The Art of Allen

Construction cranes are everywhere as business picks up and projects resume or begin. The  OSHA (Occupational Safety & Health Administration)  estimates approximately 225,000 cranes are in operation across the country on any given day. All crane operators and workers on sites where cranes are used, more than 250,000 individuals nationwide, are at risk for crane-related injuries and fatalities. Technology can help remove some of those risks by moving the positioning crew out of the swing and drop area, eliminating taglines completely. Whether in the skyscrapers of New York City or the prairies or Texas, hard working cranes are…well, they are working hard. Vita Inclinata , a developer and producer of crane load stabilization and precision hardware, is working hard to help, too. It is providing VLN (Vita Load Navigator) 20 Tonne (VLN-20T) VLN systems to  Trident General Contracting in New York. Trident will use the VLN systems for its nine Dekalb Avenue skysc...

Parks Associates says one-third of OTT subscribers have signed up for a service through a content aggregator. The post Fact of the Day – 2/28/2022 appeared first on Connected World . from Connected World https://connectedworld.com/fact-of-the-day-2-28-2022/ via IFTTT

The U.S. Dept. of Energy says the residential sector accounts for about 21% of the total U.S. energy consumption. Of the energy used in U.S. homes in 2015, 55% of it was used for heating and cooling. Water heating, appliances, electronics, and lighting accounted for the remaining 45% of total consumption. In 2019, the average household used energy that released an estimated 17,320 lbs. of CO 2 . To put this number in perspective, on an annual basis the average household is responsible for releasing 70% more CO 2 emissions compared to the average passenger vehicle. Builders can change all this. Homeowners can save between 5-30% on their home energy bills by making home energy upgrades typically identified in a home-energy assessment. By reducing energy in the home, homebuilders and homeowners can meet environmental targets and be a good steward of the world we live in. Let’s explore five steps to reduce your energy consumption. Keep in mind, there are many changes that can be made....

There are many different types and styles of siding available for your home so it's important that the type of material is right for what style speaks best! The post Which Type of Siding is Right for Your Home appeared first on At Home in the Future . from At Home in the Future https://athomeinthefuture.com/2022/02/type-siding-right-home/ via IFTTT

As the pandemic restrictions are being lifted, projects are being renewed, rebid, and restarted. New work is being opened and owners are making contracts for the future. Construction is, by most measures, regaining lost opportunities and beginning to look like it was in 2019, pre-pandemic. January 2022 saw total construction starts increased by 4% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $923.4 billion, according to  Dodge Construction Network . Nonresidential building starts increased 4%, and nonbuilding starts rose 18%. The only major construction segment to decrease was residential which saw starts fall 1%. In nonbuilding construction, highway and bridge starts rose 33%, and utility/gas plant starts more than doubled. However, environmental public works starts lost 9%, and miscellaneous nonbuilding starts fell 5%. The largest nonbuilding projects to break ground in January were the $1.6 billion Amtrak Gateway Portal Bridge Enhancement project in Secaucus, N.J. and the $477...

By the end of 2022, half of all manufacturing supply chains will see the benefits of supply chain resiliency, resulting in a 10% reduction in disruption impact, says IDC. The post Fact of the Day – 2/25/2022 appeared first on Connected World . from Connected World https://connectedworld.com/fact-of-the-day-2-25-2022/ via IFTTT

Most people think first of San Francisco when the conversation turns to earthquakes and their destructive effects. Indeed, the deadliest earthquake in U.S. history was in that City by the Bay. The 1906 San Francisco earthquake hit the coast of Northern California at 5:12 a.m. on Wednesday, April 18, killing more than 3,000 people. However, further East, the New Madrid Seismic Zone is one of the most active seismic areas east of the Rockies. According to the USGS (U.S. Geological Survey ), until 2014, when the dramatic increase in earthquake rates gave Oklahoma the number one ranking in the conterminous U.S., the most seismically active area east of the Rocky Mountains was in this Mississippi Valley area. Since 1974, seismometers, instruments that measure ground shaking, have recorded thousands of small to moderate earthquakes. Unlike coastal fault lines, a big quake in the center of the country poses different risks. In particular, a disruption of the Mississippi R...

Electricians are one of the most in-demand professions, so make sure you hire a reputable local electrician to work on your property. The post How to Easily Find a Reliable Electrician appeared first on At Home in the Future . from At Home in the Future https://athomeinthefuture.com/2022/02/easily-find-reliable-electrician/ via IFTTT

In the 1980s, large manufacturing companies were exploring a new software solution, an integrated package of applications called ERP—enterprise resource planning. While the elements were mostly familiar, the selling point was that they all worked together, seamlessly integrated. If you bought the package, one company would be your point of contact for support and updates. The idea caught on and the ERP vendors saw value in moving the packages down stream to fit the needs of small and mid-sized firms. In 1996, Builder Software Tools was founded in Canada to provide an ERP solution for construction companies, primarily residential and condo builders. Their comprehensive, user-friendly solutions help new homebuilders streamline processes, gain efficiencies, and deliver superior customer service throughout the entire project lifecycle. Recognizing the value in the Builder Software Tools product line, JDM Technology Group , a global group of leading software providers for the architecture...

