In this issue of Smart Solutions, you’ll find tips to help you run your company as efficiently as possible. For example, the tax specialists at alliantgroup explain how you can earn lucrative federal and state research and development tax credits for the kinds of things you’re already doing to improve efficiency and enhance marketability. Our friends at Johnson Controls describe how to select an air-handling unit that provides the best fit for your client while saving you time and money on installation. You can learn about Entech’s hands-on training for maintaining older A/C equipment, which will give your service and maintenance technicians a leg up on the competition.
Many of our supplier partners offer new technology that increases productivity by enhancing communication, improving accuracy, and eliminating waste. McCormick Systems outlines important features that will help you choose the ideal estimating software for your company, while Maxwell Systems describes how Dorvin D. Leis Co., Inc. uses such programs to develop more successful bids. WennSoft shows us how Egan Company put customer relationship management programs to work to improve service and hone its competitive edge. AirAdvice demonstrates how Airco Commercial Services, Inc. increased its energy services revenue by giving clients real-world estimates of the savings from installing more efficient products.
We’ve seen many examples of how building information modeling (BIM) can improve coordination and communication, but it’s particularly apparent in the case study from Technical Sales International, which shows how a group of MCAA members forged a joint venture and are using BIM to take on a massive military hospital project. We also see how collaboration benefits communities in the feature story describing how CNA, the MCA of Georgia, and others organized a large volunteer effort to renovate the facilities of a youth services organization in Atlanta.
Blending high-quality products and high-tech approaches was a winning combination for Rado Enterprises, which used Victaulic’s grooved products and partnered with their project management experts to incorporate lean principles into the fabrication process. In this issue, you can also learn why North Mechanical relies on Viega pipe fittings to speed up installation as much as 60 percent and why Sloan Valve high-efficiency fixtures were the go-to choice of Gallo Mechanical for restoring the Superdome.
I hope you’ll take advantage of the insights in this issue to improve productivity and increase efficiency at your company. For even more tips on maximizing your company’s success, visit our exhibit at MCAA 2012. Also, a sincere thanks to our sponsors for their contributions to MCAA 2012.
Bill Bartley, Chairman
