A growing number of companies specialize in helping low-tech companies navigate around and store project information on the Internet. Using laptops and desktops onsite Jobsites are tough on computers because grime and dust take their toll quickly. Often a computer is scrapped after being used on one site. So, if low cost 286 and 386 computers can be used with thin-client servers, the cost is minimized. Since jobsites may be insecure, many contractors provide key staff with laptops they take home at night.
Contractors also put desktop computers onsite, and they are about one-third the price of laptops.
Ohio-based Tuttle Construction Inc. Depending on job size, Rauch allocates between one and three desktops to a jobsite's trailer. Onsite computers are routinely used to electronically transfer files daily, such as payroll, time sheets and production information. For completely wireless transfer of this daily information, some contractors use laptops with cellular phones. Using digital organizers onsite Personal digital organizers are also being used to communicate effectively from the jobsite. They also download their contact list and anybody's schedule into the organizers, which remind them about meetings.