Construction Operations Estimating Industry Trends Software Optimization
Best-in-class heavy construction contractors accurately cost their equipment. Doing this requires two things: an efficient method for tracking equipment utilization time on the job and an accurate calculation of what it costs to operate that equipment. The B2W Software ONE Platform can help with both.
March 12, 2019
Construction Operations Estimating Software Optimization
The exceptional ROI value achieved by adopting B2W Software in support of visionary thinking was clearly evident, as three contractors claimed the 2019 Client Innovation Awards at the B2W User Conference in early March.
March 11, 2019
Construction Operations Industry Trends Software Optimization
Heavy Construction Executives discuss the critical issue of integrating construction management software systems for operations and accounting in a webinar sponsored by Engineering News & Record magazine and B2W.
February 14, 2019
The team creating and standing behind the B2W Platform is as impressive and important as the software itself. In this article, we profile Jennifer Angrisano, who has extensive experience working directly for heavy construction companies and as an industry consultant. Jennifer is putting that background to work at B2W, helping contractors optimize equipment maintenance with B2W Maintain.
February 5, 2019
Construction Operations Mobile Technology
Building the forms themselves can seem like a daunting step for contractors thinking about making the move from paper to e-forms. Now, B2W has made that even easier. The B2W Inform solution now comes with a free library of form templates. Based on best-practice experience from contractors already using Inform, the templates provide a head start in creating forms for Read More
February 1, 2019
Construction Operations Estimating Software Optimization
B2W celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2018 with aggressive development and passionate support of a software platform that remains entirely unique in the construction sector. On behalf of the growing team at B2W, I would like to thank you for your business and continuous input on ways we can best serve you. We are grateful for the opportunity to work Read More
January 14, 2019
Construction Operations Industry Trends Software Optimization
Recent comments from equipment experts using B2W Maintain sum up a simple truth about fleet maintenance and management. Preventive maintenance is essential to keeping maintenance costs low and uptime high, and heavy construction contractors will struggle to sustain a strong PM program without specialized software like B2W Maintain. “It is a well-documented fact that preventive maintenance is more effective and Read More
December 27, 2018
Construction Operations Estimating Software Optimization
B2W Software and its flagship estimating solution are celebrating 25th anniversaries in 2018. To mark the milestone, the company completed a proactive enhancement that gives B2W Estimate a head start towards remaining the industry leader for the next quarter century. B2W founder and CEO Paul McKeon says the latest enhancement of B2W Estimate is focused on the behind-the-scenes architecture in Read More
November 27, 2018
Construction Operations Estimating Software Optimization
Think about heavy construction estimating, and putting together winning bids is probably the first thing that comes to mind. For companies that serve frequently as subcontractors, however, the ability to evaluate and present multiple alternative scenarios for general contractors can be equally important. Adapting bids to changes in the job scope is also an everyday requirement. Doing these things faster Read More
November 20, 2018
Construction Operations Software Optimization
The AEMP (Association of Equipment Management Professionals) held its annual EquipmentSHIFT conference in Ohio late last month, and I was fortunate enough to be selected to make a presentation on how a more connected approach to construction fleet maintenance and management can improve uptime, utilization and efficiency. I touched on software solutions for maintenance, field tracking and resource scheduling/dispatching, but Read More
November 8, 2018
Construction Operations Software Optimization
It’s that time of year. Kids have gone back to school, the leaves are changing color, the air is getting crisp and… Year-end tax planning strategies are front of mind! But seriously, folks, with the fall season upon us, it’s time to revisit or start tax planning for the coming year-end, and year-end purchase of capital equipment – including software Read More
The ONE Platform is well known in heavy construction, and now it’s getting some heavy recognition in technology circles in its home state. The New Hampshire High Tech Council named the ONE Platform as a finalist for its annual High Tech Product of the Year Award. The winner will be chosen at the group’s Product of the Year dinner on Read More
September 26, 2018
Construction Operations Software Optimization
A new video series from B2W takes a lighthearted look at one of heavy construction’s most important workflow challenges. Scheduling and dispatching resources has a huge impact on profitability. The videos are about a minute long and explore what can and very often does go wrong when contractors rely on old-school solutions to get people, equipment and materials to the Read More
September 20, 2018
B2W Software has relocated its offices in Atlanta to accommodate growth and create new training opportunities for its clients in the southeastern United States. B2W is headquartered in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. The Atlanta office, established in 2007 is now located in the TechRise building at 3405 Piedmont Rd. NE., adjacent to the new Atlanta Tech Village. “There is a wave Read More
September 12, 2018
Construction Operations Industry Trends Software Optimization
Timely, data-driven decision making is a key to successful heavy construction operations, and contractors can’t make good decisions without gauging actual performance in the field against the expectations established in the estimate. That comparison on a daily basis provides supervisors with the means to address job issues and make corrections days or even weeks before reports can be generated through their company’s accounting/job cost systems.
