#construction contract software

[contractor-invoicing-software]

Understanding the Three Types of HVAC

Heating, ventilation and air conditioning play a crucial role in your home or office building's comfort. While most building owners view it as a valuable addition, there is some confusion regarding the different options available. HVAC contractor marketing materials might highlight the benefits of split systems, hybrid setups and ductless systems. But what are the differences, and which one is right for you?

Split Systems

Heating and cooling split systems are some of the most common. They're referred to as "split" systems because they contain separate units for heating and cooling.

Outside the home is the cooling unit. It uses a series of components to cool and pump hot air out of the building. Ducts deliver the cool air back into the space, keeping your structure cool on those hot summer days.

During the winter, the heating unit takes over. It usually sits in a basement or dedicated storage room. In split systems, gas creates heat dispersed throughout the building. These units work independently, but everything is controlled via a centrally located thermostat.

Hybrid Split Systems

A hybrid system works similarly to a traditional split system. However, it has the added benefit of switching between gas and electricity to heat the building. The user has complete control over these systems, and the goal of the hybrid setup is to mitigate energy costs.

Gas is more efficient at heating a home during frigid winters. But when that high-powered heating isn't always necessary, users can switch to electric heating to keep operating costs low.

Ductless Systems

These systems are also known as duct-free HVAC systems or mini-splits. Instead of utilizing large units and complex ductwork, these systems use individual units for every room.

The units can mount on the wall or in the ceiling. While they take up space, they provide independent control for every room. Users can control the temperature to their liking without affecting the entire building.

As the name implies, they also don't need ducts. Instead, they have tubing to deliver refrigerant to an exterior compressor. The installation process is more flexible. As a result, HVAC contractor marketing typically touts ductless systems as an excellent choice for home additions, accessory dwelling units and more.

Read a similar article about contractor bid app here at this page.

[productiveandfree]

Benefits of Utilizing Time and Materials Contract in Project Management

Statistics show that 60 to 80% of business deals are set in stone by a contract. At the core of successful project management lies choosing an appropriate contract type. Time and materials contracts stand out among available alternatives as one of the more flexible and adaptable.

T&M contracts provide clients with another approach by billing for both time spent and materials used on each project, rather than specifying one fixed sum upfront. Time and materials contracts offer many advantages when managing projects where their scope isn't fully defined from the outset or there is significant unpredictability.

Here, we explore their key benefits in project management, specifically regarding flexibility, risk mitigation, cost control, client transparency, and adaptability. Let's begin!

Project Flexibility

One of the primary advantages of drafting a time and materials contract is its inherent flexibility when it comes to project scope. Unfortunately, project teams cannot always foresee everything that may arise during its scope. Requirements may shift, new challenges emerge or unexpected circumstances call for adjustments that must be made without having to negotiate new terms. T&M contracts allow project teams to quickly accommodate these changes without needing to go back through negotiations or sign new ones altogether.

Flexibility in project requirements ensures teams can continue working without being hindered by rigid scope definitions, especially important in industries like software development or construction where changes may be frequent and can become expensive to manage with fixed-price contracts. A T&M contract enables projects to adapt organically as new information or client feedback emerges.

Risk Mitigation Strategies for Both Parties

T&M contracts in project management provide another significant benefit: mitigating risk for both parties involved. Fixed-price contracts often place too much financial risk on contractors due to having to accurately predict costs and timelines before the project begins. Any unexpected challenges could force contractors into cutting corners to meet budgetary restrictions or face financial ruin as a result.

T&M contracts allow more equitable risk distribution between contractor and client. Because billing for T&M contracts occurs according to actual time and material used, there's less pressure for contractors to stick rigidly to initial estimates, meaning more time for quality delivery without worrying about unanticipated expenses or delays. From the client's viewpoint, only paying for what work was performed reduces overspending risks by paying only for work that actually gets done.

Improve Cost Control

Although fixed-price contracts might appear to offer greater cost control by setting one price for an entire project, these contracts can actually lead to greater spending if estimates prove inaccurate. Contractors frequently build contingency into fixed-price contracts to protect themselves against unexpected challenges that increase overall expenses; T&M contracts provide clients greater budgetary oversight.

T&M contracts give clients greater insight into the work being performed and allow for adjustments to project scope or pace to help control costs more easily. If costs begin rising faster than planned, clients have options such as scaling back their project or prioritizing certain tasks, which is something usually unattainable under fixed-price contracts that lock clients into one price regardless of the efficiency of project development.

Increased Transparency and Accountability

Transparency is another advantage of using a time and materials contract. Clients receive invoices that show exactly where their money is being spent, including hours worked by each member as well as materials bought specifically for it.

Transparency fosters improved collaboration between clients and contractors. When clients can see the progress of projects in real time and access financial reports, they're more likely to trust contractors and feel assured they are receiving value for their money. This also makes approving or disapproving additional work much simpler since clients understand all associated costs more accurately.

Ability to Take on Complex Projects

Many projects in industries like IT, construction, and product development involve multiple phases or components which make them challenging to predict or plan for, making T&M contracts ideal. Their adaptability enables the project team to pivot flexibly without feeling limited by an overly rigid contract structure.

For example, in a software development project, clients often opt to alter features or functionality after seeing an early version of the product. With fixed-price contracts, this would involve lengthy negotiations and potentially additional costs; but under T&M agreements, project teams can easily adapt to such changes quickly while continuing onward with billing the client for any extra resources necessary for completion.

Adaptability is crucial in meeting client expectations throughout a project's course and helping teams respond more quickly and effectively when unexpected events such as supply chain disruptions or technical challenges occur, without endangering its success.

