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NOW THAT BUSINESS YEAR 2005 IS IN FULL swing, the odds are pretty strong that many builders will be in the market for some new software or other technology systems. Here are some tips for making sure this year's software doesn't become next year's shelfware.
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act! 2005 offers contact management, incidence tracking, document management, and sales/warranty automation in an inexpensive, customizable, and easy-to-learn package.
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Intuit has managed to introduce some useful new user-requested features to Master Builder 10 without taking existing users out of their comfort zones.
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Builders who can get a broadband connection installed in a sales model or a job trailer can use readily available equipment from companies such as Cisco and D-Link to provide a WiFi signal throughout a community.
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With features built into Microsoft Office 2003 and Microsoft SharePoint Services 2003, the software giant has plugged into the next evolution of personal computing: collaboration that integrates a user's Microsoft Office applications with the Internet.
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VectorWorks Architect has all the industry-specific features that builders expect: wall panel design, roof framing, automatic windows and doors, and a stair modeler with an automatic railing generator.
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Perfect customer relationships can be damaged in a hurry if their new homes are not delivered defect-free and warranty-service requests are not handled efficiently.
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BuildWorks 4.0 delivers a feature-rich, back-office system to small builders.
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New Tablet PC applications could drive building industry's use of wireless.
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Technology consultants who talk only about the features and benefits of their products miss the point. Innovative technology is important, but a project can succeed only if the company is ready to make some changes. Here's how you can prepare for new technology.