A Better Way of Field Reporting

Ensuring that a job is completed effectively is not based solely on a finished product; there are lots of factors that need to be considered.  Managing a job requires the collection of field information at every stage throughout the project.

This single task can be a very time consuming process that involves creating hand written reports, which then have to be submitted back to the main office.  This process makes it difficult for construction companies to review different stages in the project life cycle because they do not have immediate access to the data.

Through technology and the use of hh2 Web Services, construction companies can better assess their jobs through web based field reports.  Hh2 Field Reports enables field workers to replace paper with netbooks and tablet PC's.  Valuable job information along with photos and other project -critical data is shared remotely using the web.  Company management is then  able to analyze the daily information in  real-time  and print out the reports using Adobe PDF or Microsoft Excel.

Having field reports is an important component when analyzing project quality and safety.  Incidents and safety issues can be documented instantly.  This information can be very useful in future projects and occurrences of litigation.  With the ability to collect job information from the field in real-time, construction companies can be more effective at identifying performance trends as they occur.

In conclusion, there is no longer a need to fill out handwritten reports … be sure to visit http://www.hh2.com and see how hh2 Field Reports can help your construction company better manage field reporting over the web.  

Jason Morrison
Director Project Implementation & Training
www.hh2.com

The Impact of Mobile Apps

Whether you are looking for a better way to log employee time on a project, take measurements on the jobsite, or access important hr documents, the right tool for the job is one you most likely already have: a smartphone.  With advancing cell phone technology, the industry is benefiting from the development of construction productivity tools found in mobile applications.

Photo courtesy of Toolmonger (http://toolmonger.com/2008/08/05/five-toolmonger-uses-for-your-iphone/ )

For jobsite field employees looking to simplify a day on the job, there are a number of simple, mobile construction apps available in the marketplace.  Recent examples are applications that can turn your phone into a ruler, a unit converter and calculator, or a leveling device.

Mobile app developers such as hh2 Web Services  has also led to an array of new apps with much more complex functionalities.  These solutions take construction productivity software to the next level by integrating key aspects of the jobsite onto a mobile platform which enables businesses to be more efficient and cost-effective.

Apple (www.apple.com) has recently unleashed the Apple  iPad.  The iPad is quickly becoming a staple technology for the construction industry with it's amazing power and price.  The iPad's mobile technology is ideal for construction companies, where portability and accessibility is key.

hh2 Web Services has recently released their iPhone and iPad, "My Documents" app that allows hh2 users to access their paystubs, company documents, employee benefits and the ability to submit a change request to the home office.  Employees having access to their information in the field proves to be invaluable and has an immediate cost savings to the company.  Examples include the discontinued use of mailing paper paystubs and miscellaneous company forms to employees.  hh2 plans to release a mobile app for Remote Payroll which will give office and field employees the ability to job cost time from their iPhones.

Jason Morrison

hh2 Web Services

Director Project Implementation & Training

www.hh2.com

Forecasting Your Way to Efficiency

Service Management,  Payroll, Field Reporting, and Human Resources are four areas that have a huge impact on the construction industry.  I am always amazed by the cost savings and efficiency gains achieved when I help implement one of these four web based solutions at hh2.  I work with clients every day that are managing their projects the "old school" way and are looking for change.  Although the construction industry has been built around brick, mortar, steel and hard labor, technology has a huge role in this field.  

Wireless technology has changed the playing field in the construction industry.  Project  Managers and field superintendents are no longer tied to a desktop, or lugging around large laptops to access or update job information.  Gone are the days when construction technology amounted to faxing in paper time sheets.  Consider new alternatives to managing your business through the latest technology.

 The use of advanced technology has lagged in the construction industry.  Several reasons include the boom and bust economic cycle to which the industry is subject, which can make it difficult for companies to maintain consistent technological progress.  Also, it takes time for technology to be embraced on the jobsite.  While this is partially true, in my experience I have found that contractors are quick to adopt new technologies once they discover the dramatic effect it has on their job efficiency.  

If these obstacles can be overcome, the application of web based technology will have numerous benefits. Something as simple as communication between the office and field employees has been revolutionized by technology.  hh2's success in web based construction services is a testament to the many construction companies who use our products remotely.

A recent success story includes a testimonial from a large contractor who was able to cut payroll processing time from 30 hours to three.  The time saved using hh2 Remote Payroll,  was rolled over to  other office activities sensitive to tight deadlines.  

In conclusion, let hh2 Web Services help you implement and change your business by managing information in new, dynamic ways and by creating collaborative data paths to interact with crews, contractors and customers.  Isn't it time you take advantage of technology and find ways to be more efficient?