Conclusion

Time and materials contracts provide numerous advantages to both contractors and clients involved, particularly on projects with uncertain scope, timelines, or requirements. T&M contracts offer clients flexibility as the project unfolds, as well as enhanced risk management and cost control measures. Plus, clients benefit from increased transparency and accountability that allows them to track exactly where their money is being spent in real-time.

Share in the comments below: Questions go here

[kanixinfotechpvtltd]

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[seat-safety-switch]

"Hold on there, pardner. This here's a cognition hazard." said the holographic cowboy in the corner of my vision. He then took a series of poses that the designer must have thought looked heroic and protective, before flickering back to his original position and repeating the process. My artificial ranch-hand was not incorrect: the thing I was attempting to do would cause me unpredictable amounts of psychic damage, likely impacting my relationships with those around me and even my mental state at rest. Even so, I pushed the button and waited.

Software development used to be a sort of reckless task, undergone without care. Decades ago, hundreds of folks would cram themselves into a single building and then work hard on their computers to develop computer programs. Originally, these programs performed useful but difficult tasks, speeding them up dramatically for the varied needs of government and industry. At first, life improved. And then, as with every prior machine in human history, we looked for harder jobs for it to do.

A funny thing happens when a computer program gets longer than about a page of typewritten code. You have to hold a lot of it in your head. The best programmers could commit an entire system to memory, gliding through it like barracuda through a disreputable motel's swimming pool. We didn't know then how much trauma it caused. The doctors had no idea what was happening with all those isolated burnouts freaking out, moving into the woods, and hunting men for sport.

Watching the old newsreels now, seeing the 20th-century equivalent of coal miners delving willingly into fold-out charts of MFC inheritance diagrams, it's a little hard to stomach. It only took about twenty years of continued exposure to this kind of thing before the human mind rebelled, the manmade logical constructs providing a kind of sharp edge that ripped through sanity like a hot wire. Thing is, it still had to be done, and the folks who did it seemed to enjoy it up until The Void caught up to them too. So the government did what the government does best, and compromise. We'd all have warnings that what we were doing was insanely dangerous and life-shortening, and our employers would keep demanding that we heap more complexity atop ever-increasing mountains of irreducible cruft.

A good deal for all involved, especially the folks who got the contract to make the warning holograms about fifteen years ago. They must have loved their jobs, putting the little cowboy hats on them. You can tell in all the little complex details of his haunted face, begging me to turn back from my route to oblivion. One day I'd like to make something cool like that.

[lonestarflight]

Space Shuttle: Canadarm

Officially named the Shuttle Remote Manipulator System, or SRMS. "In 1969, Canada was invited by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to participate in the Space Shuttle program. At the time what that participation would entail had not yet been decided but a manipulator system was identified as an important component. Canadian company DSMA ATCON had developed a robot to load fuel into CANDU nuclear reactors; this robot attracted NASA's attention. In 1975, NASA and the Canadian National Research Council (NRC) signed a memorandum of understanding that Canada would develop and construct the Canadarm.

NRC awarded the manipulator contract to Spar Aerospace (now MDA). Three systems were constructed within this design, development, test, and evaluation contract: an engineering model to assist in the design and testing of the Canadarm, a qualification model that was subjected to environmental testing to qualify the design for use in space, and a flight unit."

"The Remote Manipulator System is plugged on a side panel (left side) of the pyaload bay. The shoulder is on the front (near the cabin) and 15.3 m long (35.7 cm of diameter). It is fasten by three points on the payload bay. It could have been plugged on the right side of the Orbiter but it has never be done because the Ku antenna must be moved. Only one arm can be controlled by the crew (rear wall), even if the wires are already plugged to control two.

Its weight is 411 kg on Earth (carbon fibre), it can move payload of 29 tons in orbit. But it can't move its own weight on Earth, so to test it, it was lay on wheels. Equipped with video camera (one on the elbow and one wrist), it can move payload, bring them back or even act as a ladder for the astronauts during the EVAs. Finally, due to its high mobility it can also be used to look at different parts of the Orbiter."

"The first Canadarm was delivered to NASA in April 1981. Astronaut Judith Resnik developed the NASA software and onboard operating procedures for the system. In all, five arms – Nos. 201, 202, 301, 302, and 303 – were built and delivered to NASA. Arm 302 was lost in the Challenger accident."

source, source, source, source

NASA ID: STS002

[brandwhorestarscream]

For your TFA OP is Megatron's child, what does he do when he realizes? Does he tell anyone, does he deny it? Does he go and hide from the world for a while? Or does he pretend not to see the resemblance and start "tracing" what happened to "the sparkling" (it'll give him more time)? Or is it more like he does several of these?

He's in a state of shock at first. He doesn't believe it, this can't be true! He- His first memories are of waking up with his batchmates when he was first brought online as a protoform, this is impossible! He was constructed cold, just as everyone was, he- he isn't... he's not a...

But the evidence is right there in front of him. He quietly shuts off the datapad and deletes his trail of research. This can't be happening! He leaves early that day, hurrying home to his apartment and locking the doors + windows. His servos are shaking and by the time he realizes it, he barely has time to plop down into a chair before a full blown wave of panic crashes over his body. His vents spin out of control as he struggles to cool his rapidly heating frame, optics taken over by tinnitus as he curls into himself.

He was so little when they took him, sparklinghood amnesia took care of most of the pesky memories, and he had a memory blocker installed. But now that he knows, the old software does little good, and there's already cracks starting to leak through the blockade. It's like a dam has suddenly broken in his kind and he's assaulted by an ocean of memories.

