Archives: News Items

Egan Realizes Rapid ROI with KEY2ACT’s MobileTech

Egan Company installed the MobileTech solution from KEY2ACT, slashing billing time and eliminating time-consuming paperwork. Chris Yelle, Egan’s service operations manager, estimated that Egan will see its return on investment (ROI) within 18 months of implementing MobileTech, which connects field staff to the back office, providing instant access to the information and enabling both sides to easily manage service calls and appointments.

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Looking for More Solutions that Deliver Quick ROI?

Visit the Smart Solutions Case Studies area of our website! You’ll see how other mechanical contractors found their win-win with productivity-enhancing and cost-saving applications from members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

Plus, you’ll find tips and ideas on other ways you and your company can save money and enhance your productivity.

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Your Unique Management Idea Deserves an Award

Your business has been thriving because you came up with a great idea that solved a technical problem, or made an operation work more smoothly and efficiently or worked out a jobsite difficulty. That unique, amazing idea deserves the industry’s attention and the E. Robert Kent Award for Management Innovation, one of MCAA’s most distinguished honors.

MCAA created the award to spotlight innovations, developed by our members, which help our entire industry move forward. The winning MCAA member gets well-deserved recognition, but the publicity surrounding the award brings the idea to the industry and becomes a new component of our culture.

So… if you found a new way to solve an old problem, bring it forward. The E. Robert Kent Award will shine a light on your company and you’ll make a positive difference for other companies in the industry.

Nominations are due by October 6, 2017. The innovation must be unique; no commercial products please, regardless of how new and innovative they may be. More information about the Award and the nomination form are available through the links below.

Download the Brochure

Download the Nomination Form

Questions? Please contact Ann Mattheis.

All Roads Lead to Great Futures at MCAA’s 2017 GreatFutures Forum

Whether you’re coming from the East, West, North or South, you’ll find the talent, energy, knowledge and eagerness to learn among students from the best colleges and universities across the U.S. and Canada at the MCAA 2017 GreatFutures Forum (September 28-30, Indianapolis, IN).

Students majoring in construction management, mechanical engineering, architectural engineering and other industry-related disciplines will gather at this annual forum to meet MCAA members, learn about our industry, share ideas and, hopefully, secure future internships and full-time employment.

The conference kicks off on Thursday evening (September 28) with Futures Fest, a career fair event. If you’re in the business of mechanical contracting, mechanical service or plumbing or a manufacturer-supplier, you’re invited to attend. This is the best time of year to meet the top students from MCAA’s many student chapters.

That’s not all…our educational program will feature popular industry consultant Kevin Dougherty, who will share insights about how to communicate effectively on the jobsite. Former MCAA President Mark Rogers and his project manager Ted McHugh will take you through a typical day in the life of a contractor with all its challenges, surprises and solutions. Futurist Thomas Frey will give you a glimpse into how our industry’s future may evolve…and the career choices it may offer.

There’s still more…the announcement of the 2017-2018 Student Chapter Competition, a look at how an exceptional young student chapter exceeded everyone’s expectations by winning the Student Chapter of the Year Award (University of Missouri-Columbia Chapter of the Mechanical Contractors Association of America) and the much anticipated, always exciting Annual Mini Competition. And, if you enjoy college sports of all kinds (and who doesn’t), be prepared for an incredible evening at the NCAA Hall of Champions learning about the history and amazing accomplishments of inter-collegiate athletes and athletics.

So plan to make tracks to Indianapolis where you just may meet your company’s destiny. Learn more about the program and then register. There’s no fee, just the promise of a great time.

Arden Building Companies LLC Make New Contribution to MCERF

arden2 Arden Building Companies, LLC (Pawtucket, RI) have contributed an additional $2,500 to the Mechanical Contracting Education & Research Foundation (MCERF), bringing their updated total contribution to $7,700. Robert Bolton, President of Arden, says that he and all the Arden companies stand firmly behind MCERF’s efforts to “support industry education, particularly their emphasis on student and faculty internships.”

MCERF President, Mark Rogers, thanked Robert and all Arden associates for their support of the Foundation.

