options to choose from.

A home designer, for example, uses CAD to design houses and send those designs to the builder. An appliance or furniture maker, meanwhile, uses CAD software that can render and animate designs so engineers can visualize their products.

If you’re a construction manager, you have to look beyond 2D CAD software that does floor plans to software options that can also render in 3D, letting you create entire building models.

Five things to look for to find the right CAD software for your business

There are a variety of CAD software products available for the construction industry, and you might not know where to start.

Don’t worry; we’ve compiled a list of five things to look for when evaluating CAD software, and paired each with a question to ask potential vendors to ensure their solution meets your business’ needs.

1. Capability and efficiency

When choosing a 3D CAD program for your company, you want a program capable of creating 3D models that accurately represent your products, efficiently. Every construction project is different, and programs that are good for skyscrapers may not work for a home-building business.

Select a product that lets you produce a detailed, accurate design in just a few steps without compromising the quality.

 What to ask the vendor:  What features/capabilities make this software well-suited for building (product name)?

2. Compatibility with customers and suppliers

Look for a CAD program that is already popular in your industry and supplier community. Why? It’ll decrease the need to convert in order to move them from one system to another. The program you choose should also have the ability to import files from other systems.

Look for a CAD system that supports international standards; the most common formats used with 3D CAD are STEP, IGES, VDA, and IDF.

 What to ask the vendor:  What file formats do you support, and how do you handle integration with file formats you don’t?

3. Built-in applications

If you have more than one designer, you need a 3D CAD program with an automated storage system. When using CAD software, it’s easy to overwrite each other’s work on accident, which wastes a lot of time.

Look for 3D modeling software with a built-in automated system that can provide product data management (PDM), which will dramatically increase your productivity. PDM-capable software improves workflow efficiency between designers.

Another feature to look for in CAD software is an application programming interface (API), which lets you write your own design automation programs.

 What to ask the vendor:  What built-in applications do you offer that differentiate you from your competitors, and how can they—specifically—help my projects?

4. Short learning curve

Even if you’re familiar with the basics of construction 3D modeling programs, each system is different. Look for CAD software that is easy to learn so you and your employees can pick it up quickly with minimal business interruptions.

A consistent user interface is a sign that the system you are choosing is a good pick; the design and drafting procedures should flow logically from beginning to end.

For feature-heavy software, vendors should offer training to onboard your team, as well as good customer support for future problems.

 What to ask the vendor:  What training do you offer for your software, and how available will customer support be after I’ve purchased the product?

5. Free software

Ultimately, investing in a paid CAD solution for your business is very beneficial. Before you get to that point, however, there are several free software options you can download to gain a better understanding of CAD and 3D modeling.

Learning and experimenting with various free systems is never a bad idea. Free CAD software for beginners includes ZBrush, Blender, Cinema 4D, Google SketchUp, and AutoCAD for Students. Once you’re ready for a more powerful program, opt for a paid software option that includes a free trial.

 What to ask the vendor:  Do you offer a free trial, and will I get to test all software features during it?

Learn more about CAD software and 3D modeling

CAD software, Building Information Modeling (BIM), and 3D modeling are a big deal in the construction industry, and their fundamental importance is only growing.

Check out these resources to learn more:

• 5 Steps to Get Started with CAD
• 4 Tips to Use BIM to Lower Construction Risks
• 5 Popular Free 3D Modeling Software Options
• The Top 8 Free and Open Source BIM Software Tools

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Simplify Your Search: A Construction Accounting Software Checklist

A construction project is a lot more than the sweat of the actual labor—the bottom line is just as important, if not more so.

Going over budget is the norm, not the exception. Large construction projects take 20% longer than their schedule calls for on average, and they are up to 80% over budget, according to a McKinsey & Company report.

That’s why you need good construction accounting software to beat that dismal average.

It’s daunting to search for new software that fits the needs of your business, but there are a few must-have features to look for as you shop around.

To help you out, we’ve compiled this handy construction accounting software checklist of the features you need to ensure that you avoid going over budget on your next construction project.

We’ll also illustrate those software features with examples from construction accounting software options in our directory that have a minimum of 75 reviews and a 4 out of 5 star rating.