Suddenly 🥺 he remembers the warmth of his carrier's love. Remembers a huge, gentle hand on his face, a voice speaking in a language that's now extinct on modern day Cybertron, calling him a name that's achingly familiar. He remembers being held close and warm to a giant spark, pulsing so intensely he could feel it thrumming through his whole body, washing him with waves of endless love and affection. He remembers... strange people, suddenly storming into the mineshaft where his mother worked. He remembers stun batons and electric prods and screaming, so much screaming. Remembers seeing blood spill as his mother tore someone's helm clean off their body, roaring at them to get their hands off his sparkling. He remembers being grabbed and thrown into a cage of some sort, turbohound kennel for transport, crying and holding the bars, rattling them with his tiny chubby hands and braying hysterically for his mother. He remembers seeing his carrier fall, stunned unconscious, and being hauled away despite his pleas.

He remembers all of this while his body is in the clutches of an intense panic attack, the memories overwhelming and threatening to consume him. He lays there in the dark of his apartment, all lights off and curled up in the corner as if he could hide from the war going on inside his helm, crying brokenly into his arms. His spark aches in his chassis, throbbing as it expands and contracts in a desperate bid for another. How long has it been? When did that happen? When did they take him? Why did they take him? If he's not cold constructed why did they pretend he was, why put him in boot camp and make him an autobot prime? Questions swirl around his mind faster than even Blurr could speak, and he's honestly not surprised when he suddenly crashes

Optimus wakes up on the floor of his apartment hours later, in the dead of night, when everything is still and silent and so, so dark. Sitting there staring at the ceiling, he can feel panic already gnawing on him again, but he stubbornly tries to push it away. He needs to figure out what to do.

[hypergamiss]

Tips on becoming a freelance portfolio/ investment manager for private wealthy clients.

I’ve got a bit of experience as an assistant Portfolio manager, and I’ve been looking into starting my own business working with private wealthy individuals client.

There's so much to this, this is the shortest I could keep my answer:

Build Your Foundation:

Hone Your Skills: Sharpen your investment analysis, portfolio construction, and risk management knowledge as much as you can. Maybe consider courses or certifications to fill any gaps and boost your credibility more.

Define Your Niche: Are you drawn to specific asset classes (tech stocks, real estate, etc.) or client types (retirees, entrepreneurs)? Specializing adds value. This will boost referrals.

Get Regulatory Clarity: Depending on your location, there might be licensing or registration requirements for freelance advisors. Do your homework to stay compliant and track any changes.

Marketing and Client Acquisition:

Build Online Credibility: A polished LinkedIn profile and a basic website showcasing your expertise and background are essential. Network strategically!

Content is King: Share insightful market commentary through blog posts or a newsletter. You can try all the other social platforms as well. This establishes you as a thought leader and attracts potential clients.

Target the Right Audience: Where do your ideal clients hang out (online and offline)? Charity events, industry conferences, upscale networking groups – be where they are.

Leverage Your Existing Network: Don't underestimate the power of your current contacts. Let clients, colleagues, and friends know about your new venture(optional).

Operational:

Pricing Model: Will you charge hourly, flat fees, or a percentage of assets under management? Consider your services and market rates.

Tech Tools: Invest in the right software for portfolio management, reporting, and client communication to streamline your workflow.

Contracts and Compliance: Have a lawyer draft airtight client agreements that protect you both.

Bonus Tips:

Get a Mentor: Connect with a seasoned advisor who can offer guidance and share their experience.

Start Small and Scale: Begin with a few strategic clients, and as your expertise and reputation grow, expand your clientele.

Embrace the Freelance Mindset: Be prepared for the hustle; managing your own business requires discipline and adaptability.

Remember, building a successful freelance practice takes time, dedication, and top-notch client service. Stay passionate, stay focused, and let your expertise pave the way to becoming a trusted advisor for your wealthy clientele.

[devisopod]

Levity Creek!

Chapter One (?)

Grammar? I hardly know 'er

I really need to brush up but we're going right for it instead. Don't know how often I'll update this, or if it'll get any reception at all. Here you go, folks! Don't expect too much to happen right away.

____

Entry 1.

You know, I'm not even sure I could tell you the last time I spent three hours on the phone with someone. Let alone someone I felt growing further from my touch each year, but it was like the connection never really left as soon as we spoke. Hell, it felt like a blessing to hear from Fiddleford — some kind of proverbial spark reignited. Sounds silly, but I swear it's like we were kids all over again.

He always was as friendly as they come, and damn it if I didn't looked up to him for it. The guy could make a friend quicker than I could get my mouth open. Then again, I hardly ever did open it.

Fiddleford's still everything I knew him to be, actually. I guess I'd just been afraid that we were too different nowadays to be as close as we were. After all, he's got a kid now. Tate. How about that?

In his fashion, he forgot why he called me until the very end. He landed a freelance job up in Oregon that he wants my help with. I don't think I've ever agreed to anything quicker. If it'll get me outta here for a while, it's a gift.

I'm heading for Oregon tomorrow. Hope my van makes it.

___

If it weren't for the obnoxious rumble of the engine and the undeniable need to keep the vent windows open to accommodate it, I might have been able to hear the radio. Every now and again, I manage to hear the static of leaving and entering broadcast range — sometimes a dull guitar riff, but nothing satisfying. The speaker nestled in the driver's side has been busted for as long as I can remember. I think I've started to enjoy complaining about it, so I reckon that's why I never fix it. No, instead, I get to sit with my thoughts and a rattling doghouse. In hindsight, it was a miserable choice to make for such a long drive.

In fact, driving from the East Coast to the West Coast in a metaphorical brick, which reaches fifty-five miles an hour on a good day, is undoubtedly one of the stupidest decisions I've ever made. Sure, I could have flown, but then I would have left this marvel of machinery behind. And what am I without my office?

