CBO’s Most-Read Articles of 2013

This year’s most-read articles offer insight into what’s shaping the industry today. The development of new technology is transforming the jobsite and changing the way construction firms operate. Despite these changes, however, several goals remain the same: increasing productivity and efficiency and improving safety.

1. What to Include in Your Overhead Markup

by George Hedley

Many contractors don’t know their exact job costs, equipment costs and overhead budget, and consequently, many don’t know how much profit they should make on any given job. Separating fixed and variable costs in your accounting processes can help you develop a clear picture of how successful your projects are. Job costs must include every expense necessary to complete projects, while overhead should include all yearly costs for managing your business. Read the full article here.

2. Lifting Safely with Excavators

by Debbie McClung

Hydraulic excavator operators must be trained to properly lift loads or materials. The rated lifting capacity of any hydraulic excavator is determined by two factors: hydraulic lift capacity and the tipping load. Hydraulic lift capacity is the point at which the excavator is limited by its hydraulic power to lift a load. Tipping load is the point at which the excavator begins to tip when lifting a load. Operators should know how to read and understand an excavator lift chart and should factor in any lifting considerations that result from additional accessories or attachment variations, as these alternative items can reduce a machine’s effective lifting capacity. Read the full article here.

3. The Project Manager’s MBA, Part Six: Efficient Operations Management

by Gregg Schoppman

In many organizations, processes are as different as the people who are required to execute them. High-performing organizations create their own bodies of processes, which become the foundation of the firms’ standard operating procedures. The very term—standard operating procedure—scares most managers, who will say that processes can’t be defined, creativity is needed to operate and everyone’s customers are different. These arguments, however, skirt the issue, which is to determine the ways for the firm to do its work most efficiently, keeping in mind the niche within which it operates. While every customer and project is different, managers must seek to gain a level of consistency to manage their projects. Read the full article here.

4. There’s a Construction App for That

by Robert Ring

CBO takes a look at 10 mobile apps—from collaboration tools targeted at contractors to simple practical tools that might come in handy on a jobsite: Aconex, Bluebeam Revu, Bluestreak, ExakTime Mobile/PocketClock, Flashlight, ForceEffect, HCSS Mobile, Holcim WeatherApp, iHandy Level and i-Ruler. Read the full article here.

5. Maximize Productivity on the Mobile Jobsite

by Jason Feldner

Research has shown that up to two-thirds of a mobile tradesman’s days are lost to time-wasting activities, including the search for tools. Defining clear goals, preparing workers for productivity, organizing tools, using appropriate software and establishing contingency plans will ensure your team is making the most of their time on the jobsite. Read the full article here.