August 27, 2018
Construction Operations Industry Trends Mobile Technology Software Optimization
Getting crews, equipment and materials to the right place at the right time isn’t easy in the ever-changing construction environment. Doing it effectively goes a long way towards keeping projects on schedule and under budget.
August 7, 2018
Estimating Software Optimization
Each of the three versions of B2W Estimate provides unparalleled performance and reliability. So why would you take the leap from the Professional edition to the Enterprise edition? If any of these situations apply to you, it might be time to upgrade. Business Growth – Your company is growing and you need a scalable solution. Adding to your workforce also Read More
July 31, 2018
Casual runners knock off 5k or 10k races, the serious ones attempt marathons, but not many even consider what John Sheedy took on in late July. The product manager who works primarily on the B2W Track and Schedule products covered the distance of nearly four marathons, completing the Vermont 100 Endurance Race. The event raised close to $150,000 for Vermont Read More
July 30, 2018
Construction Operations Software Optimization
Heavy construction companies know there’s a lot to gain when their office, field and maintenance operations run efficiently and communicate with each other in real time. Most recognize that they need software and mobile capabilities to make this happen. Still, many stop short of investing and continue to miss out on opportunities technology could provide. Those are key takeaways from Read More
July 20, 2018
The B2W team leverages construction, technology and operational expertise to drive visionary product development and a relentless responsiveness to clients. We’d like to introduce you to Patrick Dubela with our Client Services team. Name Patrick Dubela How long have you been with B2W? 1 Year What do you think makes B2W unique? One thing that stands out is our ability Read More
July 2, 2018
Construction Operations Software Optimization
As technological innovation continues at a breakneck pace, many heavy civil construction companies remain reluctant to move into the era of software-driven business processes. Some fear the unknown. Others have been bitten by experiences with inferior applications, ill-conceived implementations or poor support. Fortunately, software applications like those within the ONE Platform for managing estimating and construction operations are increasingly intuitive, Read More
June 28, 2018
Ten B2W Software employees took on the commuteSMART Seacoast challenge in May, leaving their cars at home and commuting to work on foot, bike or public transportation. The group racked up 899 commuting miles, keeping 826 pounds of CO2 out of the environment and saving an estimated $512. Charlie Nickel (Technical Writer) organized the B2W team. Members included Steve Gaudreau Read More
June 21, 2018
Construction Operations Software Optimization
Former CFMA (Construction Financial Management Association) national chairman Herb Brownett led an interactive presentation exploring how the industry’s best CFO’s are transcending the accounting function to help build the value and future of their companies when the newly formed NH CFMA chapter met in May. The session titled What should a construction CFO really be doing? focused on how and Read More
June 12, 2018
The B2W team leverages construction, technology and operational expertise to drive visionary product development and a relentless responsiveness to clients. We’d like to introduce you to Greg Dubois with our Client Services team. How long have you been with B2W Software? 1 year What do you think makes B2W unique? The cultural atmosphere and operating philosophy that is much more Read More
June 5, 2018
Cost estimation is a make-or-break phase for construction projects. The right estimates will help your business win more jobs and help your clients better understand what’s in store for them. Here, we’ll discuss 7 of the most important traits shared by highly-effective construction cost estimators. Capturing a Repeatable Cost Structure Skilled estimators understand that they don’t have to spend their Read More
May 24, 2018
When heavy construction contractors that rely on spreadsheets to manage estimating begin to look at an enterprise-class solution like B2W Estimate, one obvious question comes up early in the conversation. “How much does the software cost?” I sometimes answer, jokingly, that it’s free. Before they get their hopes up too much, I feel compelled to clarify. What I mean is, Read More
May 15, 2018
Construction Operations Industry Trends
Heavy construction employees tend to be competitive by nature, and a growing number of managers are using performance data to turn that trait into performance improvements. Relying on tools like B2W Track and B2W Inform, allows them to capture data electronically and use it to populate timely reports and dashboards, which are easy to produce and extremely valuable as motivators Read More
May 9, 2018
