Masonry Magazine January 2011 Page. 19
MASONRY COMPUTER ESTIMATING
Masonry Computer Estimating
That Does It All... in 3D!
by TRADESMEN'S SOFTWARE
Overview
THE WHD ENFORCES several laws, including the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), the Family and Medical Leave Act, and the Davis-Bacon Act. The WHD enforces these laws by conducting investigations based on complaints or by initiating the investigations itself.
When an employer is being investigated, several general guidelines should be followed:
Remain calm and amicable. Investigators who are treated well tend toward greater understanding and possible flexibility.
The law provides employers 72 hours to gather records. This is particularly important when an investigator shows up unannounced. Employers should not be afraid to ask for time to gather records.
Employers have a right to legal counsel. This may be desired if an employer is concerned about potential liability, disclosure of proprietary information, etc.
Employers may inform their employees of the ensuing investigation, but generally should refrain from telling employees what to say (with the exception of management as described below).
Initial conference
INVESTIGATIONS BEGIN when an investigator sets up an appointment with an owner or upper-level manager, or comes to the business unannounced. The investigator will specifically inquire about the nature of the business, its size, and gross revenues to verify that the FLSA applies. The investigator also will ask about payment methods, exemptions, employees and other relevant information. The initial conference usually does not last more than one or two hours.
Records review
AFTER THE INITIAL CONFERENCE, the investigator will review and copy payroll reports, employee information, employment contracts and additional records that may be needed to substantiate employer-claimed exemptions.
Wise employers know that accurate records are important, and this is particularly true when dealing with a WHD investigation. Records serve as a means to both substantiate compliance and defend against allegations of violations. Because of their central importance, employers should implement policies that ensure that records are accurate (e.g., requiring employees to sign time cards, initialing changes to time sheets, etc.).
Employee interviews
THE INVESTIGATOR also will conduct employee interviews that include questions about employee job duties, employee hours, employee pay, child labor and other relevant items important to the investigation and www.masonrymagazine.com
On-Screen 3D Take-Off
Just point and click on the digital blueprint and see your walls displayed. Our new On-Screen 30 Take-Off Engine makes it simple and fast.
Runs on Windows PCs and Bootcamp/Windows on Intel Macs.
30 day money back guarantee.
Support available 7 days a week.
Comes with more than 400 items in material database.
See the actual building being displayed in 3D as you do your take-off in either PLAN mode, PERSPECTIVE mode, OUTSIDE mode, INSIDE mode or at any ELEVATION.
Complete your take-off, then walk through or around and see the actual finished building(s).
Calculates CMU: HALF and FULL BULLNOSE, DOUBLE BULLNOSE, CHAMFER, or SASH for any or all OPENINGS, JAMBS, CORNERS, CONTROL JOINTS and any SPECIAL CUTS.
Integrate with Accounting Software and transfer data to Microsoft Excel.
Negotiating projects with a 3D image will win you more contracts and enhance your professional image
TRADESMEN'S SOFTWARE, Inc.
1-800-494-4899
See for yourself at:
www.tradesmens.com
SEE US AT WOC/WOM 2011 BOOTH N-1363
READER SERVICE #163
January 2011
MASONRY 17