From floor to roof, I'd turned the back of my van into a space as comfortable as my apartment back home. More often than not, I spent my time in it. As long as I could hook it up to a power source, I could relax on the beanbag chair and type for hours. I've gotten better sleep and more work done in the back of this van than anywhere else to tell you the truth. At least, that's been the pattern so far. I'm starting to hope that Oregon changes that. I could use a change.

While I'm excited for the job, it's bound to be a big adjustment. From what I understand, which isn't a lot mind you, Gravity Falls is the town sending out contracts for the construction of the software service. When Fiddleford mentioned the name, I thought he might have been joking, but then I got the document in the mail. It looked incredibly legal, not to mention formal, for such a small job in a place that can only be described as "nowhere". Then again, most places were keen on adapting to new systems so they don't get too far behind.

It sort of made me wonder if the whole "nowhere" front has a purpose. After all, I did sign something that effectively mirrors an NDA.

By the time I reach Oklahoma and park, I recount that I've stopped about ten times for one reason or another. I had stayed in Memphis last night, which wasn't much of an annoyance, but the stops prior had been. A flat tire, the engine stalled, I suddenly really had to use the bathroom. Though that last one seems more like a poor lunch decision, I could almost swear that it was like the universe telling me to turn around and go back home before I got too far. I'd considered it while cursing over the carburetor as it hissed at me.

The only reason I still lay here in my motel with the intention of continuing tomorrow is for Fiddleford if nothing else. I called him when I first got here, half ready to let him know that it's just not a trip I can make, but he sounded so excited that I couldn't bring myself to crush his enthusiasm. He was already planning things we could do and prattling on about places he wanted to take me. The thought of disappointing him seemed wrong.

Pushing the covers of the stiff bed down toward my ankles, I roll onto my side and stare out the window. Each time I shift it feels like I'm getting further from sleep. Either the matress springs make an unholy creaking noise, they press into my back, or the people in the next room over get rowdy.

Eventually, I decide it isn't worth it. If I can't sleep, I may as well get going. So, I grab up my keys and my bag and sling everything into the passenger seat. Slamming the driver's side door shut behind me, I gas up the engine while it whines and protests before it finally relents. It isn't until then that I actually let some relief wash over me.

"I know you're tired," I mumble, "but I gotta get the hell outta Oklahoma."

I started hearing the radio a little more clearly after that.

NEXT

[justforbooks]

Phil Baines, who has died aged 65 of multiple system atrophy, was one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary British graphic design. His work included books, posters, art catalogues and lettering for three important London monuments – the memorial to the Indian Ocean tsunami in the grounds of the Natural History Museum and the 7 July memorials in Hyde Park and Tavistock Square, commemorating the victims of the 2005 London bombings. These projects point to Baines’s defining attributes: a scholarly appreciation of letterforms, a deep-rooted respect for materials and a love of collaboration.

Such attributes can also be seen in Baines’s cover designs for the Penguin Great Ideas series (2004-20), works by “great thinkers, pioneers, radicals and visionaries” that gave him a canvas on which to display his typographic philosophy. The Saint Augustine – Confessions of a Sinner cover, for instance, uses ancient ecclesiastical letterforms and yet looks superbly modern. For Chuang Tzu — The Tao of Nature, Baines arranged letters to suggest a butterfly in flight. David Pearson, one of two art directors for the series, described how his “often-oblique approach gave the series a crucial added dimension”.

Born in Kendal, Cumbria, Phil was one of the three children of Martin Baines, a construction contract manager, and Joan (nee Quarmby), a horticulturalist. Growing up in a Roman Catholic household, he began studies for the priesthood at Ushaw College, County Durham. During the holidays from Ushaw he worked at the Guild of Lakeland Craftsmen, Windermere, and from there his interest and confidence in art grew.

At the start of his fourth year, he quit Ushaw, and in 1980 began a year’s study on the foundation course at Cumbria College of Art and Design. In 1982 he moved to London and enrolled on the graphic design course at St Martin’s School of Art (now Central Saint Martins), where he met Jackie Warner, whom he married in 1989, and where he was among a talented cohort, many of whom went on to study, as he did, at the Royal College of Art.

Richard Doust, then leader of the first-year course at St Martins, recalled the portfolio Baines submitted for admission: “I was so excited … I was sure he was going to be someone very special. He quickly established his individuality. He made typography and particularly letterpress his own territory.”

Baines was fiercely individual – he did not join schools of thought or align himself with fashionable camps. Instead, he built a creative practice based on his belief in the “humanist” qualities of the English typographic tradition.

His contemporaries were using the computer to bring a new complexity to graphic communication. Smart software allowed for the overlapping and interweaving of text in ways that echoed the ecclesiastical manuscripts that Baines admired so much. He was no Luddite, and used the computer himself, yet his work invariably retained an element of the handmade.

Paradoxically, his work was greatly admired by the new generation of digital designers. Neville Brody, for instance, included Baines’s work in his experimental typography publication FUSE, produced to demonstrate the malleability of the new digital typography. Baines’s work does not look out of place among the other contributors, many of them American typography radicals whose multi-layered layouts were driven by modish theories of deconstruction and poststructuralism.

In 1988 he returned to Central Saint Martins (CSM), as part of the faculty. In staff meetings his willingness to say the unsayable was a frequent cause for consternation among colleagues. To his students he preached a doctrine of “object-based learning”, a typically contrarian notion in the age of screen-based and virtual graphic design. He was appointed a professor in 2006 and retired in 2020 as emeritus professor.

Despite his commitment to teaching, Baines did not give up his work for clients. As well as designing books for leading publishers, he worked for the Crafts Council and the Ditchling Museum of Art + Craft, and designed the signage for CSM’s King’s Cross campus. He designed exhibition catalogues for Matt’s Gallery, south-west London, relishing the creative three-way collaboration that existed between the gallery’s director, Robin Klassnik, exhibiting artists and himself.

