Archive for the ‘Constellation News’ Category

Constellation OnLocation-Warranty Video Posted

Friday, October 15th, 2010

We just put the finishing touches on the latest OnLocation-Warranty customer experience video.  The video describes our mobile solution for paperless PDI, inspections, and warranty walkthroughs.  Home builders can capture electronic signatures on a tablet device and immediately send deficiency information to the back office system in real-time to create a work order and process backcharges with fewer errors in less time.  Additionally, the signed customer copy is archived in the system for all authorized users to see. This new home warranty and customer service walkthrough software solution for homebuilders is available for NEWSTAR Enterprise.

Constellation OnLocation-Warranty Highlighted in Constructech

Thursday, October 7th, 2010

We have known for a long time that warranty and customer service are extremely important aspects of the home building process.  Constructech highlights this with an article about the benefits of using technology to reduce the time it takes to resolve home owner PDI and customer service issues.  Specifically, home builders can use OnLocation-Warranty to easily track deficiencies and create work orders in a paperless process.  Combined with a powerful back-office system, deficiency tracking and supplier/trade quality control comes to life as well with detailed reports and the ability to backcharge easily. The result is an opportunity to improve customer satisfaction, reduce costs, and improve quality in the eyes of the home owner.

Join the Customer Experience Discussion

Thursday, September 9th, 2010

Constellation HomeBuilder Systems is pleased to invite you to our first Customer Experience Discussion webinar on September 22nd at 2:00 PM EST.

– Click on the enroll now link to register

This webinar is an open forum discussion for you to share your ideas with several key benefits:

  • Learn how other builders improve the customer experience and increase referrals
  • Learn how different customers perceive quality (trades, home buyers, and employees)
  • Expand your network by connecting and building strong relationships
    with other home builders

Host and Speakers:

  • Brad Brickman, General Manager of Constellation BuildSERV
  • Chip Pennington, Director of Customer Services at Shea Homes
  • Brooks Powell, Home Advisor, Powell Custom Homes & Powell Renovations
  • Charlie Scott, Partner at Woodland, O’Brien & Scott
  • Craig Schweikart, Professional Consultant

Additional Online Resources:

In addition to this online webinar, a new online customer experience discussion forum has been created.  We encourage customer service professionals to login and share best practices and real work experience.

Constellation HomeBuilder Systems is Named Part of the Constructech 50 by Constructech Magazine

Wednesday, July 7th, 2010

Markham, ON, July 7, 2010 – Constellation HomeBuilder Systems, the largest and most trusted software provider of home building software has been named to the Constructech 50 in 2010. 

With Constellation customers counting for more than half of the largest builders in North America, Constellation is well-known for stability, dedication to technology and the highest standards of customer support.  Not only is Constellation the best choice for builders in the USA, but the top builders in Canada have consistently chosen Constellation products to run their business and transition through changes like the Harmonized Sales Tax, Tarion Warranty Regulations, Goods and Services Tax, and numerous payroll changes.  Throughout the home building recession, Constellation continued to invest in the industry, technology, and services for home builders of all sizes. As the leader in home building software, Constellation is ideally positioned to provide mission-critical software solutions that home builders can trust now and in many years to come.

 “We are happy to be recognized by Constructech magazine again in 2010. Throughout the downturn, we continued to invest in our products and services to ensure that Constellation was the best choice for home builders of all sizes”, says Dexter Salna, President of Constellation HomeBuilder Systems.

Constellation’s software solutions are designed to help builders increase productivity and utilize fewer resources to run their businesses successfully.  With comprehensive solutions for home builder websites, online marketing, new home sales, customer relationship management (CRM), accounting, purchasing, estimating, scheduling, warranty, homeowner portals, land development, and vendor portals, many builders choose Constellation as their trusted technology partner. With a single technology partner, you can count on software upgrades that work, a single support contact for all products, industry expertise, and responsibility for the entire system. In contrast with multi-vendor situations and disparate technologies, Constellation customers know that their systems will be supported and enhanced long-term, that their technology partner is financially strong, and that their technology investment is secure. 

About Constellation HomeBuilder Systems

As the largest home building software company in the industry, Constellation HomeBuilder Systems has helped more than 2,400 builders manage their information technology costs with integrated software solutions to run their business from dirt to warranty. From planning to homeowner services, we have land development software, new home sales and marketing software, production, purchasing, scheduling, accounting, warranty, electronic homeowner manuals, vendor portal solutions, and web site solutions designed exclusively for the home building industry. Constellation’s product suite includes BuildSoft, Builder 360, Constellation CRM (CFT), Constellation Web Solutions, FAST, NEWSTAR, Sales1440, and BuildTopia.

Constellation HomeBuilder Systems is a division of Constellation Software Inc. (“CSI”) and is a publicly traded company.

