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Meeting Needs of Contractors and Estimators |
August 2004 We're Proud Of Version 8.0 - Here's Why
We've got great news(!!!) There are so many changes (for the better), improvements, and major and minor enhancements in McCormick Systems' new Version 8.0 -- you're going to have to spend some time with the program to take full advantage of all of the big nuggets and little gems that we packed into it! Here are some SAMPLES of the changes: (click on thumbnail to view larger image)
There is MUCH more... We will be releasing a comprehensive outline of all the improvements prior to the release date - watch this space!
Meeting Needs Of Contractors & Estimators Thanks to the very close relationships McCormick Systems is fortunate to have with our customers -- electrical & datacom contractors and estimators -- we get to hear about what they need in terms of improvements and enhancements to our software. Our goal is to improve estimating productivity. If we can make your work faster and more accurate, it creates extra time -- time for you to pursue more jobs, if that's your choice, or spend more "thinking" time on each job . . . increasing profitability. Major customer input comes to us at our annual User's Conference, typically held in early Spring in Arizona. See our report on the 2004 event here. "Every year, I tell the contractors and estimators something that the new people might not believe, but it happens to be true," says Todd McCormick, the company president. "I tell them that part of what they've paid us is earmarked, by us, as R&D funding. Then I tell them that, since it's their money that funded the research and development, we're more than willing to be guided by their wants and needs." In response, McCormick gets "wish list" items from customers. A staff member takes notes on what customers say in every minute of our two-day User's Conference. We also talk with and listen to customers every day of every year, with everything from direct suggestions to off-hand remarks adding to the "wish list" that comes out of the Conference. In essence, V8.0 of our electrical estimating software provides quantum leaps above V7.0 in areas to which customers pointed us!
Here's a story about Version 8.0, President Todd McCormick, the User's Conference, and one contracting firm:
Every company touts its newest product; it's routine to see "new and improved" on packaging of various consumer products, for example. With V8.0, we think we've hit the ball out of the park. Estimators using McCormick Systems software now have a much-expanded "a la carte menu" of abilities, options, and choices. Bottom line: With this improved estimating tool, you'll be able to do it your way -- but faster, more accurately, and with relative ease. See McCormick At IEC & NECA EventsVisit our booth and take a look at McCormick's newest software products and ideas to help you be more productive in electrical and datacom estimating at these upcoming association meetings and trade shows: Independent Electrical Contractors, Inc. -- Sept. 29 to Oct. 2, Minneapolis: http://www.ieci.org/default.asp?PID=519 The NECA Convention & Show -- Oct. 16 to Oct. 19, Los Angeles: http://www.necanet.org. Inflation UpdateBack in April, we gave you the London Metals Exchange price for a "tonne" of copper (2,205 pounds). Here's an update for early August: London Metal Exchange -- $ per tonne:
The Aug. 9 price equates to $1.28 per pound. Hot News -- Web LinksAbandoned Cable Makes HeadlinesA number of publications have latched on to the problems building owners are having dealing with the 2002 NEC's abandoned cable removal requirements. Here are some places to find more information:
Free Lighting TutorialContractors, their employees, and/or their customers might benefit from a free online service from the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America. IESNA recently posted the second in its "Lighting Basics" series -- Discover Lighting: Applications. Find the presentation here. Electrical Contracting Foundation Funds Research Into PVThe Electrical Contracting Foundation, Inc. is funding research into photovoltaics. According to a release:
Note that McCormick Systems is a Regents-level contributor to the Foundation. Find the full release here. IMPORTANT NOTE: McCormick is offering a special training event Oct. 14-15 in Los Angeles, before The NECA Show. To register or for more info, call 800-444-4890. McCormick On The WebSoftware -- A Hard Decision (from the January Electrical Contractor, written by John Fulmer -- who is now the magazine's Editor) -- http://www.ecmag.com/editorial_detail.aspx?id=1192 (article quotes President Todd McCormick) Estimating Take-Offs In The Field (by Jeff Griffin, posted to ElectricSmarts.com) -- http://www.electricsmarts.com/content/csoftware_pda.asp New Products (Cabling Installation & Maintenance magazine) -- we're the 2nd product listed -- http://cim.pennnet.com/otherpublications/cc/content/0102_pg28.cfm Recent Releases Of NoteDodge: June Contractors For New Construction Up 1% --http://www.construction.com/ResourceCenter/forecast/2004June.asp. This table is an "upsized" version (same data) of one that appears on that page:
Army Corps of Engineers Takes Dim View Of Reverse Auctions -- http://www.finance-commerce.com/recent_articles/040806.htm NECA Contractors Poised To Benefit From New MasterFormat -- http://www.necanet.org/pressroom/releases/Report.cfm?ID=471 Get Windows Training Now! Standard Estimating The class is structured to take you from "Job Startup" through " Bid Summary". It provides in-depth instruction, including good manual experience and "brush-up" exposure for those who want to get more out of the product. Advanced ManagementDesigned for the database manager or chief estimator, this class drills down into the bottom of the program. You will learn how to build specification formulas, write reports and reports formulas, and more. Before taking the class, you should be proficient in all takeoff phases of the product and understand your company’s needs. Upcoming Schedule BelowUnless specified, all classes are at the training center in our office in Chandler, AZ. Classes start at 7 a.m. and wind up about 4 p.m. daily. We make hotel reservations using information from the registration forms sent in from participants. We must receive your registration form in order to reserve a space in our class. To obtain a registration form, call 800-444-4890 and speak with Loriel McCormick or Jody Dougherty. You can e-mail either one (lmccormick@ or jdougherty@ -- mccormicksys.com). DID YOU KNOW:We'll 'Suitcase' Classes To You + Customize Them, Too!Do you have a number of people in your company who need to learn McCormick's system -- and you don't want to send all of them to Maryland or Arizona? OR: Perhaps you have specific or special training needs . . . an area or areas in which you need concentrated training, customized especially for your company? Don't hesitate to contact us. We have trainers -- with broad and deep expertise in the electrical construction industry and, of course, with the McCormick estimating system's capabilities. Call 800-444-4890! UPCOMING ESTIMATING CLASSES -- East & West Call 800-444-4890 for more information and to register.
Standard Los Angeles, CA -- Oct. 14-15 -- special class to be held before The NECA Convention & Trade Show. Chandler, AZ -- classes to be held at our historic Headquarters building: Aug. 25-27, Sept. 15-17, Sept. 22-24, Oct. 6-8, and Nov. 3-5. Columbia, MD -- Sept. 22-24 are the next dates set for classes in our Eastern location. [Note: Columbia is located midway between Washington, D.C., and Baltimore]
Advanced Management Class Our next Advanced class is scheduled for McCormick's Chandler, AZ HQ -- November 10-12 To see all upcoming classes, go to: http://www.mccormicksys.com/train.htm.
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