1. Accounts payable/receivable

Accounts payable refers to the money your company owes because it purchased, say, a backhoe on credit from a supplier. Accounts receivable is money owed to you from a customer. It is vital that you be able to track both in order to properly monitor where money is coming and going, so this is one of the most fundamental functions of any good construction accounting software.

You also want software that keeps accounts payable and accounts receivable separate, and integrates with your budgeting software so that you’re not surprised by a sudden inflow or outflow of cash.

 Software feature spotlight:  Eclipse software has an accounts payable feature that does more than record expenses and write checks. It also automates invoice routing and allows you to attach invoices and other documents to transactions.

2. Payroll management

Payroll can be a difficult task for construction managers. Employees may work at different rates in multiple locations with a variety of benefit packages. You must stay on top of payroll to keep your employees happy, to keep yourself out of legal trouble, and to keep everything on the job site running smoothly.

The old way of doing payroll is to manually mail out paychecks or pay stubs to your employees, which can be a hassle and puts you at risk of making mistakes if you’re filling out forms and licking stamps yourself. A good payroll function should take all of that out of your hands by calculating payroll and automatically sending payments so you can focus on other things.

 Software feature spotlight:  ClockShark offers a time clock that integrates with QuickBooks to automate your payroll management. Data for customers, jobs, service items, and employees are automatically imported.

3. Job costing

The initial budgeting process is the most critical phase. If you don’t do job costing properly, you run the risk of operating at a loss. You must account for every possible expense early on, whether that be labor, materials, or fees for permits. And to do that, you’ll need a good job costing tool that can keep you organized and focused on the bottom line.

Good construction accounting software will allow you to accurately track all job costs in one place and monitor everything from invoices to timecards to purchase orders.

 Software feature spotlight:  Foundation software offers a job costing module that simplifies the creation of detailed budgets and reports, while also providing a daily report on your financial status.

4. Document management

Documents, documents, and more documents. When you run a construction project, you are awash in documents—contracts, permitting forms, and blueprints. You have got to keep all this stuff organized, which is why a good document manager is absolutely critical to your construction project.

Construction accounting software lets you dial up a document within seconds, or see them all neatly organized in one place. You’d be shocked at just how much this feature will unclutter your mind, as well as your desk.

 Software feature spotlight:  Aconex offers a document management feature that lets you share and control documents. The software also keeps your documents secure from people looking to steal it, a constant threat in this day and age.

5. Mobile accessibility

As a construction manager, you can’t be chained to your desk. You need to be out on the job site, checking in with foremen and workers and reviewing progress. So instead of relying on software that only operates on a desktop or laptop computer, look for software that works as a standalone app—or at least has mobile accessibility—so you can pull up necessary details such as progress reports, documents, and your budget.

 Software feature spotlight:  We’ve put together this handy list of the top mobile construction apps out there, and some have them have useful accounting features. For example, BuilderTREND has financial tools that allow you manage budgets and purchase orders on your mobile device.

Learn more about construction software

Are you looking to learn more about your industry? Check out this great reading material to help you become a better construction manager:

• 7 Eye-Opening Construction Stats About the State of the Industry
• 5 Ways to Market Your Construction Company
• 4 Things You Should Know About Construction Software Licensing
• Construction Software Pricing: How Much Should You Pay?

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The 5 Best Ways to Reduce Injuries on Construction Sites

Working in the field of construction is, by its nature, a risky job. There’s heavy equipment, electrified wires, and manual labor. And while it’s a lot safer today than it was decades ago, there are still lots of improvements to be made to avoid injuries in construction.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, construction is one of the highest-ranking industries in terms of fatal occupational injuries, with a total of 10.1 deaths per 100,000 employees in 2015. However, this number has been shrinking over the past 20 years and it’s all due to progress in the on-site safety department.

There have been many changes and improvements in on-site safety measures—ones that can help you run a safer job site, both for yourself and your employees. Here are five of the best actions to take that will prevent—or at least diminish—injuries and accidents among workers.

1. Get your workers the latest gear

To maintain adequate safety on a construction site, workers need to be equipped with the latest gear and work clothes. A few decades ago this involved nothing more than a helmet, vest, and an ordinary pair of boots, but things have changed quite a bit since then.

A lot of manufacturers now make sturdy work clothes, high-performing work boots, and secure helmets, and protective equipment that help those located on-site avoid injuries and serious accidents.

