| The McCormick Journal |
| Third Quarter, 1997 Newsletter Returns We urge you to participate in this newsletter by providing hints, tricks, and other things that might interest your fellow estimator. Version 8.0 of DOS Totally user definable, this menu has a four level "tree" that lets you drop down through "your" descriptions to the selected header that you wish to bring up. Those that have used the Beta Version indicate that with this new function available, it has all but eliminated the "space-bar up" search routine. To use the menu in takeoff, press the "m" key and then select left, center, or right window. This enhancement will ship to all that are current on support within the next 60 days. Conference '97 The first Conference event started at 7:00pm on Wednesday with our traditional welcoming reception. The following morning found all in general session with discussion of both DOS and Windows estimating software as well as presentations by "third party" software publishers that had products of interest to our users. Continuing in the afternoon were two break-outs where "in depth" time was spent in the two programs as well as opened the computer lab where all had a chance to learn and share with others on one of the dozen computers set up for personal use. That evening found all together for a special evening of fun where we were entertained by Marilyn Monroe, Elvis, and by special appearance, five of the original "Blues Brothers". Friday found all in break outs and computer lab again until about noon when we all got together for the last general session that included input from users as to what they wanted in future enhancements as well as "pick on Jack" time and closing of the Conference. Saturday found about 50 persons in the computer lab for discussions with each other, McCormick staff, and other software publishers. McCormick's Users Conference plays a very important role in your estimating software. Where else could you meet and talk to more than 150 persons from throughout the Country to see how they use McCormick software as well as what they do in their business. We are proud to provide this very important program to our serious estimating people. As echoed by more than one person, this years conference was the best ever. McCormick Win Products Development of the Win products started about three years ago with the design of the product on paper. This design was then given to our developers who, at one time, numbered five. Releases of parts of the product were made for internal testing throughout the development period. In addition, product was shown to contractors for their input. Over a year ago, the product went to about sixty McCormick customers for beta test. Based on their findings, additional work was done on the product with this work going through the same testing procedure. The Win6000 and Win8000 (multi-user) now has about 18 months of use, version 4.0 (a major enhancement release) is now being delivered, and work is now progressing on the Win3000. It must be pointed out that even with the heavy emphasis on the Windows products, enhancements are being planned and work is being done on the DOS product. Version 7.0 and 8.0 has just been released and we are now working on Version 9.0 Version 4.0 of Windows Included in this release is improvement in speed, elimination of screen "double painting", improved "lump sum" entry, graphic help screens, as well as many small changes that makes the product flow much smoother. With each release, our Win product reflects major improvements. Due to the fact that our product was developed in a true "windows" application, you can now set up your defaults to work through a menu much like our competition does or, set up your defaults to take off two, three, four, or more things at one time. Fax for Support As it is now, when you call in, we take your call, determine the problem, often by replicating it on a support machine, and then assist you in the fix. By faxing in your request, we can speed up the whole process. When you fax in a request, the fax comes out on the desk of the support coordinator. This person then reviews the request and gives it to who is determined to be best in handling it. This person then researches the problem and then calls with the fix. What this really means is that we are more efficient because the most qualified person is working on your problem and, you are not sitting on the telephone waiting for an answer as we work to come up with the solution. This is not to mean that we will not take telephone calls however, if you have a "non-critical" problem, give us a fax. I think you will like it. The Support number is: McCormick Racing Team In addition to proving the driver and navigator skills by bringing the car across the finish line at an exact time, there are also unlimited races whereby there is no speed limit. This is not their first race. In March of this year, Mike McKittrick and Todd McCormick raced a Ford Mustang convertible (rental car from Hertz) in the targeted speed class of 95 with a do not exceed speed of 115. Even with the fact that this was their first race, they crossed the finish line one half second short of their targeted time. This gave them first in their class and fifth overall. Regarding the open class, there were two Corvettes and one Pantera with the second place car topping 213 miles per hour at one time. The winning average speed was 189.26 miles per hour over the 90 mile course. In addition, Lou LaForteza and Jack McCormick were in the McCormick airplane providing aerial video of the race for the promoters of the event. Regarding this race, we will let you know how and Todd make out in the next Newsletter. EPIC Pricing Service EPIC is fairly new as a company however, every one of their people are "ex" Trade Service employees and bring many years of pricing expertise to the table. The several advantages that EPIC seems to have is 1) the entire data base is sent to you on a CD so that you don't have to keep track of updates, 2) the cost is about half of Trade, and 3) EPIC is small enough that they seem to be able to react to any unique need. Conference '97 3rd Parties As in the past, invited software publishers that could offer value to our attendees were invited however, this year, their presentations were more structured, to the point, and very interesting. Those making presentations were: Sellect Designs At the conclusion of their presentations, all remained in the Computer Lab on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday providing in-depth demonstration and, in some cases, writing up orders. McCormick Masters Lowest Score: Dave Doherty Again, thanks to all that played, as well as Sellect Designs and Tool Watch for a great afternoon. |