At The Forefront
Dexter + Chaney's New Processing System Allows Project Managers to Access, Manage Current Information at the Jobsite
Excerpt from CONSTRUCTOR Magazine Dec. 1996
The new jobsite processing system for Dexter+Chaney's Forefront accounting and project management software solves a common problem for contractors: How to enable project managers to access current information efficiently at a jobsite or remote office. The jobsite processing system- unique to Forefront-gives project managers access to accurate, up-to-date information on material costs, payroll, subcontractors, and other components of the job. It uses the Internet, online services, or direct modem connection to transfer job information.
UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION AT THE JOBSITE
With Forefront's jobsite processing, the project manager at the remote location has access to the same inquiries and reports as at the main office by simply transferring current data directly from the main system to his computer.
The main office of the typical construction company usually prints job and labor reports once a week and overnights them to the project manager. But with jobsite processing, the project manager prints current reports on demand from the computer at the job site. "Drill down, inquiries provide individual transactions like material invoices, payroll timecards, or subcontract payments to be viewed directly on the screen.
"The project manager gets just what he needs when he needs it," says John Chaney, Dexter+Chaney cofounder and principal. "He's no longer dependent on the main office for sending weekly reports-whose information is typically out of date by the time he receives it.
JOBSITE PAYROLL PROCESSING
Payroll information-including hours, equipment usage, and job quantities completed-is entered directly into the jobsite computer and then transferred to Forefront at the main office, eliminating errors and the time and expense of double entry. Checks can be produced at the jobsite, streamlining payroll operations. Purchase order information can be transferred to the main office from the jobsite computer.
AUTOMATED DATA
Transferring information from the main office to the jobsite is a simple process. Forefront accumulates the complete job history for transfer. These files are then transferred by e-mail over the Internet or by any online service such as CompuServe or America Online. The transfer is simple, and long-distance charges are eliminated.
Files also can be transferred directly between offices via modem. Forefront includes a Windows program that, with the click of an icon, automatically accumulates the complete job history and begins the process of transferring the data to the jobsite. An icon at the jobsite prepares it to receive data whenever sent; no monitoring is required.
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