For more information on MCERF, contact Dennis Langley (dlangley@mcaa.org).

MCAA Releases Robotic Total Station Report

While the basics of heating and plumbing haven’t significantly changed in a century, the tools and processes used to build have evolved exponentially in just the past few years. One such evolution is the development of total stations to assist contractors in more rapidly and more accurately laying out systems on the jobsite.

This sixth report in the MCAA Technology Research Series provides an introduction for members who are considering their first layout system purchase. It is also a valuable evaluation tool for those who are considering an upgrade to their existing system.

Like the other reports in MCAA’s Technology Research Series, the report was written by our partners at JBKLabs exclusively for MCAA.

Download the Report

Play the Companion Webinar

Additional Research Reports Help You Keep Up with Technology

3D Scanning

Forecasts point to increased use of 3D scanning for its ability to precisely measure an existing site, component or assembly and bring that information into a BIM model. It can save tremendous time in measuring, taking notes, designing, documenting conditions and rebuilding a BIM model. This report canvases 3D scanning technology. Included is an assessment of various laser, non-laser scanning and photogrammetric hardware and software tools for mechanical contractors.

Download the Report

Play the Companion Webinar

BIM Software – A Comparative Analysis

BIM technologies can expedite construction and maintenance work, increase precision, and prevent mistakes. This report explores scanning, tracking, layout, design and fabrication technologies using BIM and other software tools. Focusing on MEP, the report includes an assessment of various BIM software for BIM model authoring, model review, construction management, and analysis software tools for mechanical contractors. This snapshot evaluated the products as of the second quarter of 2016.

Download the Report

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BIM to Field Software – A Comparative Analysis

This report focuses on applications that can be used to allow access to BIM models and data from the field. These applications empower the remote mobile device to have access to the same data as the powerful BIM workstation in the office.

Download the Report

Play the Companion Webinar

Field Service Software

Service software is a foundational tool for running a service business. At the core of your business is the call, quote, work order, invoice and payment workflow. Now weave in the transactional relationships that interconnect with that core workflow and it becomes clear that efficient visibility and management of that complexity is key. This report analyzes the current state of service software deployment and helps demystify the process for evaluating and implementing service software in your organization.

Download the Report

Play the Companion Webinar

Safety Apps Report

This report evaluates numerous applications on the market for safety professionals and foremen. Most of these apps, it finds, are geared towards documentation. Contractors are using analytics on this data to identify root causes and trends. Predictive analytics, which analyze historical data, current projects and weather can be used to predict higher chances of incidents happening, thus providing powerful tools to help prevent them from occurring.

Download the Report

Play the Companion Webinar

Want More? Additional Reports Are On the Way!

Watch our website and social media feeds for announcements when they’re available.

Find the Latest from iBusiness Technologies, Aquatherm and More in MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show

MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

Participating companies highlight and link to new products, product lines, services, solutions or web pages of particular interest. Here are just a few of the recent additions:

iBusiness Technologies
Reduce costs and get paid faster with MobiliForms. Your identical, familiar forms now on iPad with signature and image capture. MCAA & MSCA members love MobiliForms because it pays for itself!

Learn More

Aquatherm
Engineered for heating/cooling, compressed air, & other non-potable applications, Aquatherm Blue Pipe® is safe for indoor, outdoor, & direct-bury projects. The virtually leak-free pipe with a 10-year warranty comes in 1/2-24 in. sizes.

Learn More

Need Something Else?

Find many more smart solutions in MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show!

Visit the Virtual Trade Show

Speaking of Smart Solutions

Visit the Smart Solutions Case Studies area of our website to learn how other mechanical contractors found their win-win with cost-saving and productivity-enhancing applications from members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

This section of our website also includes tips and ideas to help your company save money and enhance your productivity. Don’t miss it!

