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Web Portal
User-friendly software makes updating
Web sites easier
By Elaine S. Silver
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| Web Portal allows
users to call up a Web page, edit the text and have the
changes in place on the Web site immediately without hiring
the services of a Web master. Photos can also be uploaded
easily. |
Many companies are months or even years behind in updating
their Web pages. In fact, only about 20% of all contractors
update their Web site more than once a year, says Brad Mathews,
vice president of sales at Dexter+ Chaney in Seattle, a provider
of Forefront Construction Management Software. It's a dismal
use of an effective marketing and internal communications
tool.
"But it's also understandable," Mathews adds. "If
a company has new photos, press releases, etc., it usually
has to go to the agency that created its Website and ask for
an update. Then an invoice will follow."
To speed up the process, Forefront has created Web Portal,
which, on its most basic level, works like a word processor
for Websites. To update a site, the user simply calls up the
Web page, edits the text, accepts the change and, instantaneously,
the edits become part of the page. Photos can be uploaded
easily.
And if the company wants to put its employee directory onto
the Website, Web Portal contains extensive security tools.
The user can secure sections of the Web site so that only
visitors with a password can access it.
In addition, sections can be created that reflect the information
needs of specific groups. For example, project managers can
be directed to a special Web page where they will find articles
on new safety procedures. The user can also create a discussion
forum where project managers comment on the article and a
moderator guides the discussion.
Perhaps the most significant use of Web Portal is as a gateway
to the Forefront system. Time card information can be entered
from the Web Portal, either by the supervisor or by the employee,
with secure supervisory review. Change orders can also be
managed through the Web Portal.
Kari Karst, president and owner of Buskerud Construction
Inc., a heavy/highway contractor in Dell Rapids, S.D., says
her company is thinking about adding Web Portal to its suite
of Forefront modules.
"We never thought the Website was an effective tool
for marketing until recently," Karst says. "But
in South Dakota, we are going to electronic bidding, and the
Web site will make a huge difference in our relationships
with the people who want to find out about us."
Mathews says staff training is included with the initial
purchase of the module, and a task feature allows each company
to easily create task wizards. The cost structure is based
on the number of overall modules a client buys and how many
users the client has.
Dexter + Chaney
Forefront Construction Management Software
9700 Lake City Way NE
Seattle, Wash. 98115-2347
800-875-1400
www.dexterchaney.com
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