Master Builders of Iowa

The Best Practices Guide to Selecting Construction Software
If you are like most construction executives, you don't view yourself as a software technology expert. In fact, you probably approach new information technology (IT) projects with trepidation and hand it off to the back-office...

Guide to Assessing Software Vendor Viability --
Financial and Strategic
Consider this horrible scenario.  You spend three months selecting a new software system and another three months implementing it.  Your users get accustomed to it.  Then you learn that the vendor that sold you the...

Construction Accounting Software Evaluation Matrix Tool
This Excel spreadsheet allows you to evaluate multiple accounting and job costing software suites across more than 150 assessment criteria.  Criteria included in this matrix are grouped into the following categories: Job...

Project Management Software Evaluation Framework
This Excel-based evaluation framework allows you to evaluate multiple project management software suites across more than 150 assessment criteria.  Criteria included in this matrix are grouped into the following...

Preconstruction Management Software Trends and Strategy
Adoption of takeoff and estimating software in the construction industry remains low relative to that of accounting and project management systems.  In fact, manual takeoff techniques and Excel spreadsheets substitute for...

Virtualization: Everyone is doing it, what do you need to know? (published November 23, 2009)

If you have 3 or more aging servers, you should read this brief yet informative article.
 
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VoIP is Like a Box of Lamborghini's (published October 12, 2009)

Five FAQ's Intended to Smooth Your Migration to IP Technology.
 
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Data Deduplication (published August 10, 2009)

Are you backing up too many redundant files on your network?
           
Why not try to de-dupe it?  De-what it???
           
There is a technology out there that allows you to reduce your backup and file storage space by removing much of the duplicate information that resides on your network.  In short, if you have a lot of similar files on your network, then you can use this data reduction technology to save space on your systems, especially your backups.  The Internet articles below provide a great explanation of the technology called Deduplication, along with some vendor options as well. 
 
http://media.techtarget.com/searchStorage/downloads/StorageExtra_DataDupe.pdf
 
http://www.mm4m.net/library/Deduplication_Specal_Report_8.23.pdf

Does your Network Work when Employees Network? (published July 6, 2009)

The truth is that unauthorized Internet use can pose a significant threat to your company’s assets. Many internet filtering programs can promote office productivity and network security without placing undue stress on management, employees or your business processes for little or no cost.
 
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Document Management in Construction (published June 1, 2009)

Increasing efficiency throughout your enterprise with document management can be accomplished by transitioning from paper processes to electronic processes.
 
Today the latest technology getting attention is the “ECM” or Enterprise Content Management solution.  ECM can provide your business—regardless of its size—with the opportunity to do more with less, and to compete with larger organizations that traditionally have access to more resources.
 
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Taking the Mystery Out of Your Database (published May 4, 2009)

In today’s competitive economy, having detailed information at your fingertips is essential to your company’s success.
 
Your corporate databases store mission critical data, but what else should you know about this system that lurks in the shadows?
 
What is a relational database and how can it help you with your business initiatives?  
 
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Using Technology to Protect Your Assets (published April 6, 2009)

California has the highest rate of equipment theft.  Unfortunately, the real cost of stolen equipment is far more than the value of the item stolen, since business owners typically pay the hefty price tag of business downtime, increases in insurance premiums and contract penalties.  In this article see how to protect your equipment from theft, how stolen vehicle recovery systems provide business owners with the protection they need to safeguard their equipment and their business from financial losses due to theft and what to do if your equipment is stolen.  
 
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To see what popular equipment is a frequent theft target CLICK HERE to review the Construction Equipment Theft study.  

U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) BIM Program (published March 2, 2009)

The following article summarizes the “U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) BIM Program.”  Please follow the link at the bottom of the article for more detailed information.
 
Strategic and Incremental Adoption of 3D-4D-BIM 
 
In 2003, the Office of the Chief Architect (OCA) of the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) Public Buildings Service (PBS) spearheaded the National 3D-4D-BIM Program. To date, OCA has led a pilot program with over 30 projects that incorporated a variety of 3D, 4D, and BIM technologies to address different programming, design, and construction challenges faced by GSA capital projects. In addition, OCA is assessing and supporting 3D, 4D, and BIM applications on over 40 ongoing GSA projects across different regions.
 
For all major projects (prospectus-level) receiving design funding in Fiscal Year 2007 and beyond, a spatial program BIM will be the minimum requirement for submission to OCA for Final Concept approvals by PBS Commissioner and the Chief Architect. In addition, OCA is encouraging the implementation of various 3D, 4D, and BIM technologies above the minimum requirement on a project-by-project basis. GSA is committed to a strategic and incremental adoption of 3D-4D-BIM technologies. 
 
Highlights of the 3D-4D-BIM Program Managed by GSA Office of the Chief Architect

• Establishing policy to incrementally adopt 3D, 4D, and BIM for all major projects
• Leading 3D-4D-BIM pilot applications and incentives for current and future capital projects
• Providing expert support and assessment for ongoing capital projects to incorporate 3D, 4D, and BIM technologies
• Assessing industry readiness and technology maturity

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Guidelines for IT Budgeting in 2009 (published February 2, 2009)

The first article, “Guidelines for IT Budgeting in 2009,” is a summary of the various areas within technology that each company should look at closely.  There are many challenges involved with IT; however, technology is on your side!  Do more with less with a solid IT foundation.  
 
The following article summarizes some of the key elements related to IT including: Server Virtualization; Data Storage Consolidation; Electronic Document Control & Discovery; Security; Collaboration; Increased Mobile Access to IT Resources; Purchasing Guidelines; Traffic Optimization. 
 
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