Author(s): C. McIntyre, M.K. Parfitt, and E. Burnett
Date: December 1996
Computer-based technology is an area that promises to offer tremendous value to the residential building industry. Many business and production efforts can be made more productive if the appropriate software and resources are applied throughout the building process. The Computer Applications Committee of PHRC recognized the fact that many in the residential buildings industry were under utilizing computer resources that currently exist in this and related industries. This report focuses on identifying the basic needs of the residential builder concerning computerization, computer related information and resources, and associated educational and training programs.
The purpose of this project was to identify available resources for builders of various levels of computerization. Access to the resources and timely transfer of computer technology was also considered. More specifically, the project includes:
Identify the basic business functions and associated computerized application areas for a typical residential building firm.
Develop a classification matrix for the educational and training needs for residential builders.
Identify some of the relevant computer related resources that are available to the Pennsylvania builder.
Investigate some of the educational and training programs that are available to builders concerning computer technology.
Identify the role that the PHRC serves in the delivery of educational and training programs offered to the residential building industry.
The information contained in this research report was compiled to assist members of the residential building industry to expand their skills and knowledge in the area of builder-related computer applications. The report identifies a combination of specific items as well as leads to builder computer resources that can be explored based on the specific needs of each type and size of builder firm. In addition, the PHRC Educational and Training Classification Hierarchy has been included in order to help residential builders identify some of the educational and training needs that are appropriate to their level of experience.