them the reliable, trustworthy contractor that
customers will want to work with again and
again.Software for scaffolding companies has
come a long way in recent years. Basic drawing
programs and generic rental software have
given way to intelligent, specialized tools.
“So, what is available and which features
Eric Schmidt speaking
at the SAIA Annual
Convention.
2013 SAIA Industry Award Winners
Outstanding Company Contribution Award
The SAIA member firm who has distinguished itself through teamwork, monetary contributions,
volunteer time and effort in participation of association activities.
Winner – Power Climber
Outstanding Council Chair
Granted to the individual who through personal devotion, contribution and leadership elevated their
council to a higher level of participation and exposure within the industry.
Winner – Tom Dillon, Fall Protection Council Chair
Outstanding Service Award
Bestowed upon an individual who has distinguished themself in the areas of service, contribution,
effort and guidance. The individual is recognized for special projects or services to the officers and
directors.
Winner – Kevin O’Shea
Spirit Award
Given to the SAIA member who has distinguishes himself through promotion, support and devotion to
the SAIA and its programs.
Winner – Tom Brewe
r
Coupling Pin Award
All active members are eligible for this award, bestowed upon an SAIA member who has performed
exemplary service, and shown exceptional dedication to the association.
Winner – Mike Russell
“Unsung Hero” Award
Bestowed upon an SAIA member who has a strong history of activism, participation and support to the
association.
Winner – Jay Kinder
Hall of Fame Award
This award is bestowed upon a member who has actively served the association for five years and is a
past recipient of the Coupling Pin Award.
Winner – Wendy Larison
D. Victor Saleeby Award
This award recognizes an SAIA member who has achieved at least 15 years of outstanding and
exceptional service to the association and has received the Coupling Pin Award in the past.
Winner – Dale Lindemer
President’s Award
This award recognizes the recipient who has served in the capacity of president, has five years
of active service and continuous active participation toward the growth and advancement of the
Association.
Winner – Steve Smith
SAIA Education Foundation
These are companies that - based on their contributions to the education foundation - have moved to a
new donor level. The SAIAEF board recognized these companies.
Donor
New Level
Brewer Equipment Company
Bronze
Chuck & Honey Hutchinson
Bronze
Jay Kinder
Bronze
PCI Scaffold Concepts
Platinum
Strong Man Building Products
Bronze
Urban Scaffolding Ltd.
Bronze
with additional benefits such as automatic
3D modeling, equipment counting, and leg
load calculations. Drawing scaffolding on a
computer has never been easier, Hajighafouri
said. Customers can start from scratch or
import a customer’s plan or blueprint and then
begin dropping bays into place. Oftentimes no
AutoCAD experience is necessary. “If you can
move a mouse, you can draw scaffolding – so
salespeople can create their own drawings,”
he said.
For managing assets, Hajighafouri said to look
for comprehensive inventory, job costing and
billing software. Software can turn an estimate
into a shipment and then an invoice in one
seamless process. An equipment management
program can make complex job management
simple with tools like pick tickets, asset
tracking, flexible billing cycles and customizable
reports. On the subject of reports, having
historical data in one place is a powerful source
of information, Hajighafouri said. For example,
estimators are able to compare new projects
with previous bids to better determine profits.
“Finally, seek out software designed
specifically for scaffolding, shoring, and
formwork companies to ensure your needs
are met right out of the box,” Hajighafouri
concluded. “And, keep in mind how you will
use the program; mobile access of data is an
important factor for most firms. A program that
is fast, accessible, and easy to use gives you
more time to do what matters most: selling your
services and making customers happy.”
■
SAIA REVIEW
should you look for in modern software
programs,” Hajighafouri asked.
Managing assets
Hajighafouri then spoke about automated
scaffolding drawing programs that can make
scaffold drawing as simple as using paper but
SAIA board members during the annual meeting
last July in Nashville.
40
ACCESS, LIFT & HANDLERS
SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2013
