I’ve been involved in systems contracting for over 30 years now, and still hear stories of “the job that never ends.” Even with sophisticated estimating and job costing tools and processes our members end up with that one nasty project. It may have nothing to do with your scope of work or bidding methods, it Read the full article…
The Mayans predicted the end of the world today – we’ve seen some great illustrations regarding this prediction – the weather forecast of 1277 degrees, falling asteroids and of course, the question of what time zone will the end start in? Well, we’re all still here – and it’s not the end of the world, Read the full article…
It seems each day that systems integration companies with a traditional or even a unique scope of services are moving closer and closer to competing with one another. You see more examples of how network connectivity and the integration of new digital applications are driving this. But that’s not news. What is news is the Read the full article…
I love the new look of my blog. It’s much easier for me to read and I like the search function. What do you think? Read the full article…
Are you registered to vote for the November elections? Review key issues and referenda on ballots in your states this coming November by using this easy database! Read the full article…
Life safety is a growing concern for everyone. Before the Columbine tragedy in 1999 we seldom, if ever, heard of school shootings or domestic terrorism. Now we come to expect it. Just last week we had at least two college campus evacuations and a high school shooting where the incidents barely made national news. This Read the full article…
While a number of critical topics fall under this generic topic, we will specifically look at taxes this week. Maybe you’ve heard of “taxmaggedon” or the “fiscal cliff,” common phrases used to describe the 2001/2003 tax cuts set to expire at the end of 2012 in addition to a series of spending cuts many in Read the full article…
What really stinks is how much effort has to go into getting paid on time. For many reasons, public works projects, most new construction, even projects sold directly to the end-user have become mired in delays. I swear it’s a game that other players know the rules better than we do. This is often a Read the full article…
2011 should be a much better year for systems integrators based on the construction forecasts I’ve seen recently. First, the McGraw-Hill construction market forecast shows a positive picture for the fist time in several years. Overall, we can focus on one big number: new construction starts nationwide are projected to be up 8%. The full Read the full article…
On Tuesday, July 20, NSCA members in Chicago met to discuss how to add value to projects and for clients in light of eroding margins. I was shocked to hear some of the margins that integrators were living on. I must admit, when our members on the East and West Coasts described the competitive pressures Read the full article…
