Articles & White Papers

Miller Information Systems

Miller Information Systems Uses Jonas eService Solution to Save Time, Save Money and Automate the Management of 8,000 Annual Work Orders

Executive Summary

A leading Pennsylvania-based communications infrastructure contractor, and current Jonas Software user, needed a high-tech work order management solution that would provide its biggest client with uninterrupted service. Jonas answered the call with its eService solution and a custom work order status screen.

Customer Profile

Buying Construction Accounting Software with Confidence:
How to Reduce Your Risk and Maximize Your Investment

Investing in new construction accounting software may seem risky in an unstable economy, but implementing integrated management tools can actually help you maximize profitability, decrease overhead and increase efficiency. The end result is your ability to remain competitive in an ever-tightening construction market. Yet, not all software systems are created equal.

To help you sort through the choices, Linda D. Stokes, experienced CPA, spoke to industry expert Brian Andrew. With 20 years of hands-on experience, including seven years as the CFO of an electrical contractor and six years as a software implementation consultant and trainer, Brian has significant insight on how to confidently select a software vendor that will meet your construction management needs now – and in the future.

Linda D. Stokes: How can a company determine when it’s time to upgrade its construction software?

Brian Andrew: Many factors can contribute to the need for new software, like entering data multiple times in multiple places and tracking information using spreadsheets. Some companies might be struggling with specific processes, like purchasing, or managing things like subcontracts, lien waivers and insurance certificate expiration dates. Others may feel like they’ve just outgrown their software.

Most companies change software because they want to realize particular benefits. One of those benefits is having better information. There’s a big difference between data and information. Information is something that’s useful to you; it gives you insight into your business.

Let me share a personal example of how upgrading your software can lead to better, more useful information. I used to be the CFO of an electrical contractor, and purchasing was a big issue for us. After implementing a new integrated accounting, job costing and purchasing system, we saved three percent on our total material purchasing costs in the first year alone. That may seem like a small number, but when you do the math, it’s actually quite significant.

Linda: Where did those savings come from?

Brian: From a couple of difference places. We found that our vendors were making ‘mistakes’ on their invoices and billing us more than the prices quoted on purchase orders. With the new system, we had the information available to catch these errors. We were also able to take advantage of cash discounts, which were previously disallowed because of untimely payments.

Linda: There are so many systems on the market. How do you know which vendor will deliver the best product and service for your needs?

Brian: Evaluating software vendors can be very confusing. But if I was looking for new software today, there are three key factors I would consider. First, I would look for a vendor that really wants to understand my business. Second, I would determine whether the vendor has skilled staff to support my team. And third, I would think about future development and where my company will be in five or ten years – and where the software vendor will be at those same milestones.

When the electrical contractor I worked for purchased new software 15 years ago, our goal was to purchase software for life. We were looking for a company that would grow with us and the vendor we selected demonstrated a forward-thinking mentality. Incidentally, the company is still using that same software today.

I also think it’s important to involve all of the key decision makers in the evaluation process and get buy-in from the end users by helping them understand that new software is going to make their jobs easier.

Linda: When you’ve found vendors that meet these criteria, what product differentiator will further narrow your choices?

Brian: Scalability. Search for a system that performs just as well with 500 users as it does with five, and has functionality that extends beyond basic accounting. Capabilities like document management, mobile field processing and Web-based timecard entry are things to look for, even if you’re not quite ready to implement them. implement them.

Linda: Which one of these capabilities will give you the most bang for your buck?

Brian: Document management, by far, provides the most immediate added value. Think about the costs associated with storage space and the labor required to file, retrieve and re-file paper documents. Commercial office space is very expensive, especially when you’re using it to archive paper in filing cabinets. Storage space on a hard drive costs significantly less than filing cabinets. And, while many people think that scanning documents is complicated, the reality is that most leading-edge construction software systems make the process very simple.

Linda: How can a contractor help ensure a successful software implementation?

Brian: The biggest factor in terms of implementation is to pick a software provider that has a structured implementation plan that includes set-up, data migration, training and testing. Ask to see a sample implementation calendar and talk to references about how the vendor supported them during the entire process. With step-by-step assistance from your software vendor, going live is a non-event because every issue is addressed ahead of time.

Out of all of these steps, however, training is the most important factor in any software implementation. So ask about the vendor’s trainer credentials and how much training is recommended for the system you are looking to purchase. Some software vendors may lead you to believe that it will take less time to train and implement on their software, but realistic expectations should be set before you make your purchase decision.

Linda: What do you mean by ‘realistic expectations?’

Brian: If a software vendor says that you can implement sophisticated construction software with just 20 hours of training and implementation time, that’s unrealistic. And the more sophisticated the system is, the more training you will need.

Linda: After going live, what’s the best way to protect your investment?

Brian: Honestly, the biggest mistake I see companies make is to think that once they go live, they’re done. Software functionality constantly changes and new features may be available that you don’t even know about. Ongoing training allows you to maximize utilization of the tools you already own and evaluate new modules that can make your life easier.