For example, some of the latest work boots have impact protection over the entire foot area, as well as a steel plate to prevent penetration through the sole. There are also “smart helmets” that uses special lenses and augmented reality to provide a heads-up display for workers that can warn them of potential hazards.

 Bottom line:  For a small investment, you can avoid potentially costly injuries, both for you and your crew.

2. Invest in a drone

Drones are the hot new technology in construction, but can they really help with safety? Absolutely.

In addition to increasing efficiency on construction sites and assisting with mapping and data analysis, they can also help survey and monitor ongoing activity. Besides assessing progress and structure, a drone can help supervisors periodically check to see if standards and regulations are met.

This is time-effective and money-saving because it eliminates the need for in-person inspections. Furthermore, on the off chance that something does happen, these nifty little gadgets can alert the person in charge immediately and keep the incident from becoming more serious.

 Bottom line:  Drones can not only monitor construction sites for safety hazards, but they are also capable of going places where it would be dangerous for a human to go, such as tight spaces or high above unfinished and unstable construction.

3. Download a safety app

Apps nowadays cover just about any field you can think of—including construction. This means that you can address safety issues simply by using your smartphone.

Today’s construction apps tend to focus on things such as bidding, 3D models (also known as Building Information Modeling or BIM), and even making a cloud group with your fellow workers in order to keep everyone updated on revisions and changes, some can help ensure worker safety as well.

For example, the FallSafety app is built specifically for workers who operate at dangerous heights and are at a high risk of injury. The software can detect a fall and sound an alarm.

Another app, iAuditor, also focuses on the safety of workers in a different way: by making sure procedures are in place so that workers don’t get in unacceptably dangerous situations to begin with.

 Bottom line:  Apps make it easier to monitor the safety of workers, and ensure that your work site is a safe place to begin with.

4. Make sure you are compliant with safety regulations

While regulations can be a pain sometimes, we all understand that they are an important measure to avoid professional accidents—or, at the very least, to avoid fines and lawsuits.

So it’s vital that you stay up to date with the latest laws and rules surrounding the workplace.

These regulations have a practical effect on your business. New standards from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) released in 2017 allow construction managers more flexibility in choosing between fall protection systems suitable for works.

OSHA also established a safe distance of six feet for employees working on an unprotected roof edge, when previously there had been no set safe distance. This means that you’ll now have to use a conventional fall protection system if they are less than six feet from the roof’s edge.

 Bottom line:  Staying up to date on the latest safety regulations will protect not only workers, but your business from fines and lawsuits.

5. Invest in first aid

When construction accidents do happen, you’ve got to be ready with the proper first aid. By law, businesses are required to provide workers with a minimal first aid kit containing some bare necessities. However, it’s wise to go above and beyond when you’re talking about the safety of your workers.

Now there are smartphone apps for first aid that allows you to quickly search symptoms, or an advanced gel that can stop a bleeding wound in seconds.

If you have the same first aid kit that was available decades ago, it’s time to upgrade.

 Bottom line:  A good first aid kit can be the difference between life and death for your workers.

How do you keep your workers safe?

While the construction industry can’t provide fully risk-free jobs, improvements in the modern era have lowered the risk of injury tremendously. Not only are employees equipped with better, more reliable equipment, but advanced tech such as drones and apps make the job much safer for everyone involved.

Furthermore, companies in the business are more serious about enforcing adequate procedures and regulations, and they provide their staff with better first aid and health insurance options. Workers who were nervous about getting involved in construction before should be assured that it’s safer than ever to be employed in this industry.

As a construction manager, what do you do to make sure your employees are safe? Do you find that technology does a better job of enhancing safety, or is it just having the right procedures—or a little of both? What tips do you have for other construction managers? Let us know in the comments below.

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The Top 6 Must-Attend Construction Conferences in 2018

Conferences, summits, and industry gatherings are a smart way for construction professionals to engage with and learn from the best in the construction marketplace.

Trends in construction and construction management are constantly in flux, with new regulations, design ideas, and desired outcomes changing from year to year.

Attending a construction conference in 2018 can improve your overall understanding of the factors that impact you and your business directly, from financial management and bond pricing trends, to architectural ideas and sustainable builds.

Below are the top six must-attend construction events for 2018, in chronological order.

