Estimating Ahead
Tried-and-true construction solutions for project management, bidding and estimating, and accounting and job costing are getting an infusion of new and innovative features—just in time for the New Year.
Take On Center Software’s, www.oncenter.com, The Woodlands, Texas, enhanced product announcement as one example. During a Webinar yesterday, Cecilia Padilla, president, On Center Software and Angelo Castelli, vice president, operations, On Center Software, announced the latest release of its portfolio of solutions, which includes On-Screen Takeoff, Quick Bid, and Digital Production Control.
Three key features stand out among the new product functionalities: Windows 8 compatibility, Mac compatible using virtualization software, and expanded licensing management.
Speaking to the first capability, Windows 8 has been a big talking point for construction companies in recent weeks. While some construction companies are waiting until the dust clears to implement Windows 8, others are getting ready to make the switch. Padilla addresses the Windows 8 compatibility in the Webinar, saying On Center Software supports it today.
The company says it understands the importance of staying on top of the latest technology regarding operating systems. In the same announcement, On Center Software also announced its products are Mac compatible using virtualization software.
Another big component in this release is the expanded licensing management. James Cole, sole director, Superior Industries Group, participated in the beta program. He says the new release will help track licenses and take productivity to the next level.
Many of the new features and functionality aim at improving efficiencies, ease of use, and flexibility, which will ultimately increase productivity and profits for construction companies.
In the Webinar, Castelli also highlighted other new features such as multi-condition takeoff, allowing for multiple area, linear, and count conditions with one click. At the end of the session, he suggests anyone interested should work with their internal IT department to determine when the right time is to upgrade. On Center Software is providing one-on-one support and training Webinars to help transition customers to the new release.
It is exciting to see construction-software providers staying on top of the latest technology and allowing for compatibility with new operating systems. As the construction industry is ready to transition to Windows 8, many of the construction-software products will be ready for the switch as well.