The mood was positive, and the aisles were crowded at this year’s World of Concrete. According to Hanley Wood, this year’s show attracted 52,088 professional registrants and showcased just over 1,200 indoor/outdoor exhibitors who occupied 40,000 more square feet than last year’s exhibitors. CBO was on hand to learn about the latest innovations that will be coming your way.

Just like we expect our smart phones to alert us of daily events and provide us with apps that are easily accessible, contractors are expecting more from their machines and software. The new equipment on display this year proved that manufacturers are in tune with these expectations. Now, more machines have built-in intelligence that helps mitigate operator error, sophisticated electrical systems with smart sensors, and more and more products deliver information through a user-interface that would make Steve Jobs proud.

Here are some examples of the kind of intelligent products we saw, in brief:
Caterpillar introduced new K Series small wheel loaders with intelligent power management. The new machines include an electronically controlled hydrostatic drive system, which allows independent control of ground speed and engine speed for more efficient operation of hydraulically powered tools. These Stage IIIB/Tier 4 Interim machines also incorporate emissions-control technology; a diesel particulate filter automatically regenerates without interrupting normal operation.

Navistar highlighted how the WorkStar shares many features with their rugged MaxxPro MRAP Life-Saving Armored Military Vehicles manufactured for the military. How does this truck work smarter? The International Diamond Logic electronic control system delivers features such as directional drum control, drum stop warning and an automated chute lock.

Case introduced a 621F wheel loader. To meet Tier 4 Interim emissions standards, the Case F Series wheel loaders use selective catalytic reduction (SCR) technology. This smart machine also features a new dual-mode shutdown feature maximizes fuel economy and monitors vital engine components. Using the fuel-saver mode, the operator can limit the time the machine will idle. The automated engine shutdown feature claims to provide up to 30 percent in fuel savings.

Dexter + Chaney launched version 14 of their accounting software at the show. The biggest change? It moved from a windows-based system to a 100-percent Web-based system. Previously, before it was a menu-driven system; now users will use a dashboard to navigate the software. This new design will be intuitive to anyone who has ever used a smart phone or a tablet.

Hllti is another company that places a premium on intuitive design. Taking home two red dot design awards last year, this company showcased the PS 1000 X-Scan Radar Detection System designed to produce large-area images of what’s inside concrete structures. Scans can be analyzed immediately on the s X-Scan display. With the aid of the PSA 100 monitor, objects can be shown as 3D images for easy on-the-spot interpretation.

Tekla had a message for contractors at the show: Don’t wait until you are contracted on a job to utilize the power of BIM (building information modeling). They highlighted their online resource: Tekla BIMsight. It’s a construction collaboration tool that lets everyone in the industry tap into the BIM (Building Information Modeling) process for free. Aimed at contractors, architects, engineers, detailers and fabricators, it allows users to combine models, check for clashes and collaborate on any construction project.

The Tekla BIM models work seamlessly with Trimble’s Field Link tablet based solution, which allows field crews to view 3D DWG and DXF design models in the field make more informed decisions when problems arise. Trimble announced that they will be introducing more memory and more features on the hardware device in the next month or two.

Topcon introduced the first in a new series of total stations with the ES. Featuring a security and maintenance system (TSshield) and a long-distance wireless communications system (LongLink).

Multiquip’s machinery gets smarter too. Mikasa Reversible Plates with COMPAS compaction analyzing system help contractors improve efficiency avoid costly over-compaction. A series of LED lights indicates the progress made with each machine pass.

At the show, Honda Power Equipment announced the launch of the EB10000 Industrial Series—available in early summer 2012. It features a Digital Auto Voltage Regulator (DAVR) to improve the output capability of the new model, holding the voltage stable within one percent over time during standard operation.

For more highlights of the 2012 World of Concrete show, see our video coverage at www.constructionbusinessowner.com.

I mentioned last week that I was busy preparing for the World of Concrete trade show in Las Vegas. Well, I’m now in Vegas, and as some of you may already know, Dexter + Chaney has a new product line! I don’t usually discuss Dexter + Chaney’s products, but I am too excited after the many months of hard work and interviewing industry experts not to introduce Venture Project Collaboration Software. So bear with me while I crow a bit about our new addition!

Venture Basics

Venture is web-based project collaboration software built around the needs of construction project teams, not individuals. Most of the construction operations software available today is designed for individual use and focused one specific function. Venture is designed for the entire project team and provides tools that help folks work together throughout the entire lifecycle of a project. Venture tools are built to give contractors visibility and control over three key areas of construction operations:

• Documentation
• People
• Communication

Document Management

It’s no secret that documents play a vital role in the construction process from beginning to end. But all of those documents and versions of documents are difficult to keep track of, not to mention expensive to print and distribute. Venture allows users to control document distribution, usage, and versioning from within one application.

Build the Best Team

When I played basketball, my coaches routinely told us “There’s no ‘i’ in team.” Similarly, construction projects aren’t completed by individuals. From start to finish, it takes a team working together to complete a job. Venture helps you manage your contacts using construction specific criteria, invite potential partners to bid on work, and even prequalify subcontractors, so you create the best team for the job.

Project Communication

I remember the amount of time I used to spend as a general contractor following up on project notifications and issues. Venture connects project participants inside and outside your company with the latest project information. When you send a notification, you can see who has opened and responded to it. With the ability to access information from anywhere, at any time, and track responses to notifications, your project teams will be able to communicate more efficiently on projects, saving time and money.

So now that I’ve done a little bragging, I’d like to know what you think. Please let me know your thoughts on Venture by commenting below.