He wrote books that contributed to the understanding of visual communication: Type & Typography (with Andrew Haslam, 2002), Signs: Lettering in the Environment (with Catherine Dixon, 2003) and Penguin by Design: A Cover Story 1935-2005 (2005), the last of which helped establish Penguin cover art as one of the most important bodies of graphic art in British design history.

With Dixon, he co-curated the Central Lettering Record, an archive of typographic history housed at CSM, and in November 2023 his work was celebrated in an exhibition, Extol: Phil Baines Celebrating Letters, at the Lethaby gallery, CSM. He was appointed as the Royal Mint advisory committee’s lettering expert in 2016, and reappointed in 2021 to advise on the integration of lettering on new coins and medals, with consideration given to special issues and the accession of King Charles to the throne. For this work, in 2023 he was awarded the Coronation medal.

Baines was an enthusiastic runner and cyclist, and loved music, especially the Manchester post-punk band the Fall. He was a collector of signs, lettering, and railwayana, and built his own studios at his home in Willesden Green, north-west London. A few years before his retirement he moved to Great Paxton, Cambridgeshire, where he took up bellringing.

He is survived by Jackie and their two daughters, Beth and Felicity, and by his father.

🔔 Philip Andrew Baines, graphic designer, born 8 December 1958; died 19 December 2023

Daily inspiration. Discover more photos at Just for Books…?

[mightyflamethrower]

A robotic malfunction at Tesla’s Giga Texas factory resulted in a violent encounter where an engineer was attacked by one of the company’s robots, resulting in significant injuries and leaving a ‘trail of blood.’

According to the Daily Mail, while working on software programming for non-functional Tesla robots, the engineer was suddenly pinned against a surface by a robot tasked with manipulating aluminum car components, with its metal claws inflicted an injury that left an ‘open wound’ on the worker’s left hand.

“Two of the robots, which cut car parts from freshly cast pieces of aluminum, were disabled so the engineer and his teammates could safely work on the machines. A third one, which grabbed and moved the car parts, was inadvertently left operational, according to two people who watched it happen. As that robot ran through its normal motions, it pinned the engineer against a surface, pushing its claws into his body and drawing blood from his back and his arm, the two people said,” The Information reported.

Quick action was taken by Tesla workers who intervened and triggered the emergency shutdown button to halt the malfunctioning robot and prevent further injury to the engineer.

This incident came to light through a 2021 injury report filed to Travis County and federal regulators, which Daily Mail reviewed. Tesla is legally required to report such incidents to ensure the continuation of state-provided tax incentives.

Despite claims by Tesla that the engineer did not require time off following the event, an attorney representing the factory’s contract laborers suggests otherwise. Evidence hints at possible underreporting of workplace accidents, casting doubt on the official records.

Daily Mail reported:

The injury report, which Tesla must submit to authorities by law to maintain its lucrative tax breaks in Texas, claimed the engineer did not require time off of work. But one attorney who represents Tesla’s Giga Texas contract workers has told DailyMail.com she believes, based on her conversations with workers there, that the amount of injuries suffered at the factory is going underreported. This underreporting, the attorney said, even included the September 28, 2021 death of a construction worker, who had been contracted to help build the factory itself. ‘My advice would be to read that report with a grain of salt,’ the attorney, Hannah Alexander of the nonprofit Workers Defense Project, told DailyMail.com. ‘We’ve had multiple workers who were injured,’ Alexander said, ‘and one worker who died, whose injuries or death are not in these reports that Tesla is supposed to be accurately completing and submitting to the county in order to get tax incentives.’

Elon Musk has yet to issue a formal statement in response to these allegations.

Just recently, Tesla revealed the second generation of its humanoid robot, Optimus Gen 2.

Optimus Gen 2 stands at a height of 5 feet 11 inches and weighs in at a light 121 pounds, shedding 22 pounds from the first model. It’s not just its frame that’s been upgraded; this robot can reach speeds up to 5 mph, which is a substantial 30% increase in velocity.

[erastaffingsolutions]

Understanding the Costs of Hiring Contractors for Small Businesses

For small business owners, navigating the world of contractors can be a daunting task. Whether you're looking to undertake a construction project, revamp your company's website, or need specialized services, understanding the cost behind hiring a contractor is critical for budgeting and managing your company's resources effectively. In this comprehensive guide, we'll take you through everything you need to know about the complexities of contractor costs for small businesses.

The Essentials: What Is a Contractor?

Before we deconstruct the pricing strategies and factors that drive contractor costs, it's essential to define what a contractor is. A contractor, in business parlance, is an individual or a business entity that provides specialized services in a particular field. Contractors are typically hired on a project basis and are not full-time employees of the hiring business, which can offer cost-saving benefits in terms of benefits and salary.

Demystifying Contractor Costs

Hiring a contractor has a myriad of financial implications, and a crucial decision point for any entrepreneur is understanding the overall costs associated with this choice. Whether it's a general contractor managing a construction project or an IT specialist working on a software development job, the cost of their services can vary widely based on multiple factors.

How Much Do Contractors Cost?

The answer is both simple and complex. In general, contractor costs are not uniform and can be influenced by a range of variables. Some rough figures to consider are that a typical contractor might charge between $50 to $150 per hour, while general contractors involved in substantial construction projects can have daily rates ranging from $400 to $1,000, depending on the scope and complexity of the work.

Determining General Contractor Rates

There are five key elements to consider when estimating what you'll pay for a contractor's service:

Specialized Skills and Experience

The more specialized and in-demand an individual's skills are, the higher the potential cost. Years of experience can also play a significant role, as seasoned contractors will naturally command a higher fee.