Gartner predicts hyperscalers’ carbon emissions will drive cloud purchase decisions by 2025. The post Fact of the Day – 2/23/2022 appeared first on Connected World . from Connected World https://connectedworld.com/fact-of-the-day-2-23-2022/ via IFTTT

Did traffic fatalities go up or down from 2020 to 2021? If you caught my February 15 episode of The Peggy Smedley Show, then you know the answer. Roughly 31,720 people died in motor vehicle crashes from January through September of last year, which is an increase of roughly 12% from the 28,325 fatalities projected in the first nine months of 2020. What I would like to focus on for this blog is how we—as a technology community—are going to fix it. As I have suggested, we need to leverage technology in order to curb these traffic deaths, and we need to leverage autonomous and connected vehicles. While much work is already being done, we are still very much in the early days. Here’s what is needed next: standards, standards, standards. Let’s take a peek behind the curtain to see what is currently happening with our connected vehicles. As one example, Parkopedia has joined the Navigation Data Standard Assn ., which provides a worldwide standard for map data in automotive ecosystems. Th...

We’ve said it before , and we’ll say it again: The future of work will be different. In fact, it’s already different than it was just a few years ago, but all signs point toward the fact that work is going to keep changing well into the next couple of decades. Technology companies must step up to the plate to support the future of flexible, hybrid, and remote work scenarios in all kinds of industries. LinkedIn’s 2022 Global Talent Trends report suggests society is experiencing a watershed moment for company culture. Part of that culture is going to need to be flexibility and an improved work-life balance. Work-life balance was a top priority for the highest percentage of job seekers in LinkedIn’s study when pursuing a new job. As a matter of fact, more job seekers prioritized work-life balance (63%) than compensation and benefits (60%), and if that doesn’t send a strong signal to companies wanting to attract and retain talent during this Great Resignation , then who knows what will. ...

The importance of “curb appeal” should not be under-estimated, especially when it comes to increasing your home’s value. The post Ways to Increase the Value of Your Home with Exterior Upgrades appeared first on At Home in the Future . from At Home in the Future https://athomeinthefuture.com/2022/02/ways-increase-value-home-exterior-upgrades/ via IFTTT

Are you shopping for new living room windows and not sure what units will work best for your space? That's understandable. The post Why Bay & Bow Windows are The Best Living Room Windows? appeared first on At Home in the Future . from At Home in the Future https://athomeinthefuture.com/2022/02/bay-bow-windows-best-living-room-windows/ via IFTTT

If you're not too sure what you want, then there is a way to make this process easier for yourself by getting help from an experienced agent. The post Planning To Move? Here’s How To Find The Perfect Apartment appeared first on At Home in the Future . from At Home in the Future https://athomeinthefuture.com/2022/02/planning-move-heres-find-perfect-apartment/ via IFTTT

Sustainability starts with the right design, plan, and execution. A major focus is on carbon emissions and their impact on climate. Agencies and organizations worldwide are funding and doing research on ways to mitigate CO 2 emissions from existing buildings and those under construction as well as those in the drawing stage. Major suppliers are joining such groups and investing in their research. Schneider Electric , a leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, for example, supports the World Economic Forum in launching the  Net-Zero Carbon Cities Building Value Framework , an investment framework for decarbonizing buildings. The purpose of the Building Value Framework is to shift perceptions on the value of decarbonization investments from purely financial to also consider social, environmental, and system performance benefits. Buildings generate approximately 40% of global greenhouse gas emissions and while numerous technologies exist to help dec...

In recent months, there has been a lot of talk about how home design and technology preferences are changing, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic—and that talk continued at NAHB (National Assn. of Home Builders) IBS (Intl. Builders Show ) and KBIS (Kitchen and Bath Industry Show) earlier this month. Since the early days of the pandemic, we at Constructech have espoused the way we live, work, and play in our homes has changed, which unequivocally is changing the way homes need to be designed and built. Perhaps this comes as a surprise to none, but we are trending toward bigger homes with more outdoor amenities. At the show, NAHB highlighted top features and design trends across the generations, giving a glimpse into what buyers want in homes in 2022. Chief is the fact there was a rise in the average size of a new home to 2,524-sq.ft. and the percentage of new homes with 4+ bedrooms and 3+ full bathrooms rose to 46% and 34%, respectively. Naturally, the interests do vary across ge...