VISIT SMART SOLUTIONS

Atomatic Investment in High-Quality, U.S.-Made Wheatland Tube Pays Off

In 2015, Atomatic Mechanical Services won the bid to install a large chiller plant in a renovated office building in Chicago’s West Loop and chose Wheatland Tube pipe for nearly every part of the project. Atomatic knew that reliable, high-quality, domestic pipe is easier to weld then imported pipe and much less likely to deteriorate or cause leaks—so it would save Atomatic time both onsite and after installation. As expected, the system has had no leaks, which helped allow the chiller plant to become operational two weeks ahead of schedule.

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Looking for Additional Ways to Deliver Reliable Installations that Save Time?

Plus, you’ll find tips and ideas on other ways you and your company can save money and enhance your productivity.

VISIT SMART SOLUTIONS

MSCA Connect DATELINE June/July 2017

Click and CONNECT with DATELINE, MSCA’s monthly newsletter! What you need to know to catch up on the latest news and information and all things – MSCA.

CLICK AND CONNECT HERE

Protect Your Fitters, Plumbers, and Service Techs From the Extreme Heat By Reminding Them About Heat Illnesses and Prevention Methods

Now is a great time to remind your fitters, plumbers, service technicians, and their supervisors about heat illnesses and how to prevent them. The heat illnesses we’re most concerned about include heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat syncope, and heat cramps.

HEAT STROKE: The body loses its ability to sweat and can’t control its temperature. Heat stroke is a medical emergency.

HEAT EXHAUSTION: The body sweats away too much water and salt.

HEAT SYNCOPE: The body’s blood pressure becomes too low resulting in dizziness or fainting.

HEAT CRAMPS: The body experiences painful muscle spasms.

To help prevent heat illnesses:

Provide training for all affected workers on heat illnesses and prevention methods.
On extremely hot days, reduce the physical demands on your workers as much as possible.
Work tasks that are particularly physically demanding should be performed early in the morning or later in the afternoon avoiding the hottest part of the day.
Provide a constant supply of cold water.
Encourage your workers to drink at least a full cup of cold water every 15 to 20 minutes throughout each day.
Encourage your workers to avoid drinking alcohol, caffeine, and high sugar content drinks during periods of extremely hot temperatures.
Allow frequent rest periods in cool shaded areas.
Encourage your workers to wear light-weight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing made of breathable fabrics that are also designed to filter out harmful UV rays.
Keep a close watch on workers who are at higher risk for heat illnesses. For example, workers required to wear hot personal protective equipment, such as arc flash gear, welding gear, respirators, etc., and overweight workers may be at higher risk.

New MCAA Safety Training Video on Musculoskeletal Wellness for Mechanical Construction Workers Now Available

MCAA recently released its new safety training video Better by Design: Musculoskeletal Wellness for Mechanical Construction Workers. The video, which replaces the association’s obsolete (2002) video on the safe manual handling of materials, addresses the most common causes of non-trauma related musculoskeletal pains and injuries in the mechanical construction industry. It includes safe work and personal health practices to help prevent them. Accompanying safety training materials, including a pocket guide, a training documentation sheet, and a 20-question multiple choice test with answer key are also available. The video is the first in a series of three MCAA worker safety training videos for 2017. Watch for the second video on safe pressure testing of steel and copper piping systems in August, and the third video on protection from workplace violence in November. Electronic access to all MCAA safety resources is free to members as a benefit of membership.

MCERF Receives Contribution from Harrell-Fish, Inc.

Harrell-Fish, Inc. (Bloomington, IN), with its recent $1,000 contribution to MCERF, has now contributed a total $3,500 to the Mechanical Contracting Education & Research Foundation. Steve Dawson, President of Harrell-Fish, Past-MCAA President and now a member of the MCERF Board of Trustees, says, “MCERF is so involved in helping us find the next generation of leaders for our companies and our industry, I am proud to be playing a role in that process.”

MCERF President Mark Rogers (West Chester Mechanical, Aston, PA) thanked Steve and Harrell-Fish, Inc. for their exemplary support of MCERF.

For more information on MCERF, contact Dennis Langley (dlangley@mcaa.org).