Project Length and Complexity

Simple projects with clear parameters will generally be less expensive than those that are complex and prone to scope changes, which can lead to additional charges.

Materials and Tools

In some cases, the materials and additional tools required for a project are not included in the contractor's fee. Always clarify these costs beforehand to avoid surprises.

Market Conditions

Like any service, contractor prices are influenced by the market's supply and demand equilibrium. High-demand periods usually mean higher rates.

Reputation and Portfolio

Highly reputable contractors with a strong body of work may charge a premium for their services. However, this could also mean a higher likelihood of a successful project outcome.

Understanding the Type of Contract

The type of employment agreement you have with a contractor also significantly affects cost. There are several common kinds of contracts:

Fixed-Price Contract

This type of contract outlines a predetermined sum that a contractor is paid upon the project's satisfactory completion. It's considered one of the least risky options in terms of financial surprises.

Time and Materials Contract

Under this type of agreement, the contractor is paid based on the time spent on the project and materials used. It can be more flexible but also lead to unexpected costs if the project scope isn't well-defined.

Cost-Plus Contract

This less common agreement sees the contractor reimbursed for project expenses and also receive a percentage-based fee on top of the costs. It provides transparency but can be the most expensive option if the project faces delays or cost overruns.

Choosing Wisely: Selecting a Reputable Contractor

Finally, the quality of a contractor can significantly impact the overall cost of hiring them. Here are some best practices:

References and Reviews

Always ask for and follow up on references. Take the time to read reviews and testimonials to gauge the quality and reliability of past work.

Clear and Detailed Estimates

A reputable contractor will provide a detailed estimate that breaks down all costs, including labor, materials, and any unforeseen changes. This transparency is vital for budgeting.

Professionalism and Communication

Do they arrive on time for meetings? Are they responsive to calls or emails? Good communication indicates a professional approach, which can save you time and money by preventing misunderstandings.

Legal Considerations

Is the contractor properly licensed and insured? Ensuring that they are adequately covered can protect your business from potential liabilities and ensures you're working with a professional.

By taking these considerations into account, you'll be better equipped to understand and negotiate the costs involved in hiring a contractor for your small business. Remember, the cheapest option isn't always the best, and investing in quality can pay dividends in the long run.

Hiring a contractor can be the catalyst for your small business success, but understanding and managing the associated costs is key to a fruitful and profitable relationship.

@erastaffingsolutions

[painterofhorizons]

.

Meh. Just meh. Having pms and hormones that make your brain go upside down while specific work stuff going on is just no good combination. Gotta give a 4h workshop for some software tomorrow, while my technical/workstation setup is mediocre, there's a really loud construction site right in front of my window, hormones make me feel like I could simply slay any human being wanting to interact with me irl and I'm working like twice the amount I'm getting paid for and since it's academia my boss doesn't care (quite the contrary, good for the project of I put in twice as much time as my contract says I should).

Put in short, I cannot wait for tomorrow to be fucking done.

[mariacallous]

Carronne Sawyer took the week off work to get her husband Alonzo out of jail. She knew he was asleep on the couch with her at the time police alleged he assaulted a bus driver near Baltimore and stole their smartphone. But an intelligence analyst using face recognition software had labeled him a possible match with the suspect seen on CCTV footage from the bus, police records show, and an officer had confirmed it.

At a police station and in a meeting with her husband’s former parole officer, the person who had confirmed the software’s suggested match, Carronne drew attention to details in photos on her phone taken recently by her daughter. Her husband is taller than the suspect in the video, she explained, and has facial hair and gaps between his teeth. His right foot slews out when he walks, something she did not see in video footage of the attack.

“I said my husband is 54 years old. This guy looks like he could be our son,” Carronne says. Alonzo was eventually released after nine days in jail, she says, during which time he missed his wife’s Gladys Knight tribute show and his work as a barber, and could not complete a construction contract he had secured. “I’m just grateful I was able to do all the labor and running around, because had I not he would still be sitting there for something he didn’t do,” Carronne says. The Sawyers’ ordeal took place in spring 2022 but has not previously been reported.

Around the time Alonzo was released, the victim in the bus incident identified another man as the suspect in the video, Deon Ballard, who is 7 inches shorter and more than 20 years younger than Sawyer, according to charging documents. Ballard’s mother and a police officer who arrested him confirmed that identification, one document shows, and he is due to stand trial in April.

Maryland Transit Administration Police did not respond to repeated requests for comment and deputy state’s attorney for Baltimore County John Cox declined to confirm Ballard and Sawyer were arrested for the same crime. WIRED was unable to speak with Alonzo Sawyer, who is serving time in a Maryland jail on a charge unrelated to the bus incident.

The Alonzo Sawyer case adds to just a handful of known instances of innocent people getting arrested following investigations that involved face recognition misidentification—all have been Black men. Three cases came to light in 2019 and 2020, and another last month, in which Georgia resident Randal Reid was released from jail after a judge recalled an arrest warrant linking him to thefts of designer purses in Louisiana.

Carronne Sawyer recalled her husband’s experience in public this month, calling in to the Maryland State House by video chat to speak in support of a proposed law to restrict police use of face recognition. The technology is largely unregulated in the US, but a wave of local restrictions and even bans have been passed in recent years.

Debates that led to those policies have often focused on discussions of harms from police use of face algorithms, such as the chilling effects on free speech and protests, or the consequences of surveillance tools being disproportionately used against communities of color. In Baltimore, Sawyer’s case provided a more tangible reminder of the reasons to restrict the technology.