I have long been talking about the need to recruit, reskill, and upskill workers in industries such as manufacturing. The same can be said about construction. As demonstrated by a Construction Labor Market Report recently published by the HBI (Home Builders Institute) , the residential construction industry will need to train and place a tremendous 2.2 million new workers within the next three years to meet the United States’ housing demands. Let’s take a look. The good news is we are seeing a much greater effort to promote building careers among young children. In fact, earlier this month at the NAHB (National Assn. of Home Builders) , IBS (Intl. Builders Show ), and KBIS (Kitchen and Bath Industry Show) , the three organizations announced a new agreement with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America to introduce more of America’s youth to a future career in residential construction. Working together to promote construction career pathways, NAHB and Boys & Girls Clubs of America w...

Juniper Research says the world’s No. 1 smart city for 2022 is Shanghai. The post Fact of the Day – 2/22/2022 appeared first on Connected World . from Connected World https://connectedworld.com/fact-of-the-day-2-22-2022/ via IFTTT

Major construction companies invest significant amounts of money, time, talent, and energy in providing their crews with the latest technology, both in the office and in the field. Understanding the importance of addressing all of the elements of the project in a holistic manner, many companies are including their subcontractors and trade partners in their technology plans. By investing in a blanket licensing agreement so that recurring partners are covered, collaboration is easier and the projects more productive. As an example, Touchplan , a collaborative construction planning technology platform, and The Boldt Co., entered into a definitive enterprise-wide agreement that provides the Wisconsin-based construction firm and their selected subcontractor partners unlimited use of Touchplan’s daily planning software on all of its construction projects.  Along with collaboration capabilities that link the master schedule to the daily plan, anywhere and anytime, Touchplan intend...

ABI Research predicts pulp and paper industry’s adoption of digital technologies will be worth $3.6 billion at the end of the decade. The post Fact of the Day – 2/21/2022 appeared first on Connected World . from Connected World https://connectedworld.com/fact-of-the-day-2-21-2022/ via IFTTT

No matter how drab or antiquated your bathroom is, there are a few general principles to keep in mind when you plan your remodel. The post Amazing Ideas For A Brand New Bathroom Design appeared first on At Home in the Future . from At Home in the Future https://athomeinthefuture.com/2022/02/amazing-ideas-brand-new-bathroom-design/ via IFTTT

For many homeowners the talk of EVs (electric vehicles) and electrification is ramping up. Here’s the question on everyone’s minds lately: Does the cost advantage of EVs outweigh the cost of charging, batteries, and infrastructure? Let’s dig in. The electrification of transportation isn’t a new phenomenon. At the end of the 19th century, electric vehicles were second to the horse for personal transportation and light cargo hauling. Steam was king for heavy duty, long-range hauling—trains, ships—and gasoline engines were still in early-stage development. The electric runabout was a popular choice, especially for urban use where its short range—about 20 miles per charge—was enough. Fast forward, and today plug-in electric and hybrid models are available in a variety of sizes—from two passenger to SUV—and the list of brand names on electric vehicles grows annually. Guidehouse Insights reports since 2008, light-duty plug-in EVs have become more affordable while offering higher performa...

If you're in the market for a new cleaning robot to add to your arsenal, the Narwal might be exactly what you're looking for. The post REVIEW: Narwal Robot Mop appeared first on At Home in the Future . from At Home in the Future https://athomeinthefuture.com/2022/02/review-narwal-robot-mop/ via IFTTT

A car is one of the most important purchases you will ever make, and it’s always important to make sure that you get it right. The post How to Buy a Used Car With Ease appeared first on At Home in the Future . from At Home in the Future https://athomeinthefuture.com/2022/02/buy-used-car-ease/ via IFTTT

Before you can close on a mortgage, it is necessary to do a title search, gather cash for closing costs, then purchase a homeowners policy. The post Do You Need Homeowners Insurance Before Closing on a House? appeared first on At Home in the Future . from At Home in the Future https://athomeinthefuture.com/2022/02/need-homeowners-insurance-closing-house/ via IFTTT

Carports provide homeowners with a variety of different advantages that can be hard or virtually impossible to find elsewhere. The post Top Benefits Of Building A Metal Carport appeared first on At Home in the Future . from At Home in the Future https://athomeinthefuture.com/2022/02/top-benefits-building-metal-carport/ via IFTTT

While being able to keep a home clean does feel good, there are times when allowing a cleaning service to take care of it can be much more beneficial. The post 4 Times to Hire a Cleaning Service appeared first on At Home in the Future . from At Home in the Future https://athomeinthefuture.com/2022/02/4-times-hire-cleaning-service/ via IFTTT

