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
Maximizing Welder Workforce with Automation featuring Novarc Technologies, Inc.
To combat the shortage of skilled labor in the welding industry, Novarc Technologies, Inc. recently launched a real-time vision processing system: NovEye™ Autonomy (Gen 2), the world’s first artificial intelligence (AI) machine learning program for welding. The system constantly improves weld quality based on data collection and model enhancement to maximize productivity and deliver the highest quality welds.
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.”
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.
Matching Material to Application for Better Results: Advice from NIBCO INC.
In commercial plumbing and mechanical systems, material selection is far more than a matter of preference or budget—it directly impacts system performance, longevity, and reliability. Standards offer a framework, but truly effective practice requires that you match the materials to the specific demands of the application.
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.
Delivering Lasting Value with Daikin Applied and Bartingale Mechanical
Speed and efficiency were top priorities for Bartingale Mechanical in renovating a Wisconsin jail, and the company successfully installed a customized Daikin Applied chiller in just one week, with inmates remaining in place throughout the project. Daikin’s ability to deliver the unit on time, despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, helped the team avoid delays with using the specialized crane and contributed to a smooth and successful startup.
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.
Avoiding Missed Connections Through Innovation with Merit Brass Company & Dynamic Systems, Inc.
Dynamic Systems, Inc. (DSI) chose Merit Brass Company copper press fittings on the chilled water system for a multi-billion-dollar facility because of the ease of installation, cost savings, and cleanliness of the installation. Moreover, Merit’s fittings are equipped with distinctive Visual Indicator Press Ring® (VIPR) technology—which provides an external visual confirmation of a pressed fitting and enabled DSI to avoid the common problem of missed pressed fittings that can derail projects.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Optimizing Pipe Quality to Improve Efficiency featuring Wheatland Tube
In an evolving industry where quality, labor shortages, safety, and environmental impact are top-of-mind, mechanical contractors are faced with critical decisions when specifying materials for their projects. Choosing domestically manufactured standard pipe over their imported equivalents can increase the quality, safety, and sustainability of any project.
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.”