Media Inquiries

Cathy Kotsopoulos
ckotsopoulos@constellationhb.com
(888) 723-2222

Constellation HomeBuilder Systems Acquires BuildTopia

Tuesday, June 29th, 2010

Markham, ON, June 25, 2010 –Constellation HomeBuilder Systems (“CHS”) has acquired the assets of BuildTopia of Rockville, Maryland, a web-based construction management software solution for residential home builders.  This acquisition is another example of Constellation’s dedication to the home building industry and its long term approach to providing mission critical technology solutions and services for home builders of all sizes.

“We continue to invest in new products and services and maintain our long-term commitment to the home building industry”, says Dexter Salna, President of Constellation HomeBuilder Systems.  As the largest software company dedicated to the homebuilding industry, Constellation continues to provide excellent support and services to help our customers successfully run their business now and in the future.  We welcome the customers and employees of BuildTopia to the Constellation family.

Constellation’s suite of homebuilding solutions include Software as a Service (SaaS) and hosting alternatives, in addition to solutions that builders can install on their own hardware.  In many cases, builders are choosing SaaS and hosting alternatives to get started quickly and avoid the upfront costs associated with purchasing hardware.  In addition to our fully integrated sales, production, accounting, and warranty solutions, Constellation also provides quick-start home builder websites with built-in best practices for online marketing, search engine optimization (SEO), and security.

About BuildTopia
BuildTopia delivers comprehensive web-based construction project management software solutions for residential home builders delivered as a SaaS solution.  BuildTopia streamlines and integrates all core construction business processes in one powerful yet easy to use solution to increase production efficiency, reduce errors, maximize each sale, and provide excellent customer service. Builders, developers, and trade partners of every size rely upon BuildTopia to dramatically improve the effectiveness, efficiency and profitability of their businesses.

About Constellation HomeBuilder Systems

As the largest home building software company in the industry, Constellation HomeBuilder Systems has helped more than 2,400 builders manage their information technology costs with integrated software solutions to run their business from dirt to warranty. From planning to homeowner services, we have land development software, new home sales and marketing software, production, purchasing, scheduling, accounting, warranty, electronic homeowner manuals, vendor portal solutions, and web site solutions designed exclusively for the home building industry. Constellation’s product suite includes BuildSoft, Builder 360, Constellation CRM (CFT), Constellation Web Solutions, FAST, NEWSTAR, and Sales1440.

Media Inquiries
Cathy Kotsopoulos
ckotsopoulos@constellationhb.com
(888) 723-2222

Constellation Named for 2010 Residential Constructech Top Products

Thursday, February 18th, 2010

Constellation named for Trusted Products for BuildSoft Pro and Constellation CRM.

The full article can be found at the following location:

http://www.constructech.com/resources/press_release/press_release.aspx?release_id=110

News from the 2010 IBS

Wednesday, February 3rd, 2010

This year’s IBS was the best year in the past four for Constellation HomeBuilder Systems and the thought was echoed by many builders in attendance. There is a realization that technology will play a much more important role in the builder’s future.

There was talk everywhere about leveraging social media in homebuilding. It is a strategy you should adopt NOW! See what I mean…

One thing I learned is the importance of “claiming your business” on Google. There is a way to enhance the listing of your business on Google including maps, pictures content and even reviews. It is part of the Local Business Center… Who Knew? Check out this link to learn about Claiming your Business.

The response to our new Groundbreaker website solution was phenomenal. If you know you need to update your website or think you may need to change see what Groundbreaker can do for you. Announced at the IBS show Groundbreaker had builder big and small talking and agreeing the unbelievable value it represents.

It was amazing to see the response to the newest product in the Constellation HomeBuilder Systems line of ERP solutions. HomeDev is a project management and job cost system developed for the small builder and remodeler. It uses Microsoft tools and works with QuickBooks. Many builders stated clearly “this is exactly what we have been waiting for”.

BuildSoft Pro was introduced at the IBS as well. Current BuildSoft users were stopped dead in their tracks when we showed them the new product and how it will help them better manage job costs and complete projects on time.

Constellation HomeBuilder Systems Introduces the New BuildSoft Pro Release to Home Builders and Remodelers in more than a Decade

Monday, February 1st, 2010

Markham, ON February 1, 2010 – Constellation HomeBuilder Systems, the largest provider of homebuilder accounting software, announces the release of BuildSoft Pro™ 32-Bit, specifically designed for home builders and remodelers to help manage their construction processes.

Since the acquisition of BuildSoft, Constellation has taken this opportunity to increase its investment in new technology and dedicated the necessary resources to re-engineer the product.  We are continuing to invest in the product and maintain our long-term commitment to the home building industry”, says Dexter Salna, President of Constellation HomeBuilder Systems.  “The long-term stability of Constellation ensures that we will continue to enhance our products and bring new solutions forward to help builders compete in any type of market condition.”