1. RICS Summit Series 2018

May 14, 2018—New York City, New York

Each year, the RICS Summit Series offers several opportunities for construction professionals to attend a one-day summit in a major city in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.

For 2018, the summit series will come to Miami (on March 20) and New York (May 14,), offering the chance to network with industry leaders and design innovators in the construction business.

The summit is jam packed with education on key topics impacting the construction industry, including the role of cities, the influence of technology and digital transformation, resilience, and sustainability in building, infrastructure, and ethics.

2. CONSTRUCT Show

October 3-5, 2018—Long Beach, California

The CONSTRUCT Show in Long Beach, Calif. will focus on educating commercial building teams using real-world, practical knowledge. You’ll be able to learn about the latest trends in the industry, as well as business operations management, career path success, and efficiency in construction business financials. This conference is a particularly good place to network with architects, designers, engineers, and project managers. The conference’s exhibit hall also has a wide array of construction companies, whether there’s a product you’re looking for or just want to find out who the players are in your sector.

3. CMAA National Conference and Trade Show

October 14-16, 2018—Las Vegas, Nevada

There’s always a lot of reasons to take the time to visit Las Vegas, but October of this year presents the perfect opportunity for construction professionals to make it a business-focused trip. The Construction Management Association of America’s National Conference and Trade Show is one of the leading industry gatherings meant to inform construction managers, finance professionals, and building personnel on the trends impacting today’s construction businesses.

The conference packs in educational workshops and breakout sessions designed to provide helpful information on surety bond pricing for construction professionals, technology innovations for business management, and financial accounting standards best practices for finance managers.

Throughout the three-day event, construction professionals can network with other industry leaders, owners, and project managers while learning about what’s ahead for the construction marketplace.

4. Design-Build Institute of America Conference and Expo

November 7-9, 2018—New Orleans, Louisiana

This year’s Design-Build Conference and Expo, presented by the Design-Build Institute, brings together national construction owners and design-builders to discuss industry trends and market movements for the upcoming year.

The conference and expo also provide several educational workshops, keynote speakers, and panel discussions to help inform industry professionals who specifically want to learn about the design-build arena. Attendees also have the option to earn up to 12 hours of CEUs throughout the three-day event.

5. Groundbreak 2018

November 13-15, 2018—Austin, Texas

Procore’s Groundbreak conference is a great place to hear about top-level, big ideas affecting the construction industry, from utilizing artificial intelligence to crunching data from your construction site.

You may even get to see a celebrity—last year’s conference featured Mike Rowe from “Dirty Jobs.”

The conference attracts more than 3,000 attendees from all parts of the industry, providing tons of opportunities for networking and problem-solving.

6. Greenbuild International Conference and Expo

November 14-16, 2018—Chicago, Illinois

Chicago is the place to be in November if you’re a construction professional and can’t make Groundbreak 2018—especially if you’re really curious about the hot topic of green construction.

During this year’s conference, Greenbuild partners will share the stage to discuss what’s happening in design and construction. The conference focuses on technology, design and building trends, and new ideas in construction that lead to the most sustainable green construction around the world. Through educational programs, keynote speakers, and exhibition hall vendors, attendees have an opportunity to learn how their business can turn green in the upcoming year.

What construction events are you looking forward to in 2018?

There’s a lot going on in the construction industry, and too many events to keep track of. What construction events have you found the most helpful in the past, and what are you looking forward to the most this year?

Don’t limit it to the United States—we want to hear what might be of interest in Australia, Europe, China, Brazil, and beyond. Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

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A Handy Construction Glossary: 38 Common Terms Defined

Make no mistake about it, the construction industry is complicated, with thousands of terms and jargon that are tough to grasp for anyone new to the industry.

If you’re just getting involved in construction management, or are trying your hand at your own home project, it’s helpful to understand some of the basic terms used by the industry.

We’ve put together this handy construction glossary that identifies some of the most common terms you’re likely to encounter as you get to work on your construction project.

1. Aggregate: A particulate material which is made up of sand or crushed stone. Aggregates are used in materials such as concrete and are a fundamental part of building foundations.

2. Backfilling: The process of refilling trenches or holes created during excavation, especially around foundations.

3. Beam: Beams run horizontally along the main walls of a building at ceiling level, supporting the structure.

4. BIM: BIM (building information modeling) is the process of creating a computer model of a building that includes all of the details of that structure, from its basic layout to the smallest measurements.

