Two software solutions from Greensleeves LLC, www.greensleevesllc.com, allow users (engineers and HVAC contractors) to design and install geothermal and hybrid systems and, once the system is operational users can monitor, control, and optimize their systems through technology that gets “smarter” over time.
Taking advantage of advanced algorithms, ENtellect cloud-based geothermal design software facilitates developing energy-saving strategies in geothermal HVAC design, lowering installation and energy operating costs. A licensed user can input building and climate data from anywhere, 24/7, and with the push of a button, have access to a custom-built geothermal plan that can minimize carbon emissions and reduce sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide, helping protect the environment.
The software can accept building load and design data from all commercial HVAC programs. Trane TRACE 700 has an embedded “Greensleeves” button to provide quick access to design files for the software.
ENtellect integrates with another cloud-based system from Greensleeves, MultiGEO, which can be used to control and monitor the geothermal and hybrid energy system. (MultiGEO works with systems designed by other means, as well). Suitable for both new construction and retrofits, MultiGEO is self-adapting intelligent optimization software, designed to "learn" and continuously diagnose and resolve issues, as well as self-regulate energy production and usage continuously based on actual usage to provide cost and energy efficiencies. The software is compatible with unitary heat pumps.
According to developer estimates, MultiGEO can save building owners 30 percent to 50 percent in energy costs over the lifetime of the building, while simultaneously providing a green and renewable energy source.
BillQuick by BQE Software, www.bqe.com, is a scalable and highly customizable time billing and accounting software designed for use on desktops and tablets.It includes a mobile app for time and expense entries from the field inputted via iPhone, Windows Phone and Android devices. The entries sync seamlessly with the desktop solution.
The solution has built-in calculations for hourly, lump sum, recurring, cost plus, percent complete, progress, phase, and other billing options.
The software features a three-stage billing process. Each company sets its own business rules and selects from more than 180 modifiable invoice templates for each client and project, which can be changed for project exceptions.
The solution has built-in calculations for hourly, lump sum, recurring, cost plus, percent complete, progress, phase, and other billing options. Invoices can be specified with PDF names by using variables such as Client name, Project ID or other differentiation. Invoices can be “memorized” for repeat billing.
The software has a database of more than 500 report templates. Users can apply filters and preview and view related reports in the Report Center or see the data live onscreen and make any necessary changes before approving the report. Approved reports can be printed or emailed as a Word, Excel or PDF file. For contractors performing government work, the program also includes single-click DCAA compliance.
For Time and Expense tracking, time cards are viewable in calendar, spreadsheet and stopwatch format. Multiple timers can run concurrently for different projects. In addition to tracking regular time, management can track overtime, compensation time, sick time, and vacation and holidays.
Users of the mobile app can attach receipts or file to the T & E records. For ongoing projects, it is possible to auto-populate the timesheet with the previous week’s activities. The software can also send automatic alerts sent to employees who have incomplete or tardy timecards.
Project management capabilities include resource scheduling, allocation, and utilization. A live, interactive Gantt chart supports dragging and dropping assignments of tasks, showing duration in calendar view and checking for conflicts, with automatic notification of staff as tasks are modified or completed.
The program also supports creation of reports that, using color pie-charts and graphs on a single screen, can show which projects are running at a loss, have reached budget limits, or have overspent the contract amount.
BillQuick accounting capabilities include creating and running Profit & Loss reports and Balance Sheets – Cash & Accrual, Current Year, and Comparisons as well as input General Ledger and General Journal Entries. Users also can create a customizable Chart of Accounts, run financial reports by Class, manage vendor bills and purchase orders, write checks and reconcile bank accounts.
BillQuick add-on options include Web Suite, which is hosted on each company’s own server and extends the utility of the software to remote users and satellite offices; and BillQuick Online, a cloud-based solution that is compatible with the BillQuick Mobile app and can be utilized to record time and expenses, generate reports, and create and review profiles of activities, expenses, employees, clients and projects while working remotely or visiting a client.
Also available: BillQuick Outlook Add-in, which facilitates sending Microsoft Outlook appointments, tasks, and emails to BillQuick; and BillQuick Agent, which can be used to schedule reports for automatic delivery, provide business alerts, and monitor time and expense sheets.
Budgeting capabilities include locking projects at the contract amount and comparing budgeted versus actual costs. The software, which offers full featured security with restrictions by employee, project, and task, supports up to four levels of details, enabling breakdown into phases, segments, and sub-segments.
Bill and Patti Feldman write articles and web content for trade magazines and manufacturers of building products. They can be reached at [email protected].