Variations of the scuba diver’s motto, “Plan the dive and dive the plan,” have value in many activities. If you can plan it properly, you can anticipate what will happen at every stage of the project. With the ongoing digital transformation of most activities, planning projects with a computer is even easier. Cranes are complex, mechanically and functionally, so having a way to plan their operation in a lift is highly beneficial. For that, welcome Crane Planner 2.0 from Liebherr . Crane Planner 2.0 is the professional lift planning and visualization program for lifting work of all kinds. With the new version, Liebherr offers all users, potential users, customers, and partners even more benefits. The Liebherr Crane Planner 2.0 helps users to identify solutions and procedures for their lifting work in advance. This enables complicated heavy lifts with crawler cranes as well as supposedly quick and easy taxi lifts by mobile cranes to be completed safely. The tool combines an i...

Parks Associates says 73% of U.S. broadband households that own or are planning to buy a smart home device consider interoperability important. The post Fact of the Day – 2/18/2022 appeared first on Connected World . from Connected World https://connectedworld.com/fact-of-the-day-2-18-2022/ via IFTTT

New personal technology usually starts out focused on either helping people or entertaining them. Commercial and business applications have higher hopes, perhaps, but in the end, helping people—through companies, governments, and other enterprises—is still the goal. To better help their customers, developers often go the collaboration route, integrating with other segments of the industry to create an even greater value. Done right, the combination can be impressive, helping individuals, companies, and even governments. As people return to their normal activities as COVID-19 restrictions are lifted, auto traffic is booming and, as usual, drivers are seeking places to park while cities, universities, parking lots and other locations where space is available seek ways to monetize that need. Enter a technology integration. Parkopedia , a parking data provider in the U.S., has a new partnership with Passport , a digital platform provider for managing transportation and software payments ...

IDC estimates enterprise and service provider spending on edge computing will reach $40 billion in 2022 in Europe. The post Fact of the Day – 2/17/2022 appeared first on Connected World . from Connected World https://connectedworld.com/fact-of-the-day-2-17-2022/ via IFTTT

The accepted wisdom is that there would be no Las Vegas as we know it without the invention of air conditioning. And neon lights. It is also true that there would be no skyscrapers without the invention of the elevator. A five-flight walkup is bad enough without trying a 20-story high rise. But early elevators caused concerns about safety and the decades since those steam-powered lifts were installed in the 1800s have included many safety-related improvements. Rarely do we think about the modern elevators as anything but safe and secure. One reason for this is the dedication of elevator companies to testing and retesting all innovations to their “vertical vehicles.” A leader in this field is TK Elevator , a spin-off from thyssenkrupp AG of Germany. TK Elevator opened a new North American headquarters in Atlanta, investing in R&D and innovative mobility solutions that will address the needs of current and future customers throughout the U.S. and Canada. The three-building complex ...

Gartner says only 14% of organizations have achieved a 360-degree view of their customer. The post Fact of the Day – 2/16/2022 appeared first on Connected World . from Connected World https://connectedworld.com/fact-of-the-day-2-16-2022/ via IFTTT

When the COVID-19 pandemic first hit more than two years ago, everything went remote overnight. The pandemic threw the world into chaos. Now, many industries are beginning to ask some of the hard questions such as: what kind of impact did this ultimately have in different vertical markets? Today, let’s look at the impact on healthcare. Virtual care is now a fundamental part of the U.S. healthcare system, and it will improve patient access to high-quality care well beyond the COVID-19 pandemic. Generally speaking, many patients have come to see telehealth as one of the most positive improvements to our nation’s healthcare system. Roughly 66% of voters have a positive opinion of telehealth, according to Moore Information Group . What’s more, a majority of U.S. voters believe Congress should protect their ability and choice to see a provider via telehealth in the coming years. A whopping 81% of voters view the federal government’s decision to lift restrictions and make telehealth servic...

Cyber threats were among the many things that intensified when the COVID-19 pandemic ripped through society beginning late 2019 and early 2020. The ways in which cyber criminals approached their targets, and the targets they chose in the first place, shifted. Cyber criminals’ tactics and targets changed alongside shifts that were taking place in society because of the pandemic, such as the increased cyber threat pressure on supply chains and healthcare organizations. Remote work, too, had a very direct impact on the ways cybercriminals went about their nefarious business. How long will these changes continue to affect organizations? In 2022, the effects are still real. A new report from the World Economic Forum in collaboration with Accenture provides a comprehensive global cybersecurity outlook for this year. What lingering challenges are businesses facing as a direct and indirect result of COVID-19? What can organizations do to become more resilient in the face of changes they ca...