Charles Sydnor, a Maryland state senator for Baltimore County, says that learning of Alonzo Sawyer’s case in fall 2022 inspired him to reintroduce the senate version of the proposed bill regulating face recognition, after a version failed to pass last year. “Not only is it in Maryland, but it’s in my backyard, my home jurisdiction,” Sydnor says. “My suspicion is you may have some in law enforcement say, well, the man got freed in nine days, so the system works. If face recognition kicks off investigations that land innocent people in jail, there’s a problem.”

Sydnor has been trying to put guardrails on face recognition for years. In 2020 he introduced a bill that would have placed a one-year moratorium on state and local government use of the technology. False arrests of Black men after incorrect matches by face recognition software that began to come to light later that year brought a renewed sense of urgency.

Face recognition systems have a history of misidentifying people with dark skin, and more than 60 percent of Baltimore residents identify as Black. Sydnor says he feels a pressing need to get regulation into place to protect their rights. He pivoted to proposing restrictions on face recognition that fall short of a ban after concluding that the technology was too widespread for a ban to be practical.

Sydnor’s proposed bill and an equivalent introduced in the Maryland legislature’s other chamber, the House of Delegates, would limit police use of face recognition to cases involving violent crimes, human trafficking, or “ongoing threat to public safety or national security.” They would also restrict police to searching for face matches in only databases of driver’s license and mug shot photos, putting off-limits services like that of startup Clearview AI, which scraped billions of face images from the web, including from social media.

The bills also require annual reports detailing police use of the technology, proficiency tests for the human analysts who pick possible matches from a list chosen by an algorithm, and police to have evidence beyond just a face recognition match to make an arrest.

Sydnor concedes that the proposed bill may not prevent the next case like that of Alonzo Sawyer, but he hopes it will still lead to better outcomes. “This bill was introduced as a compromise. It certainly isn’t as strong as I wanted it to be,” Sydnor says. “They’re not going to stop using [face recognition]. So long as there’s nothing in place, they’re going to continue using it unregulated.”

The proposed Maryland bills were developed with input from a working group that saw state lawmakers meet with prosecutors and public defenders, law enforcement agencies, and civil liberties groups like the ACLU and the Innocence Project.

Maryland is a unique place to debate face recognition regulation, says Andrew Northrup, an attorney in the forensics division of the Maryland Office of the Public Defender. He calls Baltimore “a petri dish for surveillance technology,” because the city spends more money per capita on police among 72 major cities in the US, according to a 2021 analysis by the nonprofit Vera Institute of Justice, and has a long history of surveillance technology in policing.

The use of invasive surveillance technology including face recognition in Baltimore during protests following the 2015 death of Freddie Gray led former House Oversight and Reform Committee chair Elijah Cummings to interrogate the issue in Congress. And in 2021, the Baltimore City Council voted to place a one-year moratorium on face recognition use by public and private actors, but not police, that expired in December.

Northrup spoke in favor of the bill and its requirement for proficiency testing at the same House of Delegates Judiciary Committee hearing addressed by Carronne Sawyer this month. He warned that as use of the technology becomes more common, bad face recognition could replace bad eyewitness identification as a major source of wrongful convictions. Most people are bad at recognizing strangers, Northrup says, even when assisted by an algorithm.

Organizations representing Maryland police and prosecutors participated in the formation of the proposed bill through the working group but have still raised opposition. In the Judiciary Committee hearing, Maryland Chiefs of Police Association president Russ Hamill said that what happened to Alonzo Sawyer was horrifying, but he spoke in opposition to the bill. He said it too tightly restricted the type of cases in which face recognition could be used and also complained about its limitations on which photo databases police can search.

Nick Picerno, a police captain for Montgomery County, an urban area near Washington, DC, also said those parts of the bill would hinder law enforcement. He  said officers in his department have previously used the technology to identify an indecent exposure suspect caught on a doorbell camera and to identify a child abuse victim in a TikTok video. He asked that the proposal be modified to allow use of face recognition to identify both suspects and witnesses in many more categories of crime, including firearm possession, child pornography, domestic violence, and cruelty to animals.

Deborah Levi, a public defender in Baltimore, told the hearing that her public records requests indicated that the Baltimore Police Department alone used face recognition more than 800 times in 2022. In one case, police ran an Instagram photo of a person holding a gun through face recognition software, then secured a no-knock warrant for the address of the person suggested as a match, she said.

Carronne Sawyer supports the proposed law because she believes it stipulation that face recognition “may not serve as the sole basis for positive identification” would have made a difference in her husband’s case. His ordeal changed how she feels around police and took away her faith in due process, she says, leaving her convinced that society urgently needs regulation like that under discussion in Maryland.

“I’m just thinking about how many other people have gone through what my husband had to go through and didn’t have anybody to fight for them,” she says. “How many people are sitting in jail now for something they didn’t do because of facial recognition and law enforcement agencies not doing their due diligence?” The Maryland state legislature adjourns in April and won’t meet again until January 2024. If the proposed bills do not pass before then, police use of face recognition will remain unregulated in the state for at least another year.