Construction Operations Industry Trends
Whether it’s called “time and materials”, “cost plus”, or “force account”, the work done outside of a fixed price contract presents challenges on most heavy construction projects. B2W Track provides a more effective, automated way to track this work and ensure that it is accounted for and billed correctly. Read More
May 3, 2018
Construction Operations Industry Trends
M&M Excavating used to refer to it as a “dreaded, day-long Monday ritual”, and the experience is all too familiar at heavy civil construction operations of all sizes and specialties. Two or three employees at that company used to spend most of the day pouring over job reports and time cards for work performed at each job sit the previous week. Read More
April 16, 2018
Construction Operations Software Optimization
The 2018 B2W Client Awards were presented at the annual User Conference in Boca Raton, Florida from March 25-27, and American Asphalt Company and Alvin J. Coleman & Son walked away with the trophies. American Asphalt of New Jersey was cited for Best Use of the B2W ONE Platform. The award for Best ROI with a single B2W Element went Read More
April 10, 2018
Construction Operations Industry Trends
Can top-tier software help construction companies attract and retain top-notch talent? Brandie Meisner says yes. “We need technology to attract the younger, tech-savvy employees to grow the workforce industry-wide,” the CFO at M&M Excavating in northern Michigan says. “Young people don’t want to work in the dark ages,” she elaborates. “They’ve lived with technology all of their lives; it’s an Read More
March 14, 2018
Construction Operations Software Optimization
Are you considering new software solutions at your heavy civil construction company? Here are some straightforward definitions for the most important software and technology terms contractors need to know. Chances are, these terms aren’t completely foreign. Still, many people have a vague or partial understanding of exactly what they mean. Brushing up will help you sound like a pro, cut Read More
March 7, 2018
Construction Operations Industry Trends
In addition to personnel, equipment is essential to heavy civil construction operations. Keeping a fleet on the job and in safe, working order is a challenge with considerable financial risks and rewards. Add maintenance and repair costs to the impact that out-of-commission equipment has on productivity, and the bottom line can suffer significantly. The logical solution is to put systems Read More
January 30, 2018
Construction industry insight and the motivation to achieve peak performance will be the topics when Steve Jones and Walter Bond make keynote presentations at this year’s B2W Software User Conference in March. Jones is senior director for Industry Insights Research with Dodge Data & Analytics. He focuses on how emerging economic, practice and technology trends are transforming the global design Read More
January 24, 2018
Construction Operations Mobile Technology
Not much happens in heavy civil construction without equipment, and those responsible for scheduling and dispatching face four critical challenges: Identifying what needs to be moved Tracking information related to equipment movement Efficiently assigning moves to drivers Communicating with the drivers Let’s take a look at each of these requirements and how a comprehensive software solution like B2W Schedule Read More
January 16, 2018
Construction Operations Industry Trends Software Optimization
Stereotypical “old-school” construction workers resisting software at all costs are like flip phones. You come across them now and then, but the sightings are increasingly rare. As construction applications evolve, along with market pressures and employee expectations, the old excuses that “software isn’t for us”, “our existing systems work just fine” or “we’re not ready for software” are dissolving fast. Read More
December 29, 2017
Construction Operations Software Optimization
Hands-on users in estimating and operations roles are very familiar with the value of the B2W platform, and a growing number of financial executives in the heavy construction sector are getting the message too. To illustrate ROI and bottom-line benefits of its unified platform, B2W Software had a major presence at the CFMA (Construction Financial Management Association) Annual Conference in Read More
December 19, 2017
Construction Operations Mobile Technology
Every construction company collects a high volume of safety information, but Minger Construction is using B2W Inform to do something not many others do particularly well. “Instead of just collecting the information, we can actually use it to identify trends and improve our performance,” explains Mike Nelson, safety director for the Minnesota based company. Minger creates Daily Crew Safety Briefing Read More
November 30, 2017
Construction Operations Software Optimization
