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June 08, 2005
Using Excel Spreadsheets in Construction
Spreadsheets have been around since the 1980’s. They were the first software to which most of us were exposed. I used VisiCalc back then. Since those years, not much has changed to the look of spreadsheets, but the power has risen dramatically. Today, the uses are many and far reaching. From simple estimating to data analysis of thousands of labor codes. Furthermore, they are the base calculator for several software packages. Presently, spreadsheets have grown with our industry and are as common as cell phones in a contractor's office.
They are simple in their layout of rows and columns but powerful in their use of functions, commands, etc. Professionals in the construction industry use them from basic tasks such as number calculation to more advanced features such as database functions and goal seeking. The proper use of a spreadsheet will produce a fast and accurate result.
Names of commonly used ones are Quattro Pro, Lotus and Microsoft Excel.
A spreadsheet is the computer equivalent of a paper ledger. It consists of a grid made from columns and rows. It is an environment that can make number manipulation easy and painless. The math required with the paper ledger can be overwhelming. If you change the amount, you will have to start the math all over again (from scratch).
For the rest of the article, ( limit 2 requests per month), click on the following link: http://stevensci.com/pages/infoform.html Fill in your information and type in "Spreadsheet Article" and we will send it to your email address within 2 working days.
This and other management information are part of our 400+ page book - to be published September 27, 2006 by McGraw-Hill Inc. "Managing a Construction Firm on Just 24 Hours a Day”. It includes 170 best Practices Used in Construction Contracting with over 100 illustrations and examples. We include a Free CD of 60 Excel Templates when you buy the book from our website. We also include our library of forms.
See our secure Miva / EarthLink bookstore: http://stevensci.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=SCII&Category_Code=BCF24
We will also offer Computer Based Training Programs this fall.
Matt Stevens is a management consultant who works only with construction contractors. He has performed training and business consultation for the contracting community since 1994. Matt can be reached at mstevens@stevensci.com.
Search Terms: Microsoft Excel Spreadsheets, Free Excel Templates,
Posted by Matt Stevens at June 8, 2005 08:37 AM
Comments
i have recently became a supervisor for a very welll known construction crew . unfortunatly the two supers involved are very unorganizeded i need help organizing the crews and learning the evaluation of the jobs this is a one on one job that has to be taken care of immedietly... if you can assist please call
631-926-7350
Posted by: cara at July 23, 2005 02:29 AM