[ashishaggarwalacubeventures]

There is a strong need for digital transformation in the construction business

With rising demand for homes and building supplies, the Indian construction industry is anticipated to expand at a 6.2% annual pace in the next years. Construction materials, which make up two-thirds of the overall cost of building, will become more expensive as a result of this rise in material costs, supply chain problems, and inflation. Consumers are unwilling to cut corners when it comes to the quality of the materials used, despite price rises. According to Ashish Aggarwal, Director, SpaceMantra, the building sector is embracing digital technologies like virtual design, VR home tours, cloud-based software, and big data analytics more and more to streamline the real estate process. Mr. Aggarwal discusses his thoughts on the real estate market's current status and how digitization might be a key factor in the future in an exclusive interview with Sanjeev Sinha. India's real estate development industry is booming as a result of the nation's record-high housing demand. How will this impact how construction materials required to develop this infrastructure are consumed and priced? The market dynamics have dramatically changed as of 2023. Since that materials make up around two thirds of the overall cost of building, developers will be forced to raise prices as a result of increased material costs. The supply side shocks, increasing inflation, and the frail global supply chain all contributed to a decline in raw material prices. Customers won't compromise on the quality of the building materials used, therefore a price increase to some level could have a detrimental impact on the fast expanding real estate market. Nowadays, consumers like to choose each component of their ideal home individually. How does it impact online purchasing habits in the digital age?” Allowing clients to hand-pick each component of their dream home helps to give customers the autonomy to decide how their dream home will look in today's increasingly digital world. Yet, doing so can cause the procurement process to go more slowly. Customers and businesses may now choose their preferences from a variety of raw material types, grades, and pricing online in just a few simple steps. With this kind of digital procurement, you may quickly and effectively get the precise materials your project needs. How is the real estate sector using technology to better serve their clients? Due to the increased disruption of the global supply chain, rising competitiveness, and labour shortages, there is an increasingly urgent need for digital transformation in the construction industry. An increasing number of innovative technologies are being incorporated into the building business. Virtual design and visualisation are common in these technologies. The real estate process is made more tech-savvy and results in a smooth experience thanks to virtual reality home tours, cloud-based software, smart contracts, and big data analytics. What are some trends and predictions we can look forward to for the construction sector this year as we usher in a brand-new year? A strong strategy of infrastructure projects in numerous industries is predicted to help the Indian construction industry grow at a 6.2% annual rate from 2023 to 2026. Investment in the construction sector will increase as a result of government initiatives like Atmanirbhar Bharat, which is anticipated to boost domestic industries and micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), and the Pradhan Mantri Gati Shakti National Master Plan, which aims to drive economic growth through infrastructure development. What lies in store for SpaceMantra going forward in 2023? Building a one-stop eB2B platform is part of SpaceMantra's ambition to organise and unify the extremely dispersed and unorganised construction industry. 

We are working hard to strengthen our vendor base by developing close relationships with brands and manufacturers. 

This will enable us to provide our product line to customers at lower pricing. 

We are also attempting to address the industry's long-standing problems with procurement. 

By providing a variety of integrated services that will help them overcome their operational issues, we intend to increase the number of customers we serve in the future.

[midnightvignettes]

If your waifu is any flavor of digital construct, make sure you’re getting full source access before tying the knot.  I’ve seen too many years of martial bliss fall apart to bit rot.  Understand your contract, keep backups and documentation, and know your software specialists.

[electricalestimatingservices1]

Premier Estimating Solutions in Melbourne: Inscope Estimating

In the dynamic construction industry of Melbourne, precise and dependable estimating services are essential for the success of any project. Whether it's a residential build, commercial development, or industrial project, having accurate cost estimates can significantly impact the budget and timeline. This is where Inscope Estimating comes in, offering top-tier contract and construction estimating services across Melbourne.

Contract estimating involves the detailed calculation of costs associated with a construction contract. This includes materials, labor, equipment, and other expenses. Inscope Estimating excels in providing comprehensive contract estimating services in Melbourne, ensuring that all aspects of a project are meticulously accounted for. Their expertise helps clients avoid unexpected costs and stay within budget, making them a trusted partner for builders, architects, and developers.

Construction Estimating Melbourne

Construction estimating is a broader term that encompasses the entire process of forecasting the costs involved in a construction project. Inscope Estimating offers specialized construction estimating services in Melbourne, tailored to meet the unique needs of each project. From initial concept to final completion, their team of experienced estimators provides accurate and detailed cost projections, helping clients make informed decisions and plan effectively.

Inscope Estimating's contract estimating services are designed to provide clients with a clear and concise understanding of their project's financial requirements. By leveraging advanced estimating software and industry knowledge, they deliver precise estimates that cover every aspect of the contract. This level of detail ensures that clients can confidently move forward with their projects, knowing that they have a reliable financial roadmap.

Contract Estimating Services Melbourne

The construction estimating services offered by Inscope Estimating are comprehensive and adaptable to various project types. Whether it's a small residential renovation or a large-scale commercial development, their team is equipped to handle it all. They provide detailed cost breakdowns, material take-offs, and labor estimates, ensuring that every element of the project is accounted for. This thorough approach helps clients avoid costly overruns and ensures that projects are completed on time and within budget.

Inscope Estimating stands out in the Melbourne construction industry for several reasons. With years of experience in the field, Inscope Estimating has built a reputation for accuracy and reliability. Their team of skilled estimators brings a wealth of knowledge to every project, ensuring that clients receive the best possible service. Utilizing the latest estimating software, Inscope Estimating provides detailed and precise estimates. This technology allows them to handle complex projects with ease and deliver results that clients can trust.

Construction Estimating Services Melbourne

Inscope Estimating prioritizes client satisfaction. They work closely with clients to understand their specific needs and tailor their services accordingly. This personalized approach ensures that each project receives the attention it deserves. From initial cost estimates to final project completion, Inscope Estimating offers a full range of services. Their comprehensive approach ensures that clients have a clear understanding of their project's financial landscape at every stage.

In conclusion, Inscope Estimating is a leading provider of contract and construction estimating services in Melbourne. Their commitment to accuracy, advanced technology, and client satisfaction makes them the go-to choice for builders, architects, and developers looking to ensure the financial success of their projects. Whether you need detailed contract estimates or comprehensive construction cost projections, Inscope Estimating has the expertise and experience to deliver exceptional results.