This article originally appeared in Grading & Excavating Contractor magazine Switching from a fragmented mix of spreadsheets and paper-based processes to specialized software to manage equipment maintenance and repairs can have a big impact on profitability for heavy civil construction companies. The most effective companies leverage software sometimes referred to as a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) to hold maintenance Read More
November 20, 2017
In the construction industry, software user conferences can often seem hard to justify. Between the registration fee, travel costs, and time not working projects or estimates, it can be tough to commit that time each year away from the office or jobsite. It’s important to remember how much the benefits of attending a user conference can outweigh the challenges. Here Read More
November 3, 2017
Estimators are the cornerstone of any successful heavy civil construction company. Without a talented estimator, the possibility of creating and maintaining a feasible project budget goes out the window. Good estimators are self-starters who are capable of making important decisions surrounding budget costs with limited information. They need to work well individually as well as on a team, and communicate Read More
October 31, 2017
Estimating Software Optimization
Glen Smith has a lot of experience with just about every solution for heavy construction estimating – from pencils, to spreadsheets to several specialized software applications. The general manager at EPC Services says four vital capabilities put B2W Estimate at the top of the list: Completing bids faster Minimizing mistakes and risk Collaboration among multiple estimators Ease of use and Read More
October 30, 2017
Paper forms have consistently been the most common method of data capture within the construction industry for decades. However, as technology plays a bigger and bigger role within companies, and business processes become more complex, paper forms are a growing threat to efficiency and profitability. Most companies cannot rely on these slow and inefficient data processes. The following facts will Read More
October 27, 2017
Construction Operations Software Optimization
Preventive Maintenance is the backbone of a productive, profitable heavy civil construction company. As a matter of fact, keeping assets in the field running and maximizing utilization is, in large part, the Shop Manager’s main focus and a large piece of the profitability puzzle. The modern Shop Manager must analyze the fleet and the capabilities of Mechanics and put the Read More
October 23, 2017
Construction Operations Software Optimization
Paper forms and the headaches that accompany them are all too familiar in the construction industry. For many years, paper forms were the most effective solution for capturing data in the field, as digital, mobile solutions were unavailable, not user friendly, or cost prohibitive. However, this has changed significantly in the last ten years with the increased availability of tablets Read More
September 28, 2017
September is Suicide Awareness Month, and with more focus being given to mental health across the board, it is important to understand its role and impact within the construction industry. Unfortunately, construction has the highest total number of suicides, and is ranked second highest for suicide rate in comparison to other industries. The overall U.S. suicide rate is 13.26 per Read More
September 22, 2017
Any computer user who has ever placed a call to a support hotline knows the difference between a quality support experience and, well, the opposite. But what does quality support really mean? Let’s start by talking about what it isn’t. How many of us have… called a support line, only to be greeted by an automated attendant which forces us Read More
September 12, 2017
Construction Operations Mobile Technology Software Optimization
Heavy civil construction projects need to carefully manage logistics in order to ensure success. Project complexities are driven by large amounts of resources over huge geographic regions, with three key resources needing optimization so projects are efficient and successful: People Equipment Materials The rise of mobile technology is well aligned to address the field operations requirements associated with optimizing people, Read More
September 7, 2017
Construction Operations Mobile Technology
Heavy Civil Infrastructure projects are getting larger and more complex, and as a result, over 50% of projects fail to meet budget and schedule. This increasing complexity is driven by many factors including… No two projects are the same. Each project has its own unique set of existing circumstances. Conditions on the job are always in flux, and often the Read More
August 30, 2017
Construction Operations Mobile Technology
Working in the construction industry comes with its fair share of risks: roughly 20% of all worker deaths occur at construction jobsites, with the top four causes of these fatalities including falling, being struck by an object, electrocution, and getting caught/compressed between two objects. In order to help keep workers risk-free and jobsites compliant, a holistic safety program needs to Read More
