October 22, 2003 -- FieldManager, the Michigan Department of Transportation's innovative suite of software used for managing and tracking road and bridge projects, is now available to construction contractors across the state of Michigan in a new format. The format is a "read-only" option which allows prime and sub contractors who are managing MDOT construction projects to view critical files as they need the information.
"FieldManager is the cutting-edge technology of our industry," said Transportation Director Gloria J. Jeff. "This latest development, which was tested thoroughly with industry partners, shows we are using technology to respond to the needs of the industry and improving the way we work together."
Since MDOT launched FieldManager in 1999 with the help of Info Tech Inc., a Gainesville, Fla. software company, the software has enabled the department to eliminate a time-consuming, error-prone manual process for managing construction. FieldManager has been honored with several national awards and continues to grow in influence as organizations across the nation adopt the software.
According to MDOT, the new software feature will produce many benefits, including reducing the time contractors spend to gather information and promoting better communications between the department and the industry.
"The new read-only FieldManager function will produce many benefits for both managing offices and construction contractors, including a significant reduction in the number of telephone calls, faxes and mailings," said John Friend, MDOT's engineer of Delivery. "It should also improve MDOT communications with contractors, improve managing office/contractor relationships and provide more efficient contract closeouts."
"Our members applaud MDOT for working with us to make this enhancement to the FieldManager software," said Tony Milo, executive vice president of the Michigan Road Builders Association. "Having access to the read-only files will help contractors work in a more efficient manner, ultimately saving taxpayer dollars."
MDOT conducted a pilot of the new read-only function that began in 2001 and concluded last year. It consisted of 25 construction contracts totaling more than $586 million worth of work. Twenty construction managing offices participated, including11 MDOT offices, eight engineering consultants, and one local agency. In addition, 12 construction contractors also participated. Response to the pilot was extremely supportive from both the contracting community and the managing offices.
"FieldManager has become a crucial tool in my day-to-day business," said Daniel Ringnalda, project manager, Kamminga & Roodvoets, Inc. "FieldManager has improved cash flow by enabling pay estimates to be generated more accurately and timelier. Using the read-only file gives me the information I'm looking for when I want it, not when someone else has time to return a phone call."
Contractors must obtain a license for FieldManager in order to use the software. There are two options: License through the FieldManager Read-Only Software License Agreement, which allows read-only access; or license the full FieldManager Suite, which provides the ability to update working copies of contracts in addition to the read-only contract functions. The read-only option is $850 annually; the single-user license fee for the full suite is $2,300.
For more information, contractors can contact InfoTech, Inc., 352-381-4400 or;info@infotechfl.com; or go to;www.fieldmanager.com for information on licensing, training and technical support for the FieldManager software at info@infotechfl.com.
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