Masonry Magazine April 1985 Page. 19
Jerry Pope (top) gives a hands-on demonstration of computer usage in construction during the MCAA Pre-Conference Seminar on "Computer Assisted Masonry Estimating." The article starting below provides more details.
MCAA Seminar on Computer Assisted Masonry Estimating Provides Hands-on Experience
by WILLIAM C. VENERIS
President
Interactive Management Systems Corp.
Colorado Springs, Colorado
"Jerry Pope could have taken a complex approach to the use of spreadsheets in masonry estimating, but he didn't. He gave us formats to follow, and saved us reinventing the wheel." Sam Lowry, Lowry Masonry. Charleston, West Virginia
"We have a computer, but I'm a novice at using it. The MCAA seminar on computer assisted estimating will enable us to make use of spreadsheets and save us time."-Richard Matthews, KMCO, Inc., Dayton, Ohio
At the MCAA Pre-Conference seminar on Computer Assisted Masonry Estimating in Las Vegas, about 50 participants from the United States and Canada had an opportunity for a hands-on experience with computers. An estimated 60% had attended previous MCAA estimating seminars, and about 30% had some computer experience. By the end of the two-day seminar, everyone had actually estimated a masonry job using a computer.
The seminar was conducted by Jerry G. Pope, construction consultant, Greeley, Colo.; Mark A. Soderberg, operations manager, Soderberg Masonry, Fort Collins, Colo., and the writer.
It was the purpose of the seminar to demonstrate that for a relatively low cost ($3,000-$4,000) a mason contractor can have the use of a powerful computer tool for estimating. Seminar participants were given information on basic masonry estimating concepts, types of computers, computer terminology, and what to expect from various types of hardware and software. They were advised that, for those just beginning to use computers, estimating was a good starting point.
When buying a computer, participants were advised to "think like you did when you were first taught how to cross the street-Stop! Look! Listen!" Stop and think about your needs and don't let anyone rush you into a decision. Look around at systems and research information by talking to other contractors. Listen to those you feel are good sources and use your judgment in selecting a system that has