August 29, 2017
Construction Operations Mobile Technology
Heavy construction costs occur in the field, and that’s where collaboration and insight can give contractors better cost tracking and cost control. The problem is, many contractors continue to rely primarily on financial or ERP systems to tell them how they are performing versus plan. Now, operational software and mobile capabilities are paving the way for a more effective field-centric Read More
August 25, 2017
Construction Operations Mobile Technology Software Optimization
Equipment inspections, repair requests and maintenance work orders are essential, every-day processes within heavy construction operations. Let’s take a look at: How contractors typically complete these process and the challenges they face with current workflows. How they could complete them more effectively with connected workflows and a unified construction software platform. Problems with Paper and Disconnected Processes For inspections, contractors Read More
August 4, 2017
Scott Adams attended the B2W User Conference in 2015 and was intrigued by an upcoming addition to the B2W platform being previewed for the first time. Fast forward two years, and B2W Inform was a pivotal asset in his employer’s to move toward paperless field data collection. Forms at Bluebird Contracting and the Trotter & Morton Group of Companies were Read More
July 31, 2017
Construction Operations Mobile Technology
Going “paperless” in the construction industry is an increasingly popular goal, as contractors look to escape the inefficiencies, lag time and errors that paper forms bring, while better leveraging the data those forms contain. At Barriere Construction in Louisiana, safety meetings and equipment inspections are two processes where dramatic improvements have been achieved via the B2W Inform solution for data Read More
July 27, 2017
Construction Operations Software Optimization
Having worked closely with Herb Brownett over many years when he was a B2W client at Pennsylvania sitework and excavating specialist Brubacher Construction, two things are clear. He has an in-depth knowledge of our platform and he knows how to deploy our applications to enhance bidding, operations and profitability. That’s why we’re so pleased that Herb, who recently retired as Read More
July 26, 2017
Construction Operations Mobile Technology Software Optimization
We’re all pressed for time and trying to “do more with less”. This blog post highlights little-known and underutilized features in B2W Track to help recoup some time each day. Over the years, B2W Software continuously adds great features, and more than a few go unnoticed – including these overlooked gems. Exclude Zero Cost Labor Types Auto-Add Foreman Auto Add Read More
June 26, 2017
Contractors maintaining a few dozen or a few hundred pieces of equipment know that keeping track of warranties and optimizing coverage are real challenges. Tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars can be lost by not knowing which repairs and replacements could be covered and when. In this article in Construction Executive “Tech Trends”, John Kane explores how maintenance Read More
June 23, 2017
Construction Operations Estimating
Improving estimating, field performance tracking and the link between the two “B2W Estimate and Track have had a profound impact on our company,” says Benson Thoudsanikone, general manager of Kitsaki Projects. The company has close to 200 employees and focuses primarily on utility-based construction projects in Saskatchewan. Kitsaki implemented the B2W Estimate and Track solutions in tandem, with the goals Read More
June 23, 2017
Estimating Software Optimization
For heavy civil construction cost estimators juggling multiple bids on a tight deadline, every second counts and – if they aren’t careful – so can every error. That’s one reason why the B2W Estimate software application includes a unique and powerful tool: the Estimate Error-check Wizard. The wizard not only checks for red flags in a final draft, but guides Read More
June 23, 2017
For those that follow the construction software and technology market, there is a noticeable uptake in technology among construction firms. VDC, BIM, mobile project management apps and the Internet of Things (IoT), top the list. This has not gone unnoticed by software firms and venture capital. Both have been investing heavily over the last few years. Most of this investment, Read More
June 20, 2017
Construction Operations Estimating Mobile Technology
An accounting or ERP system is the go-to tool for managing project costs at many heavy construction companies, but those systems are specifically designed for recording and reporting after costs occur. The limitation is that they are not very effective at helping contractors stay on top of project costs where and when those costs actually occur – in the field Read More
June 19, 2017
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