Finding a level playing field in a high-tech age

Masonry Construction, April, 2003 by Rick Yelton

I think it's a sign of the times. My daughter's baby-sitting business is so successful that she recently purchased a good, but used, personal data assistant (PDA). Her plan is to build a strong client database. Then when boys become more important in her life than the almighty dollar, she will sell her client file to some enterprising 7th grader. It's a high-tech version of the baby sitters' club.

And if this isn't proof enough of how practically every aspect of our work and leisure life is turning high tech, I discovered another example while studying my baseball rule book last month. There's been a revision of Rule 3, Section 3, Article 1, Letter I. Coaches may now use PDAs to keep score.

And for those coaches looking for the competitive edge, one software developer offers TurboStats ScoreKeeper. The program replaces the traditional pencil and paper system with a PDA-based program that offers real-time touch screen scoring. The program even has a pitch charting capacity, along with many other enhancements. Coaches can now track more than 300 player statistics on the field or in the dugout.

And for those coaches who keep track of everything, they can download the data into a special software program that can track the entire season stuff. I wonder if there is a section that tracks an umpire's propensity for strikes to balls?

At Pacific Bell Park, fans of the San Francisco Giants can use their PDAs to keep score and track the game more closely. Palm, a PDA manufacturer, has installed three beaming stations in the sports complex so fans can download the latest Giants and visiting team statistics and roster to their hand-helds.

Users will receive a scorekeeping application and other information like statistics, rosters, lineups, pitching matchups, and biographies for easy reference during the game. Beaming stations will be updated before each home series that will enable fans to receive the latest statistical information on both teams. In the near future, a collector series of electronic player cards also will be available.

The use of electronic tools to create a competitive edge is no surprise to contractors. Masonry contractors can't survive without at least one cell phone. Plans are now sent around the country in electronic zip disks. And some foreman even e-mail electronic images of their jobsites each night as progress reports.

To help your team develop its own winning formula, we have included a special section outlining some of the more interesting improvements in the rapidly expanding array of software offerings. It includes accounting systems and estimating software programs that may help your crew win in the game of profitability.

It's a clear sign that a masonry contractor's proof of quality workmanship will be more than what is found on finished wall. General contractors and project managers will soon expect all reporting documents and pay vouchers to be e-based.

And perhaps with a more efficient way to track costs and project status, contractors can focus on what makes masonry the best building offering. There will be more time to focus on quality workmanship and mason development

By the way, if you want to learn more about the TurboStats ScoreKeeper, check www.turbostats.com.