Here’s some interesting news to file under the heading “Everybody’s doing it”.

March 20, 2012

The Engineering News Record recently polled its readership to determine which construction software and technology they are using now and which solutions they want to adopt in the future to improve results. Despite the trend of shifting to industry-specific programs, the top technology is consumer electronics – namely, Apple products.

Apple’s iCloud, iPad, iPad 2, iPhone and iPhone 4 were all in the top 10 technology and software contractors are most interested in using. In particular, mobility seemed to be a high-level priority, with tablet devices from other electronics manufacturers – such as Samsung’s Galaxy Tab – also appearing in the top 100 products.

Many contractors are using these mobile devices to improve communication. For example, contractors can use them to ask questions to architects and share digital design plans. They could also access data stored in the cloud through mobile applications.

Apple is looking to further enhance the capabilities of contractors by developing new products. For example, the Cupertino, California-based company recently launched the iPad 3, which sold more than 3 million units in the first three days of availability.

Ledgerwood Associates’ Consultants can help you integrate mobile technologies with your existing Sage Timberline applications.

What are you using your iPad for at the job site?

Here’s a funny video illustrating a common problem

No matter how careful a company is, the possibility of errors always exists when working with spreadsheets. From the wrong address in the wrong field, to simple formatting or equation errors, these common mistakes can happen to anyone.

As we discover in the video above from HardDollar, these mistakes can lead to catastrophe. While it’s true that
most spreadsheet errors will not typically lead to the same tragic events, the
possibility does exist.

What problems with spreadsheets are you willing to confess to?

Apple announced its iPad 3 (or just “New iPad”) today. In construction we like our trucks and our tech toys so it’s natural to want this new and improved gadget. But, what can it do for me every day in the office and at the job site? Here are some thoughts.

The new iPad’s Retina display is 2048 X 1536 pixels, twice the resolution of the iPad 2 and more pixels than your HDTV at home. I see all kinds of ways to use the iPad that just got better.

• Jobsite photos look much sharper making details harder to miss.
• The same goes for blueprints and specs. Digital, customizable plans that can be
  changed on the job site and stored on the cloud with iPad blueprint apps will be easier to read.
• Pulling a report from the back-office accounting system? You’ll see more columns at once and will find yourself guessing less often at numbers and descriptions.
• Contracts and other documents will be easier to read.
• Presentations to clients will be more impressive.

If you happen to have your software on the cloud, the higher screen resolution makes the iPad a more practical replacement for your laptop. (Some companies, like Ledgerwood Associates, can put your existing Sage Timberline and third party applications on the cloud today. They already support Timberline on Macs on the Cloud so the iPad is a logical next step.)

The new iPad’s faster processor supports the higher screen resolution and makes web apps run faster so you get more done.

Another new feature found on the new iPad is 4G LTE network capability. This is essential to do what we’re talking about above without getting frustrated. With 4G network speed, accessing high resolution media and home office applications can be more than a novelty. You’ve got the speed and the power to do some heavy lifting.

Two other improvements can prove useful to you on the jobsite. The upgraded camera now has 1080p video. High def. video on your iPad can be a useful tool when reviewing jobsite problems or details.

And finally, with the right option from your wireless carrier, you can also use the new iPad as a wireless hotspot for up to five other users just like with some smartphones. Three guys in a truck or five guys in a conference room can share your internet.

The new iPad is not revolutionary but its improvements make it a more useful, convenient and powerful tool for construction companies. Industry experts say tablets will transform the construction industry. Enhanced communication, “paperless” workers and increased efficiency are some of the anticipated results. And then there’s the cool factor of the iPad. Like a cool truck, who’s not going to want one.

How do you use your iPad in the office or on the jobsite?