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Try Technology Before You Buy, at IBS Computer Labs
 Industry professionals will be able to sample the latest information technology business solutions at 20 interactive computer labs at the 2007 International Builders' Show (IBS) in Orlando.
In the 90-minute labs, attendees will be able to "try before they buy" such technologies as computer-aided design and drafting software, estimating software, workflow management software that can help reduce cycle time, voice recognition software that can streamline communications and help make job-site supervisors more productive, and more.
The interactive computer labs will be held in the Orange County Convention Center, rooms West 309 or West 310.
The following is a preview of several labs at IBS:
BuildLinks: Construction Scheduling Software That Leverages the Internet
BuilderMT/Sage Timberline: A Complete Management System for the Production Home Builder
- “From Dirt to Defects, a Complete End-to-End Workflow Solution for the Production Home Builder”
Wednesday, Feb. 7
4:00-5:30 p.m., West 309
Learn how technology can automate processes from “dirt to defects” by connecting documents, scheduling, purchasing, warranty and trade communication from field to office using BuilderMT Sage software and wireless technology.
- “The Super-Charged Superintendent: Field Management Technology — Top Technology Tools for Optimizing the Superintendent's Effectiveness”
Thursday, Feb. 8
4:00-5:30 p.m., West 310
Superintendents manage millions of dollars of company assets. See how wireless technology on mobile devices and tablets can transfer vital information from the field — connecting documents, scheduling, purchase order approvals, warranty and trade communication — in real time to main office.
CDCI: Full Cycle Cost Control
Construction Imaging Systems: The Benefits of Imaging
- “How Imaging Helps Home Builders From Large to Small Reduce Costs”
Thursday, Feb. 8
11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m., West 310
Imaging systems starting at $5,000 can help home builders in routing and approving PO’s and invoices, routing and archiving job documents, HR documents, warranty CD creation and more. An imaging system user will speak about the benefits of imaging.
Dynami Solutions, LLC: Customer and Workflow Management Made Easier
- “Dynami Builder: Processes Made Easier”
Friday, Feb. 9
11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m., West 310
Especially for mid-sized builders, this interactive lab will provide hands-on experience with customer and workflow management.
Hyland Software: Increased Efficiency Through Paperless Document Management
- “Increasing Efficiency and Profitability With Document Imaging”
Thursday, Feb. 8
11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m., West 309
Hyland’s OnBase document management solutions enable construction companies to become “paperless builders” by managing all documents and paper-centric business processes in one electronic repository.
IntoText: Say Goodbuy to Paperwork With Voice Recognition Software
- “BuilderWerks™: Don't Write It...Just Say It!”
Wednesday, Feb. 7
1:30-3:00 p.m., West 309
Thursday, Feb. 8
4:00-5:30 p.m., West 309
Friday, Feb. 9
8:30-10:00 a.m., West 309
Say goodbye to paperwork and hello to concrete documentation with voice-recognition software. Learn how to “walk” a virtual house with a digital recorder, dictate notes for buyers and vendors, and watch speech recognition compile them into tailored reports that fax or e-mail automatically.
Sage Software: Sharpen Estimates and Workflow Management
- “Sage Timberline Office — Install and Go Estimating”
Thursday, Feb. 8
8:30-10:00 a.m., West 309
Building and customizing your estimates can be a complex and time-consuming exercise. With the new tools in Sage Timberline Office, learn how you can take control of the estimating process and devote more resources to building your business.
- “Sage Master Builder — Project Management Workflow”
Friday, Feb. 9
11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m., West 309
Develop expertise in project management from start to finish of each job. Improve your bottom line by sharpening your workflow and processes with Sage Master Builder. Learn about the new Executive Dashboard for an overall financial health checkup.
Sitestream Software: Project Budgeting and Sales and Warranty Management
- “SiteStream Land Forecasting and Project Budgeting”
Wednesday, Feb. 7
1:30-3:00 p.m., West 310
This lab shows how SiteStream manages the project cycle from first land bid through entitlement and production, giving both project and corporate cash flow visibility and forecasting.
- “SiteStream Sales and Warranty Management”
Friday, Feb 9
8:30-10:00 a.m., West 310
This lab shows how the home-building-specific sales and warranty modules manage the process from initial customer contact, through options selection, closing and the warranty period.
SMART Builder Solutions: Real Time Process Management Software
- “Performance by Process Design, Results by Process Execution”
Thursday, Feb. 8
1:30-3:00 p.m., West 310
Learn to design your processes for performance. Learn how to “systemize” your business by mapping processes, linking checklists, forms and more to task steps. See examples of processes managed by using real-time business process management software.
Softplan Systems: Interactive CAD Technology
- “SoftPlan Architectural Design Software Interactive CAD Workshop”
Thursday, Feb 8
8:30 a.m.-10:00 a.m., West 310
Experience design technology in this hands-on workshop featuring the latest, easy-to-use Softplan CAD software. The design process, from creation of floor plans to automatic generation of elevations, cross sections and 3D renderings, will be covered.
NAHB staff also will conduct three labs, including one demonstrating how to get the most out of the NAHB Web site: www.nahb.org.
For complete computer lab descriptions, locations and speaker information, click here.
To Register
To register for the computer labs listed and more, visit the computer lab track of the educational seminars on the International Builders' Show Web site, www.buildersshow.com. Use the "My Show Planner" tool to register for specific courses.
 NAHB Has More Than 300 Resources to Help You Run Your Business More Profitably
Go to NAHB's Business Management Tools Web pages (available to members only) for instant access to more than 300 timesaving, moneymaking and cost-cutting business resources to help you run your business more profitably. Get guidance on accounting and financial management, business strategy, computers and information technology, customer service, human resources and more.
Resources are added weekly, so bookmark www.nahb.org/biztools to go directly to these vital business management resources.
Local and state home builders associations can link directly to www.nahb.org/biztools from their Web site and give their members instant access to these resources. It will make your HBA's Web site the place to go for the information and guidance that members need to succeed.
 NAHB Kit Gives Builders Back-to-Basics Tips in Cooling Market
With the current cooling of the nation’s housing market expected to persist into the middle of next year, NAHB has developed a comprehensive online toolkit geared to providing association members with information that will help them prosper in today’s changing business environment. With the current cooling of the nation’s housing market expected to persist into the middle of next year, NAHB has developed a comprehensive geared to providing association members with information that will help them prosper in today’s changing business environment.
To access the “Back to Basics” toolkit, you must be an NAHB member and have a login to www.nahb.org. To create a login, go to www.nahb.org/login or click on the log-in button on the main menu bar.
For assistance, call the NAHB Member Service Center at 800-368-5242.
Subscribe to NAHB’s Business of Building e/Source
NAHB’s Business of Building e/Source is your monthly electronic guide to the hot issues and emerging trends in home building business management. You’ll find practical advice, tricks of the trade and sound business guidance — all delivered monthly, straight to your desktop, in a quick and easy-to-read format. Business of Building e/Source is available free to NAHB members and their employees.
To subscribe, visit www.nahb.org/BoB on the Members Only side of the NAHB Web site.
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