The new BuildSoft Pro™ system has a more modern look and feel based on a solid footing with Microsoft Outlook functionality and opportunity for future enhancements.  The end result is a new product that encompasses all the best features trusted by thousands of BuildSoft users, plus many of our recent enhancements.  BuildSoft Pro™ is the next step up from standard spreadsheets, allowing homebuilders to manage everything from accounting to project management.  Specifically, homebuilders can use BuildSoft Pro’s™ residential construction and scheduling software as one integrated package for accounting, project management, estimating and job costing.  All four integrated components help builders improve efficiency.  For remodelers, BuildSoft Pro’s™ residential remodelling features offer the same benefits, to help complete projects on-time and on budget.

The community of 1,500 loyal BuildSoft customers, some of which have been using the software for 21 years, are excited that Constellation has made investments in new technology for BuildSoft.   With a new 32-bit platform, BuildSoft Pro™ will be the foundation to give builders security and stability in their software investments and will provide the comfort of knowing they will be supported now and in the years to come.

BuildSoft Pro™ was launched at the 2010 International Builders’ Show on January 19-22, 2010, and the response has been overwhelming with many BuildSoft customers signing up to take advantage of the low cost early adopter program.  Custom home builders, small volume production builders and remodelers stopped by the booth in large numbers to find out more about BuildSoft Pro™ and the long anticipated new release.

About Constellation HomeBuilder Systems

As the largest home building software company in the industry, Constellation HomeBuilder Systems has helped more than 2,400 builders manage their information technology costs with integrated software solutions to run their business from dirt to warranty. From planning to homeowner services, we have land development software, new home sales and marketing software, production, purchasing, scheduling, accounting, warranty, electronic homeowner manuals, vendor portal solutions, and web site solutions designed exclusively for the home building industry.

Media Inquiries:
Cathy Kotsopoulos
ckotsopoulos@constellationhb.com
(888) 723-2222

Constellation HomeBuilder Systems Launches the HomeDev Production and Job Cost System for Home Builders and Remodelers

Monday, January 25th, 2010

Markham, ON January 19, 2010 – Constellation HomeBuilder Systems, the largest provider of home builder, sales, production and accounting software announces a new product release at the 2010 International Builders’ Show in Las Vegas, NV on January 19 – 22, 2010.  HomeDev™ is specifically designed for home builders and remodelers to help manage their construction processes.

HomeDev offers a comprehensive solution for job costing, project management, budgeting, trade comparison and purchasing.   Built using familiar Microsoft tools like Excel, Project, Outlook, SQL Server, SharePoint, and .NET, the new HomeDev product integrates with QuickBooks and other accounting systems.

During this building slow-down, Constellation HomeBuilder Systems has made significant investments to bring HomeDev to the market.  All builders use spreadsheets and some use Microsoft Project and want to see a new solution that works with these familiar tools.  HomeDev uses Microsoft Excel, Project and Outlook to manage the data collection and presentation, Microsoft SQL to manage the data, and SharePoint and e-mail technology to share documents in the form of vendor and partner portals.

Builders make more money if they learn from their mistakes and avoid them on the next job. HomeDev allows builders to take any job in the system and use that as a basis for a new job. This saves time and produces more accurate estimates and project plans.  The purchasing process in HomeDev provides tools for sending out bid requests, comparing the results, and awarding contracts without manually entering the bid responses.  The builder saves money by selecting the best bid, reduces errors by avoiding data entry, and improves accuracy of budgeting and project management.

HomeDev is designed for the builder seeking a solution that is easy to learn and implement.  Builders running the software have told us “because we are comfortable and familiar with Excel, Project, and QuickBooks, HomeDev fits naturally into our operations.”  HomeDev is available under license or subscription.

Constellation is launching HomeDev at the 2010 International Builders’ Show in Las Vegas, NV on January 19-22, 2010.

Request an appointment, or visit one of the booths during the show for a product demonstration.  

Booth C1145                 Production Builders – Websites, Accounting, Production and Sales Systems

Booth C842                    Small Volume Builders and Remodelers – Websites, Accounting, Production and Sales Systems

About Constellation HomeBuilder Systems

As the largest home building software company in the industry, Constellation HomeBuilder Systems has helped more than 2,400 builders manage their information technology costs with integrated software solutions to run their business from dirt to warranty. From planning to homeowner services, we have land development software, new home sales and marketing software, production, purchasing, scheduling, accounting, warranty, electronic homeowner manuals, vendor portal solutions, and web site solutions designed exclusively for the home building industry.

