Problem
You work for a general contractor specializing in commercial construction projects ranging from $5,000 to $5,000,000 in value. You have been asked by the company president to investigate software packages that would enhance your company's ability to manage up to 50 projects throughout the Southeast simultaneously. Of particular interest to the boss is the use of an internet-based application for such purposes. Additionally, your boss would like to have the ability with this software to monitor for any job at any time the following project issues:
Change orders (amounts and acceptance/pending status)
Submittal status: number of outstanding submittals, outstanding submittals delaying schedule
Written communications with Owner/Architect and Subcontractors
Daily Reports from Superintendents
Punchlists (including progress in completing)
Assignment
Prepare a memo (maximum of 3 pages) for your boss (name: Craig Clement) detailing the advantages and disadvantages of Internet and more "traditional" software packages for management purposes. Include information on security of data, potential technical difficulties, and costs. E-mail your assignment to timtidwell@clement-inc.com. This assignment is to be due on Thursday, October 26.
Based on your findings in item 1, prepare a Power Point presentation for your boss that details your selection of the three best software packages according to the uses listed above, their capabilities, versatility per job size and remote locations, cost, technical support availability, data backup and integrity, and training. This assignment is due on Thursday, November 9.