JH Kelly Keeps Tabs on Tools with Milwaukee Tool’s TICK

JH Kelly recognizes how much time and money it stands to lose when tools are lost or stolen. To avoid delays on the job or, worse, the cost of replacing expensive equipment, they adopted Milwaukee Tool’s One-Key™ system, the first digital platform for tools and equipment. Now, with the addition of Milwaukee Tool’s TICK™ equipment tracker, they can manage inventory, recover tools quickly—and even locate lost items.

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Want More Tools to Help You Save Time and Money?

Plus, you’ll find tips and ideas on other ways you and your company can save money and enhance your productivity.

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UA’s Mark McManus is Special Guest Speaker for MSCA CONNECT 2017 Education Conference!

Mark McManus, UA General President, will be our Special Guest Speaker at MSCA CONNECT 2017 Education Conference on Monday, October 16th at our Opening Celebration!

Mark McManus, United Association General President, leads the nation’s most progressive and influential trade union. Mark McManus has had a distinguished career in support of our nation’s hardworking men and women and has been unwavering in his commitment to a strong and mutually beneficial partnership between labor and management. Mark has served the UA as International Representative, Administrative Assistant to the General President, and General Secretary-Treasurer before taking over as GP of the 340,000 member International Union.

You must be registered for MSCA 2017 to attend the Opening Celebration, so sign-up today.

For additional information and to register, click on the button below:

MSCA 2017 Conference Website

Discover the Latest from Lincoln Electric, Greenheck and More in MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show

MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

Participating companies highlight and link to new products, product lines, services, solutions or web pages of particular interest. Here are just a few of the recent additions:

Lincoln Electric
CrossLinc™ Technology and Flextec® multi-process welders from Lincoln Electric enable voltage control at the wire feeder, saving time while enhancing quality and productivity.

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Greenheck
Greenheck is the worldwide leader in manufacturing and distributing air movement, conditioning and control equipment.

Learn More

Need Something Else?

Find many more smart solutions in MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show!

Visit the Virtual Trade Show

Speaking of Smart Solutions

This section of our website also includes tips and ideas to help your company save money and enhance your productivity. Don’t miss it!

VISIT SMART SOLUTIONS

Harrell-Fish Inc. Goes Digital with Jonas Construction Software – Move Slashes Payroll Processing Time, Improves Cash Flow

With their new Jonas Construction Software, Harrell-Fish Inc. (HFI) is now able to turn around billings about five days quicker, improving their cash flow in the process. They have also reduced their payroll processing time from about four hours a month spread out across three employees to about an hour only with Jonas.

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Looking for More Ways to Save Time and Improve Cash Flow?

Plus, you’ll find tips and ideas on other ways you and your company can save money and enhance your productivity.

VISIT SMART SOLUTIONS

MCERF Thanks Frank Schaetzke for His Continuing Support

Frank_Schaetzke Frank Schaetzke of Pipersville, PA made a personal contribution of $500 to the Mechanical Contracting Education & Research Foundation (MCERF). This brings Frank’s total personal contributions to MCERF to $3,000. Frank is Vice President of National Contractor Accounts for Zurn Industries, LLC. He hopes his support allows “…MCERF to continue its outstanding support of industry education and internships. These efforts really differentiate the mechanical contracting industry from others.”

Mark Rogers, MCERF’s President, thanked Frank for his support of the Foundation. Rogers said, “Frank is a good friend to the Foundation.”

For more information on MCERF, contact Dennis Langley (dlangley@mcaa.org).

New Bulletin Helps You Manage the Risk of Consequential Damages

When unforeseen disruptions occur on a project—equipment failure or delivery delay, storm damage, labor issues—who and what’s affected and what’s the cost? More important, who covers the cost when the owner makes a claim? And, how does the contractor protect himself from such losses?

MCAA’s Management Methods Committee has just released a new Bulletin—Understanding and Managing Risks Associated with Consequential Damages—that helps contractors avoid or manage the risks that arise when an unexpected disruption in a project results in a substantial financial impact that may include lost profits, lost rents, damage to reputation, down or idle time, and much more. Contractual waivers provide the first line of defense, and this bulletin offers negotiating strategies and examples of waivers that contractors may consider when working out the provisions of a project contract. Insurance coverage offers another option, although the availability and type of coverage for consequential damages is uncertain.

