Technology for HomeBuilders Second Post -- Drop Box and Use of Tablets on Jobsites

            Another tool for home builders is a website called DropBox.  This concept uses so-called "Cloud Computing" to allow users to post large files in the cloud for ease of sharing with others .  It has won many awards and is one of the fastest growing small businesses in America.  So DropBox is probably here to stay.

      How does a home builder use this site?  My son maintains project folders in DropBox, one for each home under construction, and inside each "box" are invoices, plans, etc. DropBox has apps for all smart phones and for all tablets. It is quick to download and makes accessing files a snap versus carrying a stack of folders and plans in the supervisor's (or owner's) truck at all times.  This improves decision making and allows a common place for all plan documents (specifications for example) so that everyone who needs access to this kind of information can get it -- without driving into the builder's office and searching in file cabinets.

      

      Any reader who has used DropBox or has an opinion about it, please leave a comment.

           Tablet computers are becoming more and more of a must have. My son uses an Acer A500 and it works great in conjunction with a wireless connection. He and I both have Verizon MiFi cards that create a wi-fi signal anywhere there is Verizon cell service.  MiFi generated wi-fi signal is useful for multiple devices (at the same time), works in moving cars, or locations where there is no un-locked wi-fi available. Obviously the MiFi makes every job site a wi-fi zone. With the tablet, my son tells me he can show trade subcontractors plan changes he may not have in printed form, examples of construction techniques, etc. 

      It also is good to have when walking the house with a client. (more on that later).  It's essentially a flat screen laptop and it is quick and easy to use with web based construction management software (BT see earlier post). The nice thing about a lesser priced tablet like the Acer, is, if it were to get damaged, replacement cost won’t break the bank. With the lack of a keyboard or similar attachments that dust and dirt could collect in, there is no real worry about having it on the job site while work is going on. My son has a standard protective case for his. The Acer A500 comes with a USB port onboard and Flash ready, two advantages over an I-pad. It operates on the Android platform, same as his Droid Charge.