Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 40 Page 41 Page 42 Page 43 Page 44 Page 45 Page 46 Page 47 Page 48 Page 49 Page 50 Page 51 Page 52 Page 53 Page 54 Page 55 Page 56 Page 57 Page 58 Page 59 Page 60 Page 61 Page 62 Page 63 Page 64 Page 65 Page 66 Page 67 Page 68 Page 69 Page 70 Page 71 Page 72 Page 73 Page 74 Page 75 Page 76 Page 77 Page 78 Page 79 Page 80 Page 81 Page 82 Page 83 Page 84TECH | 2016 75 Tools, accessories and apps CONTRACTOR PERSPECTIVE–––––––– TOOLS, ACCESSORIES, and APPS Chris Dalene Dalene Flooring South Windsor, Conn. www.daleneflooring.com When I think about the NTCA and its members, I think of some of the most professional and savvy trades- people in all of the flooring trades. The NTCA, TileLetter, and its mem- bers have become a resource I utilize to find out new and exciting means, methods, tech, and concepts to bet- ter approach tile installations. I also know that many of these members constantly strive to adapt to the ever-changing climate that we have seen in our industry. Our clients are more intelligent, discerning, and tech-centric (Google, iPhone, iPad, home remodel TV network). They weigh a sense of professionalism into the equation when selecting who to trust their project with. Here are few products I think are real game chang- ers to bring you to the next level of the trade, and hopefully make you more productive setting tile and mak- ing your business more profitable. RFMS Measure www.measureflooring.com No matter what the size of your operation, there’s no better tool to have in your “tech” tool box than RFMS Measure. We have been a user of Measure for quite a long time, and have seen it evolved from simple esti- mating software to a complete and professional suite that allows for input of data via digitizer, importation of graphics (PDF, BMP, GIF, Dodge plans, and AutoCAD files), manual input, or input with a Bluetooth enabled Leica Disto laser measuring device. There are desktop/laptop versions, and even a cloud-based version that you can easily work with using an iPad/ iPhone/tablet or smartphone. The tile suite within Measure is one of its differentiating components. You can direct the software based on tile size, shape, and even patterns! The software takes into account your user-defined add-on products as well – such as waterproofing, thinset, and grout – and provides accurate quantities allowing you to determine the minimum waste needed to get the job done. You avoid leaving any- thing on the table, or losing the job because you were too cautious. The software is capable of cre- ating very professional color and pattern layouts, and impressive 3D walkthrough imaging (talk about a deal closer). Input quantity informa- tion and your cost/margin, and pro- duce a detailed estimate with a full breakdown of all items required. It also provides output in many differ- ent user-friendly formats to fit your needs. There are several versions of the program, each with enhanced capabilities that is a fit for any budget or contractor need. Project DocControl www.projectdoccontrol.com Aimed at subcontractors, Project DocControl, is a document-manage- ment solution that facilitates creat- ing, managing and tracking docu- ments across projects. It replaces stacks of three-ring-binders and file folders, storing all project informa- tion and documentation in a secure centralized database that saves time. The program enables users to gen- erate and track RFIs and response times, submittals, change orders, pay applications, and other incoming e-mail from a contractor’s Microsoft® Outlook e-mail program. The user can customize templates and standard- ize documents within and among all projects. An equipment-tracking module gives visibility into where rented tools and equipment are used and keeps track of rental periods and rental costs. Each user is assigned to specific projects, ensuring security on the project level. Module access is assigned on a user-by-user basis. Files can be imported and attached to related documents, facilitating their archiving into the database. Through integration with Microsoft Outlook, project-related correspon- During NTCA trainer Mark Heinlein’s New England workshop swing, he toured the corporate headquarters of NTCA Five Star Contractor Dalene Flooring in South Windsor, Connecticut. NTCA Region 1 director Chris Dalene (l.) with Heinlein beside the NTCA van at Dalene Flooring headquarters. Measure layout and 3D rendering view. Project DocControl facili- tates creating, managing and tracking docu- ments across projects.