5. BOQ: The bill of quantities is a contract document that contains a list of materials and workmanship involved in a construction project. It is necessary for properly pricing a project.

6. CAD: CAD (computer-aided design) refers to using architecture software to create detailed models of buildings to speed up the design process, allow for more creativity, and ensure greater accuracy in measurements.

7. Caulking: A flexible, rubbery type of material that is used to seal gaps in a joint.

8. Ceiling joist: Parallel framing members that support ceiling loads and are themselves supported by load-bearing walls.

9. Circuit breaker: A switch in the electrical panel that shuts off power to certain parts of the building.

10. Concrete: A building material created by a hardened mixture of cement, gravel, sand, and water. It is used for slabs, columns, and other types of structures.

11. Construction management software: This software is designed for construction managers to help them more efficiently run a construction project; it can include features to manage accounting and financials, documentation, and team workloads.

12. Dimension: A dimension is used in the planning stage and refers to a measure between two points.

13. Drywall: A panel made from gypsum plaster that is wrapped in cardboard. It is commonly used as a fundamental material for framing a building.

14. Ducts: Piping that carries air throughout a structure.

15. Egress: A way of exiting a structure, such as a window or door. Laws require a certain number of egress windows in certain parts of a home.

16. Field measure: Taking measurements within the structure itself rather than relying on blueprints.

17. Floor plan: The floor plan refers to the layout of the building. It is a drawing of the horizontal section that shows how the different spaces relate to each other.

18. Girder: The main horizontal support of a structure that supports smaller beams.

19. HVAC: An abbreviation that stands for heat, ventilation, and air conditioning.

20. I-beam: A beam that has a cross-section that looks like the capital letter I. Girders often have an I-beam cross-section.

21. Insulation: Material that’s designed to prevent heat from leaving or entering a building. Insulation material is placed within the walls, ceiling, or floor of a structure.

22. Joist: The location where the surfaces of two components are joined.

23. King stud: A framing member that runs from the bottom to the top of a panel or sheet.

24. Lath: A metal wire on the frame of a building that serves as a base for laying down stucco or plaster.

25. Load-bearing wall (partition): A partition or load-bearing wall carries the load of the structure above it. As a result, they cannot be removed without compromising the integrity of the structure.

26. Mortar: In masonry, mortar is the paste that is used to bind stones, bricks, and other similar types of units used to construct the walls of a building. Mortar can be made up of a variety of things, such as asphalt, pitch, or clay.

27. Particle board: A substitute for plywood that is composed of sawdust mixed with resin.

28. Plywood: A panel of wood that is made from multiple layers of veneer, compressed together.

29. PVC: Short for polyvinyl chloride, this common plastic is used most commonly for water pipes and sometimes for flooring.

30. Rafter: A series of roof frame pieces that are connected to the supports and hold up the roofing and sheathing.

31. Reinforced concrete: Concrete that is strengthened by adding steel bars or mesh within the concrete.

32. Section: This is a drawing or model that shows what it would look like if you sliced vertically through a building and were able to see its various components or layers, showcasing exactly how a building is constructed top to bottom.

33. Skirting: Material that covers up the joint between the floor and a wall in the interior of a building, for aesthetic purposes.

34. Stucco: A material made from aggregates, a binder, and water. It is often used as a decorative coating on walls and ceilings.

35. Trim: The materials used to provide a clean finish of the building, such as moldings around window and door openings, or the baseboards in rooms, for example.

36. Veneer: A very thin sheet of wood. It is typically a finer wood that is used as a decorative cover for lower-quality wood.

37. Warping: A distortion of material, which can be a sign of water damage.

38. Zoning: A government regulation that involves restricting how a property is used. For example, industrial buildings cannot be constructed in areas zoned solely for residential.

Need to learn more about construction management?

Are you just getting involved in construction and want a deeper understanding of this complicated industry? You’ve come to the right place. We have lots of material to help you learn more about construction and how you can be an effective manager.

Check out our guides below:

• 7 Eye-Opening Construction Stats About the State of the Industry
• 2018 Construction Industry Trends: Here’s What to Expect
• 4 Things To Know Before Getting a Construction Management Degree
• 6 Simple Ways to Save Money as a Construction Manager
• BIM vs CAD: What’s the Difference?

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