Jason Morrison

hh2 Web Services

Director Project Management & Implementation

www.hh2.com

Why Companies Need HR Software

I just got done doing another company implementation of hh2 Human Resources. It got me thinking, "Why aren't more companies using hh2 Human Resources?".

The way construction companies deal with human resources has changed over the past several years. One factor could be contributed to the advancements in technology, all of which have had a huge impact on the way companies do things internally and online . There are many HR software applications designed to meet the high demands of the human resource industry. Finding one that meets your companies HR needs can be a real challenge.

Meeting the Needs of Our Clients

If your company is like any of the other HR departments that I have seen, you have a great need for a system that will track, manage, and store employee information. It is much more than just storing company information, it is about streamlining HR processes and having company files at hand when needed in a moments notice. Basic HR tasks such as updating employee records, managing company benefits, reporting, these are all essential features to HR administrators. But what about all of the specific needs your company has related to the construction industry? Have you ever considered making paystubs available to your employees online? Are you currently capturing employee certifications, safety trainings? What about employee evaluations and are you comparing performance by employee classification? Are your employees able to access import company documents remotely? The answer to these questions have a dramatic, financial impact on your company.

Every construction company is different, as are the HR needs within your company. hh2 Human Resources was designed to meet these needs and the growing demands of the construction industry. The core functions of hh2 include tracking employee information, evaluations, location management, certifications, enterprise management, safety meetings, company benefits, documents, and much more. Most importantly hh2 HR is web based opening the door to new opportunities for your employees. Security is setup to grant employees the ability to see paystubs and other valuable information such as employee handbooks, training documents or employee files.

Impact on Company Revenue

I have seen companies save time and money on simple things like paystubs. By making employee paystubs available online through a secure login, employees can view and print out paystub information as needed.

Being able to track employee evaluations and performance using hh2 has helped our clients better manage employee pay raises during economic shortfalls.

Properly tracking employee certifications and training meetings has potentially saved our clients from ongoing litigation battles. Today, there is now a bigger need to have these types of events documented and tracked. All of which can save or cost your company big money.

Great News

Choosing hh2 will benefit your company greatly. It is done through a few of the examples I have shared with you. All of which can be easily addressed in hh2's online HR web service.

The positive change in your human resource department will be very noticeable. Your company will be much more efficient, your data will be located in one secure location, and your business procedures will be refined to save money.

As you work hand in hand with your employees and hh2 specialist, you will see the huge advantages of using hh2 Human Resources online. I promise things will be less chaotic, money saved, and you'll have piece of mind knowing your data is safe.

Hopefully I get an opportunity to work with you soon. I look forward to your success.

Jason Morrison
hh2 Web Services
Director Project Implementation & Training

iPhone: Built for Construction

What kind of abuse can an iPhone take?  If a construction company were to invest in iPhones for its workers or technicians, they would want to make sure that a year later, their investment is still intact.

I have owned my iPhone for nearly a year, and most of that time I have either had no protective case or very slim cases that just give the iPhone a little bounce, should it fall.  My iPhone has survived countless falls and one total underwater submersion.  It took a day for the speakerphone to start working again after my 18 month old threw it in a thankfully empty toilet.  The iPhone can definitely take some serious abuse.

The following video demonstrates the strengths and weaknesses of iPhone durability.



The device is surprisingly robust. Below is a video of the iPhone being dropped 3 stories from a rooftop and although the case takes some serious scratching, the screen survives.



An impact that does not put a focused pressure point will generally not affect the iPhone. But dropping your phone from waist height can break your screen if it lands wrong or a small object hits the screen directly.

So what can be done to protect a company's investment?

Buy a screen protector.
There are many kinds of screen protectors including ones that will hold up to harsh environments. Below you'll see a demonstration of a product by zagg.



Buy a protective case.
I would recommend the Otterbox Defender for construction use. Below is a review so you can see how it works. It combines a hard plastic case, a silicone outer case, and a built in, hard plastic, transparent screen protector. With this your iPhone can take a beating. I have purposefully dropped my iPhone with this case hundreds of times without a scratch.



Replace the screen if it breaks.
iPhones can have their screens replaced if necessary. They are fairly inexpensive and easy to do in house. The glass digitizer can be replaced for about $40 and if the lcd is damaged beneath that, you can get it replaced for about $80. This is much more cost effective than replacing the device. Our construction company has had about 15 iPhones for about a year and has only had to replace 1 screen so far. The below video demonstrates the procedure and informs you where you can go to buy the parts (http://www.pdaparts.com).



Tell your people to be careful.
These devices are as robust or more so than other devices in their category. Just use common sense and take good care of the device and it will serve your construction company for years.