Other stories by Joe%20Stoddard

• Using Save-and-Sync for Backup and More

  Online backup systems like Carbonite and MozyPro do a great job of protecting your data from a catastrophic loss, but that's about all they're good for.

• Getting Started with Flowcharts and Process Mapping

  Free and inexpensive webware to help you create flowcharts.

• Comparing Cloud-Based Apps: CompuTool and BuildTools.com

  The type of company you operate and the kind of work you do should guide your choice of cloud-based applications and services.

• Getting Started With Strategic Planning

  It's almost 2012 and time again for annual planning.

• Tech@Work: Apply Yourself: New Apps for Builders

  Three remodeler-friendly apps for you smartphone: BuildCalc, BeamBuddy, and DesignEasy Joists.

• Tracking Changes With Variance Purchase Orders

  This month I want to talk about one of the most important aspects of a purchasing system: the ability to accurately capture, manage, and minimize unwanted job-cost variances.

• Put Your Construction Business Purchasing Systems to Work

  In July we discussed the basics of a purchasing system, and how it can help you control costs and improve the quality of your projects.

• Be a Square: Mobile Payment Service Offers Advantages for Some Remodelers

  Accepting credit and debit card payments via your smartphone or iPad is convenient, green, and social. Is it right for your business?

• Relate to Me: What a Customer Relationship Management System Can Do for You

  A CRM system is essential for a remodelr. Here's a short list of key CRM capabilities.

• Control Costs With a Purchasing System

  For the past several columns we've been talking about the importance of gross profit and contribution margin, or the amount that each job "contributes" toward overcoming your annual fixed overhead expenses and reaching your profit target.