Welcome to Smart Solutions
MCAA’s mission is to guide and support member success to build a stronger, more sustainable future for the mechanical contracting industry. Through member-driven resources, comprehensive education, and strategic partnerships, we empower members to shape a future of unparalleled innovation and growth.
Latest Issue
Streamlining Weld Tracking Processes with UMC & Stratus
Faced with the challenge of implementing a weld tracking program on short notice, UMC needed a solution that would allow for both shop and field weld inspections without reverting to cumbersome, outdated paper methods. Stratus, a software platform designed to streamline fabrication processes, was the answer.
Designing for Success with Victaulic & Heffron Company
Thanks to Victaulic’s grooved mechanical pipe-joining technology, Heffron Company overcame constraints of scale, space, and time to meet the demand for a cutting-edge 260,000-square-foot life sciences facility in Maryland. With patient safety and global medicine supply chains depending on rapid completion and a reliable system, Heffron Company took on the ambitious project and its aggressive nine-month schedule.
Designing for Efficiency with Belimo Aircontrols & Arden Building Companies
Arden Building Companies knew that a pressure independent (PI) HVAC system would help a new Massachusetts high school meet its long-term sustainability goals, but there were concerns about the cost. Belimo Aircontrols’ PI control valve offered the perfect balance of performance and affordability, and Belimo went a step further, providing piping packages that cut up to 80 percent of labor costs.
Fueling Efficiency Through Automation with SIEMENS & Marble Distilling Co.
Because SIEMENS automation equipment and software worked well to optimize room temperatures efficiently in their boutique inn, Marble Distilling Co. owners were open to a novel use of the technology to improve the distilling process—and they were rewarded with a 75-percent increase in efficiency as a result. The Carbondale, CO, destination is home to a craft distillery, tasting room, private club, and inn—all designed to make every guest feel as though they are a part of Marble’s mission to become the most sustainable, zero-waste distilling operation in the world.
Transforming Operations with Real-Time Visibility with Access Coins & P1 Construction, LLC
P1 Construction, LLC replaced its outdated legacy enterprise resource planning (ERP) system with Access Coins ERP and quickly started saving money, increasing productivity, and improving service delivery. Morgan Lassise, P1 Construction accounting manager, explained, “Access Coins has been perfect for us because it meets all the needs that we have as a contractor. We’re seeing increased job productivity across the board.”
Exceeding Stringent Standards with SLOAN & Murray Company
To meet green building standards for a new basketball stadium, Murray Company Mechanical Contractors counted on SLOAN’s sustainable products but also ensured close collaboration and coordination among all the “players” in the building process to secure the win. Murray Company made sure it could accommodate others working simultaneously; meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), state, and LEED requirements; and ensure that the plumbing worked under peak demand.
Automating Processes to Deliver Tangible Benefits with PypeServer, Inc. & DILFO
DILFO had already worked to modernize its fabrication process, but adopting PypeServer Inc.’s cloud-based workflow allowed them to do even more, demonstrably saving on labor and materials. As Brendan Myers, DILFO’s director of operations, put it, “By automating processes, reducing waste, and enhancing productivity, the software has delivered tangible financial and operational benefits.”
Message from Mark Becker, M/SC Chair: Insights and Innovations
Case studies in this issue of Smart Solutions include two stadiums, two jails, and a distillery—highlighting that many projects come with unique needs that require innovation and insight. We hope you will take advantage of the insights and innovations our manufacturer/supplier partners have to offer.
Transforming Insights Into Action with Artificial Intelligence featuring Copeland Mobile
Today’s HVACR technicians rely on innovative, user-friendly tools like mobile apps to increase productivity. Copeland Mobile, one of the most trusted apps in the industry, recently added a new artificial intelligence (AI) feature, Scout. Designed as the ultimate field companion, Copeland Mobile’s cutting-edge solution now leverages AI to transform insights into action, helping technicians quickly diagnose, troubleshoot, and resolve issues in the field.
Creating Attractive Cost Estimates in Eight Ways featuring McCormick Systems, Inc.
Creating clear, competitive, and professional plumbing estimates is key to securing projects. Whether it’s small installations or large commercial projects, the accuracy and presentation of your estimates can set you apart in the highly competitive plumbing industry, which has more than 70,000 contractors in the United States alone.
Transforming Coordination Through Automation featuring MSUITE
Speed and accuracy are critical in the design phase of construction, and building information modeling (BIM) has improved teamwork and visibility throughout projects. However, support system layout remains a challenge. Despite significant advances in BIM workflows, contractors lose time and productivity because of inefficient manual processes in placing and coordinating hangers and supports. Software solutions like MSUITE Hangers can accelerate BIM modeling efficiency and transform MEP coordination through automation.
Streamlining Invoicing Skyrockets Revenue with ServiceTitan & L.J. Kruse Company
Until two years ago, L.J. Kruse Company, a fourth-generation plumbing and HVAC shop in Berkeley, CA, was still using paper for invoicing. With ServiceTitan, the company’s service side boosted revenue by $1 million. “I don’t know how many companies are left on paperwork orders, but if there are any, you have to make the switch, and you’ve got to make it yesterday,” said Will Kruse, vice president and service manager at L.J. Kruse Co. Switching to ServiceTitan “was night and day.”
Jobsite Safety Spotlight with MCAA’s Safety & Health Committee & BuildOps
Falls. Tools. Mental health. The jobsite dangers haven’t changed much, but some contractors are changing how they respond—and who they involve in the process. MCAA Safety and Health Committee members Ricky Reams (Murphy Company) and Rebecca Medaris (Pan-Pacific Mechanical), joined BuildOps to discuss the challenges contractors are facing today and what’s working in the field—from simplifying fall protection to reshaping the tools that get people hurt.
Tool-Integrated Software’s Business Benefits featuring Ridge Tool Company
Would you like to make the back-office side of your plumbing business more efficient? Tool technology has changed the way we work on jobsites, but it can also simplify business management. From staying ahead of needed tool maintenance to streamlining recordkeeping, integrated tool technology in drain cleaning, pressing, and diagnostic tools can make your business run more efficiently. Here are a few examples of how tool-integrated software from Ridge Tool Company and others can boost your business operations.
Profiling Software Optimizes Efficiency featuring HGG Profiling Equipment, Inc.
Designed in-house, ProCAM software leverages HGG Profiling Equipment Inc.’s 40 years of 3D profiling knowledge and synthesizes it into a software system designed to maximize throughput and material usage, saving users time and money. ProCAM and ProCAM Lite are the only software specifically designed for HGG profiling machines.
Optimizing Operations & Fan Experience Simultaneously featuring Johnson Controls
When the Milwaukee Brewers Baseball Club™ committed to making improvements to its ballpark, now known as American Family Field™, the organization looked to its long-term partner Johnson Controls to help provide fans with an outstanding experience while ensuring the ballpark operates at peak performance and efficiency. As a result, the team increased attendance significantly.
2 New Management Methods Bulletins Now Available
MCAA recently released two new Management Methods Bulletins designed to support its members with free, in‑depth guidance on critical aspects of mechanical contracting.
Expanding & Improving the Community with Trane and Brandt Companies
Brandt Companies is familiar with the unique challenges and strict requirements around working on a correctional facility, so when the opportunity to renovate and expand the Rockwell County (Texas) jail arose, Brandt chose Trane. “It was very intentional that we wanted to work with Trane,” said Scott McMillan, senior mechanical engineer at Brandt. “Trane has great resources on the controls side and smoke control projects, in particular. Ultimately, Trane delivered and was instrumental in the success of this job.”