To find out if Jonas is the right solution for your business click here

Jonas Construction Focuses on Clients, Updates Website for Construction and Service Management Software

Jonas Software, a leader in construction and service management software, shifts their focus to clients with a newly redesigned website. The new website was conceived and designed by Agaric Design and features improved navigation as well as full integration of contact forms for better customer response times.

(PRWEB) – Jonas Software, a division of Constellation Software Inc., shifts their focus to their clients with a newly redesigned website. The new website, which is more client focused than their previous website, features improved navigation as well as full integration of contact forms into their CRM database.

Life after QuickBooks Series
Using Several Software Systems

Does this sound like your company?

Bookkeeping tasks like payroll, receivables, payables and financial reporting are done in QuickBooks. Everything else is handled using a multitude of other stand-alone programs, like Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel spreadsheets, and Outlook), service/dispatching software, estimating software . . . and the list goes on.

The problem is, this disconnected method of construction management devours your resources – and your profitability.

The QuickBooks Challenge:

Using a collection of disparate software systems is extremely inefficient, creating the need to enter and re-enter the same information multiple times. This consumes an enormous amount of time and creates an environment that is ripe for human error. Ultimately, more staff are required to get less done.

The Service Contractor’s Software Challenge...and Opportunity

One of your techs is sleeping in his van behind Arby’s. Purchasing has no idea where to allocate the $1,000 invoice they got from Midtown Supply. Meanwhile, you can’t figure out if the ACME Corp service contract you negotiated last summer turned out to be profitable.

Hopefully you don’t have all of these problems, but many service contractors do. Electrical contractors, mechanical contractors and other service organizations face a unique set of challenges. In addition to managing their large jobs towards profit, they must manage complex planned maintenance contracts, and a high volume of both service calls and small quotes. To be successful, these firms must optimize their dispatch, meticulously track purchasing and ensure that gross margins stay in the black.

Software is the solution, but not just any software. Generic accounting systems won’t do it. Nor will construction software designed for general contractors. Service contractors need software designed for their unique needs.

When selecting software, the service contractor needs to focus on four areas where generic solutions may fall short: 1) dispatching; 2) purchasing; 3) contract management; and, 4) financial reporting. We explore each of these areas below.

Web Portals: An Evolving Gateway to User Value

Article at a glance

The evolution of the internet has brought with it the development of a simple concept with virtually limitless possibilities. Today, portal technology is rapidly streamlining business processes, providing greater access to information and creating value for key stakeholders.

Portals have been around since web browsers were brought mainstream in the mid-1990’s, but only recently have they begun to be used to their full potential. Adoption rates across industries vary dramatically but the push for portal technology in construction and service is gaining momentum.
To learn more about what a portal is, the functionalities of existing portals in deployment today and how portals can create value for your organization, please click here.

Applied Mechanical Systems

JONAS E-SERVICE IMPROVES CUSTOMER SATIFACTION, DRIVES NEW NAME SALES AND INCREASES DISPATCH PRODUCTIVITY

Executive Summary

A Jonas client since 2002, Applied Mechanical Systems responded to a clear demand from its customers for online access to work orders by extending its Jonas system online. Since launching e-Service in July 2005, more than 100 Applied Mechanical’s customers have experienced the benefits of online customer self-service. As a result, Applied Mechanical has established a market leadership position further positioning itself for higher customer retention and increased growth.

JONAS MOBILE SOLUTION IMPROVES TECHNICIAN AND DISPATCH PRODUCTIVITY AND DRIVES INCREASED CUSTOMER SATISFACTION.

Executive Summary

A Jonas client since 2003, Canoga Park Heating & Air Conditioning recently implemented Jonas Mobile to give the company a further edge over the competition. Jonas Mobile has helped Canoga Park rapidly increase productivity across the organization while improving the customer experience.

The Birmingham, Alabama-based Drummond Company, a private company started in 1935, is primarily in the business of mining, purchasing, processing and the selling of coal and coal derivatives through their mining operations in Alabama and Colombia.

Directly, or through joint ventures, Drummond’s Real Estate division owns significant land positions in California, Alabama and Florida, where it is currently developing four highly desirable residential golf and country club communities: Rancho La Quinta, California; Oakbridge, Florida; Liberty Park, Alabama; and their newest, Andalusia at Coral Mountain in South La Quinta, California. Ranging from 700 to 4,000 acres, these properties boast one or two championship golf courses designed by the likes of Robert Trent Jones, Jr., Jerry Pate and Tom Fazio, fully modern clubhouses, and luxurious homes, villas and condominiums.

Jonas Software Delivers Unparalleled Service to Stacey Electric with 24-Hour Customer Care and Quick Custom Programming

Executive Summary

For more than 100 years, Stacey Electric Company Limited has been providing electrical contracting services throughout Ontario, Canada. Since the 1950’s, Stacey Electric has focused on a very specific niche: traffic control systems installation and maintenance. One reason for the company’s longevity is its outstanding customer service 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In 2001, when Stacey Electric set out to implement new construction accounting software, management was determined to find a vendor that provided a similar service commitment. What the company found was Jonas Software.