Media Inquiries
Cathy Kotsopoulos
ckotsopoulos@constellationhb.com
(888) 723-2222

Constellation HomeBuilder Systems – The Leader in Home Builder Software and Website Solutions Welcomes Everyone to the 2010 International Builders’ Show

Tuesday, January 12th, 2010

Markham, ON January 12, 2010 – It has been an exciting year at Constellation and 2010 is off to a great start.  With continued investment in home building software, delivering hundreds of enhancements and releasing two new products, it’s going to be a year of excitement and the fun begins at the 2010 International Builders’ Show.

Constellation will be at the 2010 International Builders’ Show in Las Vegas, NV from January 19-22nd 2010.  Please request an appointment, or visit one of the booths during the show.  All solutions will be available for demos and product experts will be available for detailed discussions.  

Booth C1145        – Production Builders – Websites, Accounting, Production and Sales Systems

Booth C842          – Small Volume Builders and Remodelers – Websites, Accounting, Production and Sales Systems

Booth C740          – Sales1440 Sales Software Suite

With over 100 employees dedicated to supporting customers and enhancing products, Constellation is by far the largest and most trusted software provider in the home building industry.  Constellation is uniquely positioned to provide mission-critical software to virtually all sizes of home builders, with solutions for websites, new home sales, customer relationship management (CRM), accounting, purchasing, estimating, scheduling, warranty, home owner portals, and vendor portals.

Throughout 2008 and 2009, Constellation customers have been able to focus on their businesses building and selling homes, without worrying about their software and the stability of their software provider.  In 2009, Constellation welcomed an unprecedented number of new builders to the Constellation family.  Many of these builders were coming from neglected systems, provided by at-risk software companies, with very few resources to provide minimum levels of customer service.  Others joined the family with our recent acquisitions.  In any case, customers can rely on the full resources and dedication of Constellation, to run their business successfully, now and in the future.

Websites and Online MarketingWebsites are a critical application for home builders and the acquisition of Constellation Web Solutions brings Groundbreaker™ home builder websites and built-in industry best practices to the Constellation family of solutions and services.  With hundreds of home builder customers, our experts at Constellation Web Solutions know what it takes to build a website specifically for home builders with proven techniques for generating leads, creating referral sales and delivering the information needed by home buyers before and after they purchase a home.  Optimized for search engine results and clean designs, Groundbreaker™ websites can help you establish or re-establish your online presence quickly.

 

Sales and CRM SolutionsWhen a prospective buyer enters their contact information on your website, or visits your sales office, all Constellation sales and CRM solutions are designed to help you turn that prospect into a buyer, maximize upgrade sales, complete selections, generate contracts and reduce errors.  With automatic website integration, all prospect information is captured and available in your sales system for fast follow-up and the assurance that no lead is lost.  Can you say that about your current sales follow-up process?  Did you know that 64% of agents don’t follow-up? Read the case study here.

 

Production and Accounting SolutionsOnce you have a sale, you need to make the most of it and avoid mistakes.  All of our production and accounting systems have been enhanced with more modern user interfaces to make them easier to use, with powerful purchasing and forecasting functionality to reduce errors and improve margins. Many other enhancements are designed to quickly get the information you need to run your business. If you are a current customer, an old friend, or interested in a better system, be sure to visit one of our booths to see the future of home building software.

 

Field Scheduling and Vendor Portal SolutionsA vital component of your home building business extends from the back office to the field and your superintendents need to know just as much about the job in order to maintain your margins and avoid mistakes and delays.  With our web-based and handheld scheduling and vendor portal solutions, your back office information is available virtually anywhere with the security you need.  Trades can be contacted, options and upgrades confirmed, tasks can be completed, payments approved, and quality monitored in real-time without having to make phone calls.  Job status and problems are instantly available in the back office and tracked to help you evaluate staff and vendors.

 

Warranty and Customer ServiceWhen the home is complete and the buyer has moved in, you need to provide them the information they need quickly and you need to know when there is a problem.  With Constellation’s home buyer portals and online warranty guides, you can provide home buyers with information about their home during construction and throughout the warranty period.  You can track warranty notifications and ensure that you have a record of receipt for regulatory and legal purposes. With Constellation’s customer experience management solutions, home owner issues are submitted online, without paper, and acted upon without any re-keying of information.  This saves time, reduces errors, and creates happy customers that will generate referrals.

 

About Constellation HomeBuilder SystemsAs the largest home building software company in the industry, Constellation HomeBuilder Systems has helped more than 2,400 builders manage their information technology costs with integrated software solutions to run their business from dirt to warranty. From planning to homeowner services, we have land development software, new home sales and marketing software, production, purchasing, scheduling, accounting, warranty, electronic homeowner manuals, vendor portal solutions, and web site solutions designed exclusively for the home building industry.

 

Media Inquiries
Cathy Kotsopoulos
ckotsopoulos@constellationhb.com
(888) 723-2222