Newsletter Archive
Newsletter - Winter 1998
Construction Firms Go Hi-Tech
According to a 1998 Construction Software Survey, commissioned by the New York Building Congress and conducted by Anchin, Block & Anchin, L.L.P., New York City construction firms are increasingly turning to computer technology to make their businesses more efficient.
The survey of Building Congress members found that firms are turning to software technology to help implement a wide and growing variety of functions including accounting, payroll, marketing, job costing, estimating and computer-aided design. While more sophisticated applications are gaining in popularity, word processing and spreadsheets remain the most popular computer applications of construction firms.
“New York City’s building industry has always been highly competitive, which is one of the main reasons the region remains a worldwide leader in building design and construction services,” said Building Congress President Richard T. Anderson. “Accordingly, firms seeking to maintain or gain a competitive advantage are utilizing software technology to make their businesses even more efficient and productive.”
One concern, noted James Anchin, a Partner at Anchin, Block & Anchin, is Year 2000 compliance. “Currently, just 56 percent of all computer systems utilized by Building Congress-affiliated construction firms are designed to accurately read and store information fed to it starting on January 1, 2000. Unless this problem is addressed, potential calamities are awaiting the industry on that day,” Anchin warned.
The Building Congress and Anchin, Block & Anchin are planning future surveys and are looking to industry members for input. For questions about the surveys or a copy of the software report, call the Building Congress at (212) 481-9230 or send email to info@buildingcongress.com.
The New York Building Congress recently conducted a survey of our member’s preferences in computer software technology to help all of us remain alert to the changing face of our industry. We thank all the respondents for their participation.
A summary of the survey results, compiled by our accountants and consultants, Anchin, Block & Anchin LLP, is provided below:
| We use our computer system for the following applications : | |
| Computer-aided design (CAD) | 67% |
| Estimating |
54% |
| Job costing | 64% |
| Accounting | 77% |
| Payroll | 69% |
| Word Processing | 92% |
| Project accounting | 62% |
| Spreadsheets | 79% |
| Contact management (marketing) | 59% |
| Other | 33% |
| How are you planning to address the Year 2000 problem? | |
| Our systems are already Year 2000 compliant | 56% |
| We are planning to replace our system with one that is Year 2000 compliant | 13% |
| We are planning to upgrade our current system to make it Year 2000 compliant | 26% |
| Other |
5% |
| Which of the following computer technologies are you using? | |
| Windows 95 or NT | 90% |
| 72% | |
| Internet access | 64% |
| Fax through a desktop computer | 54% |
| Other |
15% |
ABOUT NEW YORK BUILDING CONGRESS
The New York Building Congress, a broad based membership association celebrating its 92nd year, is committed to promoting the growth and success of the construction industry in New York City and its environs. NYBC promotes competence and productivity in the workplace, with special emphasis on public service, teamwork, and partnership with government. Members are encouraged to conduct business with honesty, integrity, and with a spirit of fair competition.
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