Toll Bros. managers go high-tech

Use of a small computer device has enabled construction managers at Toll Bros. to be more efficient and spend more time in the field. The devices -- personal digital assistants -- are programmed as automated scheduling systems.

"We first began using the PDAs on the job about eight months ago," Dennis Shaver, a project manager in Las Vegas, said. "It was part of a pilot program for the company's Western region, and since has been implemented in each of the company's markets -- 22 states in all."

The program allows managers to access their daily schedules and task lists, which may include obtaining permits or closing sales.

"It keeps everything in your hand, from phone numbers and addresses of the homeowner and subcontractors to calendars," Shaver said. "The program uses charts and graphs to show you essentially everything you need to know about a home that is under construction. You even see what's behind every delay, as well as what's helped you get ahead of schedule. Everyone can constantly see the pace of construction.

"(It also) allows us to be more effective in our planning. We can call subcontractors and give them a heads up on the amount of materials and manpower we'll need for a specific job. We can also give them advanced notice of the range of time we'll need them -- from days to weeks," he said.

"The subcontractors have been really appreciative of what the system has done to more accurately predict scheduling which, in the end, gives the buyer a more accurate move-in date."

The program also monitors each buyers' choice of options.

"We now track and monitor customers' selections information more efficiently," Shaver said. "There's less paperwork required when working with the home buyer in the field. Now we punch the information into our PDAs."

Toll Bros. is developing Toscana in the northwestern valley; Stonehaven at MacDonald Highlands in Henderson; and Barrington, Heritage Glen, Monterossa, Rosemont and Wood Glen in Summerlin. The builder plans to introduce two additional neighborhoods within the next few months.

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