[Bill Schwab]

I just got our copy of Pro for May and have to say Monroe Porter hits many nails right on the head in his column. In our industry we more than too often overuse technology, cellular communication, and hand held yuppie devices known as the "Palm" For years small companies ran tight and lean, and boasted much higher profit margins than before we technified the business world. When I consider purchases of tech equipment, I clearly look at them as expenses that I never really needed before the marketing gurus from the tech indutry sold thier products as time savers with a blanket clause.

Let me explain that before any of you jump me for it. In companies that have under 10 employees, you can easily get by with little to no computer related items. A simple word processor and a hand written spread sheet will suit your needs, just so you can have something to look at your numbers. Over 10 employees is where I feel tech stuff begins to pay off. With small companies, the theory that computers save you time end up costing you far more than doing things to old fashioned way. Also, if you have problems, your company will be held hostage. With paper and a pen, you have a dime for a pen and nickle for a sheet of paper and you are off and running. You input data only once, where with tech stuff it has to go from paper to computer which often eats time and costs money.

When I hear people networking 5 computers, keeping a laptop, sending E-mail directly to a cell phone and stuffing a palm in thier pocket, and I see they only have 5 or 6 empoyees, clearly, there is a better use of reesources than to strengthen microsofts P&L's.

Our office runs one PC, no palms a Nextel radio system for the crews, mine being the only one with a phone and that is it. To firther make better use of my time I only check messages 3 times a day and reurn calls as I see thier priority. If someone has an issue with that, they best get over it. I don't need an aumbillecal cord attached to my waste everywhere I go and I feel you can still give great customer service without being married to a cell phone.

Once again, great article all should read.

[cutntrim]

When I was still a partnership, we bought two Palm Pilots. Never could get them to "synch" properly and then my computer crashed and wouldn't allow the palms to even download info with my computer. Palms are in a drawer gathering dust.

I have three cell phones on one plan for $200/month and I get 700 minutes + unlimited calls between the cell phones. My computer is a laptop and I'm "wireless" which is nice when I want to work away from the desk. My internet connection is cable and I bought a digital camera over the winter. I use Quickbooks to input my transactions and contact info but I have a bookeeper do the quarterlies. My accountant handles taxes at tax time.

I don't think I'm too dependant on the technology, but I do log a lot of computer time 'cause I'm an obsessive type person where work is concerned. Don't know how old you are Bill, but I bet younger guys may feel different about technology. I'm only 34, but the 20-year-olds that work for me are light years ahead of me tech-wise.

[Paul]

All things come with a price. My line of work is different than most here. I would like to see how much time it takes to fill out a labor report that is required by the state or paying union dues. How about doing a take off on a 40 acre park with 5 different seed mixes in under an hour. Do I need this stuff ........... no but I value my time and also value my work so I'll not miss those last 500 sq yds of seed or 200 sq ft of brick pavers because the plan was scaled at 1"=50' Plus I'll be enjoying my Scotch while I sit in my hot tub while others are still sitting at the table looking up prices or putting the bid together.

[Stonehenge]

I haven't received my copy of Pro yet, so I may hold off until I read the article. That being said, I think that there are many reasons to be 'jacked in' to technology, one of those reasons being to service your clients. There are many others. I'll have to see what Monroe says before I jump on his wagon, or the wagon aimed at his.

[jwholden]

I have been toying with QB Contractors Edition since the beginning of the season and am AMAZED at the detail I can get with it. Every receipt I enter into the computer is attached to the name of a cleint so I can know EXACTLY what I spent on supplies. Soon I will enter my employees (and my) time by job so I can know EXACTLY how much time was spent on a job. I can write change orders down to the penny with a few keystrokes.

Paul, you were so right on getting QB contractors edition. I'm not sure I'm saving a ton of time, but the power of knowing my numbers is totally there. I need a bookkeeper to enter all of the information now....

Palm pilot - never
Wireless internet - hopefully soon
Second cell phone for the guys, addit. $20 a month with 1000 minutes to call my phone.