And, how are states addressing the enforceability of consequential damages claims? The actions of several states regarding this issue are covered and provide some guidance to contractors when entering into a contractual negotiation.

The Management Methods Committee wishes to acknowledge and thank William B. “Ben” Westcott of Andrews Myers, Attorneys at Law (Houston, TX) for preparing this informative and valuable bulletin.

Download your copy to start planning the consequential damages strategy for your next project contract.

Download

HOLDRITE Products Solve Jobsite Challenges for PAR Plumbing

When PAR was contracted to provide all of the plumbing for Riverside K, a 32-story luxury condominium on Manhattan’s West Side, they knew that space inside the walls would be tight. HOLDRITE support systems made for a simpler installation while also saving PAR time.

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Looking for Solutions to Your Installation Challenges?

Plus, you’ll find tips and ideas on other ways you and your company can save money and enhance your productivity.

VISIT SMART SOLUTIONS

Need Worker Training on the Proper Use of Fall Restraint and Fall Arrest Systems? These Resources Provide It.

Mechanical construction requires that workers perform many of their tasks at heights of 6’ or more above a lower level or an object. MCAA’s Fall Restraint and Arrest Systems Safety Training Video educates workers about when and how to properly use fall restraint and fall protection systems to protect themselves from injury.

The training:

Covers proper selection, fit, and use of fall restraint and arrest system components;
Introduces newer technology for safely accessing hard-to-reach overhead areas; and
Addresses worker safety immediately after an arrested fall.

After watching this training, workers will be much more aware of the tools that are available to help prevent and protect them from falls and how to effectively use them.

Download or play the video

There’s More…

Accompanying materials are also available to assist you in highlighting key training points, documenting worker training and confirming that workers understand the training:

Want Even More Safety Resources?

MCAA has you covered, with a full range of resources to help you protect your workers from injury and comply with applicable safety regulations. Here’s where to find them:

On our Direct Links to MCAA & MSCA Safety Resources page, where they’re listed by category with links.

Go there now

In the Resource Center, where you can use the blue Refine Your Search bar to pinpoint exactly what you’re looking for.

Visit the Resource Center

Have questions or need personal assistance?

Contact MCAA’s Pete Chaney.

Get the Latest from SPX Cooling Technologies, Inc., ServiceTrade and More in MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show

MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

Participating companies highlight and link to new products, product lines, services, solutions or web pages of particular interest. Here are just a few of the recent additions:

SPX Cooling Technologies, Inc.
The Marley LW Fluid Cooler uses patent-pending heat transfer technology and EC motors. More benefits: lower height, one-piece install, single-point power, factory-installed controls and wiring.

Learn More

ServiceTrade
ServiceTrade is customer service, sales, and service management software for mechanical service companies.

Learn More

Need Something Else?

Find many more smart solutions in MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show!

Visit the Virtual Trade Show

Speaking of Smart Solutions

This section of our website also includes tips and ideas to help your company save money and enhance your productivity. Don’t miss it!

VISIT SMART SOLUTIONS

Archives: News Items

Looking for More Solutions that Deliver Quick ROI?

Additional Research Reports Help You Keep Up with Technology

3D Scanning

BIM Software – A Comparative Analysis

BIM to Field Software – A Comparative Analysis

Field Service Software

Safety Apps Report

Want More? Additional Reports Are On the Way!

Need Something Else?

Speaking of Smart Solutions

Looking for Additional Ways to Deliver Reliable Installations that Save Time?

Want More Tools to Help You Save Time and Money?

Need Something Else?

Speaking of Smart Solutions

Looking for More Ways to Save Time and Improve Cash Flow?

Looking for Solutions to Your Installation Challenges?

There’s More…

Highlight key training points

Document worker training

Confirm that workers understand the training

Want Even More Safety Resources?

Have questions or need personal assistance?

Need Something Else?

Speaking of Smart Solutions