Housing Giants - January 1, 2009 - (Page 8) TECH embedded in that purchase order, and it is the purchase order that the site super signs to authorize payment for work complete. You can only imagine the data reconciliation nightmare if a purchase order is changed or cancelled and has to be reissued. It was a document version-control nightmare. When accounts payable did its work (CraftMaster pays every two weeks) the employees responsible for accounts payable had to scramble to match a signed purchase order with the correct original, Here’s how it works. The Web portal that CraftMaster uses allows CraftMaster Homes to instantly share, in real-time, detailed information with its trade partners. There is no software to distribute to the trades, nor faxing, printing or filing. The portal allows CraftMaster to maintain a single database of its schedule, workflow management and transactions yet allows subs to access that workflow and view detailed information about purchase orders, work orders, schedules, warranty and payment status “We required that every trade partner have access to the Internet and use the Web portal if they wanted to work with us. They saw it as an opportunity to get their paperwork in order.” — Tim Aloi, vice president of operations while noting variances, rectifying discrepancies and issuing payment, all the while fielding calls from many of the trade partners who were looking for their purchase orders because of lost papers, bad faxes, overcharges, etc. The estimator was called in to re-fax and reprint documents or argue changes that were not completed or signed off on in the field. The field employees’ time was spent relaying information to the trade partners, as well as tracking down the correct purchase orders. CraftMaster was under severe pressure because of a flawed ability to communicate. through any Web browser, 24/7. With its Web portal, CraftMaster Homes has taken an inefficient paper-based product and pushed it all onto the Web. How was adoption of the Web portal by the subs? “The trade partners love it,” says Aloi. “And believe me, I would know if they didn’t because if anything goes wrong, I am the first guy they call. “We required that every trade partner have access to the Internet and use the Web portal if they wanted to work with us. They saw it as an opportunity to get their paperwork in order. They are getting on the Web each night to check their schedules, pick up their POs, and see when their checks have been mailed. It’s all on one screen.” With the Web portal, each subcontractor or trading partner has a unique Web site that accesses a record of his or her activity with CraftMaster. A customizable “dashboard” showcases any updates or events that affect Web Portal to the Rescue When CraftMaster Homes spotted a new Web portal for trade management, they jumped on it, and it has paid off in real dollars for work saved, staff reduction and some very happy trade partners. 08 1.1.09 HOUSING GIANTS www.HousingGiants.com http://www.HousingGiants.com
Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Housing Giants - January 5, 2009 Housing Giants - January 5, 2009 Contents Viewpoint News & Moves Tech People to Know Housing Giants - January 5, 2009 Housing Giants - January 5, 2009 - Housing Giants - January 5, 2009 (Page Cover1) Housing Giants - January 5, 2009 - Contents (Page 2) Housing Giants - January 5, 2009 - Viewpoint (Page 3) Housing Giants - January 5, 2009 - Viewpoint (Page 4) Housing Giants - January 5, 2009 - News & Moves (Page 5) Housing Giants - January 5, 2009 - News & Moves (Page 6) Housing Giants - January 5, 2009 - Tech (Page 7) Housing Giants - January 5, 2009 - Tech (Page 8) Housing Giants - January 5, 2009 - Tech (Page 9) Housing Giants - January 5, 2009 - People to Know (Page 10) Housing Giants - January 5, 2009 - People to Know (Page 11) Housing Giants - January 5, 2009 - People to Know (Page 12) Housing Giants - January 5, 2009 - People to Know (Page 13) Housing Giants - January 5, 2009 - People to Know (Page 14)
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