[Paul]

Just a few more things to think about.......................
A computer about the cost of a meal at Mortons Steak House for 4.
Accounting program...... 3 or 4 bottles of Good single malt Scotch.
Off site back up about the cost of taking the family to a cheap restaurant.
Cable modem or DSL line the cost of a tank of gas now days.
Lap top about the cost of a week end with the wife.

Things start to get a bit more involved when you start talking digitizer and take-off software about the cost of a new Hot tub.

Things I don't see why some have to have $50K pickup truck that doesn't hold any tools? And replace it every 3 years?

Not every one is going to need a $7K dual slope laser along with a $12K grading attachment for their tractor or skid loader. I found that I did and reduced my labor cost, My speed base system also reduced my labor, these items have a direct effect on my bottom line.

[Bill Schwab]

Paul:

The difference is technolgy for the field will effect your bottom line. Linking 5 computers to every palm you own and adding 3 antennas to a truck to show how important you are is yet another thing. Basically, Monroe said if you don't use it, loose it. That is what I agree to. No more. Technology has it's place, if it saves time, and if it is used. In more cases than not, it is over purchased than used.

[Rex Mann]

Paul,

I worked at Morton's of Chicago in Cleveland, Ohio for 8-years.


I was the wine and cigar guy

We go there every year on our anniversary in Scottsdale.

Peace,

Rex

[cutntrim]

Hey now! I happen to love my $45,000CDN Dodge QuadCab 2500 4x4!

I've put in my time driving older model trucks, and am enjoying leasing new ones. I'd love something like a F-550 with dump box, but I don't think it'd be a good fit doubling as a family vehicle on weekends, or parked in front of my suburban home.

[Paul]

Cutntrim I think you have a few tools in your truck and your not afraid to throw a few plants or brick in the back. I'm talking about the guys that call up one of their other trucks just to get a few tools or plants that could fit in their pickup.

Rex nothing beats a good steak, a fine bottle or two of a good cabernet sauvignon, then topping it off with a Good single malt Scotch and a Aston.

Bill, what really gets me is people that have the stuff you talk about but don't use it. They can't tell you how many hours they spend on any one job. Nor can they really tell you if they are making money!

I'm one of those people that has 4 computers and yes they are all linked. I learned many moons ago that it's garbage in garbage out with computers, but many people have tried to do what you talk about and really can't fathom all the details that a simple accounting program can do.

[Stonehenge]

Of course, when the computers are given as prizes, it's hard to knock ya for having them.

I'll try to continue to hold back on this issue until I read that article, but I'm already starting to stew in my juices getting ready for it....

[cutntrim]

Paul: Ahhh, yes the "quoting truck". I see a couple competitors around with the nice new 2wd (so they aren't plowing) trucks, they presumably use to drive to quotes or to put on the white hard hat and supervise their crews.

Wish I could say that all I do is drive around all day in my shiny new truck lookin' important, but the reality is I'm either out in the field working, or in the office working.

[spiderlily]

This small, tight, lean company would be toast without technology. Technology allows little old me me to do bookkeeping, web development, and big-boy marketing. It makes it possible for me to research plants on the fly, do garden design at soccer practice, and even let me design my own graphics when the pros let me down. Cell phone, pocket pc, and laptop allow me to run my business and raise (and homeschool) four children. Without technology, I couldn't accomplish a tenth of what I do now. With technology, I am Wonder Woman.

[Lanelle]

As a designer, I can do lots of things faster with a computer. I can manipulate a design, enlarge for detail and rotate elements that would be very tedious with a pencil. Some free-form elements are more quickly drawn by hand, but recognizing that and not being a slave to the mouse helps me maximize my time. And I agree with Paul that the digitizer not only saves time but makes a more accurate measurement than doing a take-off 'by-hand'. This can make the difference between being told that our number is 'a little high' vs. 'looks good'. So its more than time-savings that count.

[Paul]

JW once it's set up you need no more than 5 minutes a day to enter your receipts, tracking your hours will only add another 10 minutes a day.

Being able to click a mouse and REALLY see what is happening in your company PRICELESS!!!!!!!!!!!!!