Production and Accounting Software for Home Builders

Markham, ON, March 28, 2012 – Constellation HomeBuilder Systems, the leading provider of residential homebuilding software solutions in North America, today announced that Constellation HomeDev Pro wins a Top Products Award by Constructech Magazine.

The Constructech Top Products awards honor technology solutions that have demonstrated the greatest innovations geared toward the residential homebuilding market. The editorial team at Constructech magazine determines the winning products based on various criteria – the product’s overall usefulness and uniqueness to the homebuilding industry, and the customer growth rate during the past few years.  To learn more, visit www.constructech.com.

Constellation HomeDev Pro is a cloud-based residential software solution specifically designed for homebuilders that encompasses all tasks, processes and workflow to help increase productivity and maximize profits on one platform.  The new offering integrates with familiar tools such as Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Dynamics and other accounting solutions and is built Microsoft’s .NET Framework and Microsoft SQL Server database technology to manage the data.  HomeDev Pro offers a comprehensive solution for job costing, project management, scheduling, budgeting, purchasing, and customer/vendor communication.  The judges noted they particularly liked the portal – the latest collaboration feature to help streamline the construction process by providing secure, real-time access to information corresponding to all phases of the project.

“For the 2012 Constructech Top Products, our goal was to create a portfolio of superb technology solutions in the construction industry; one that our readers can use as they go forward with technology adoption in the coming year,” says Mike Carrozzo, chief editor, Constructech magazine. “We believe this year’s winning products provide efficient, successful options to those looking to improve business.”

“We are honored that Constellation HomeDev Pro has been recognized in the residential Constructech Top Products this year,” said Dexter Salna, President of Constellation HomeBuilder Systems. “The launch of HomeDev Pro in 2010 is an example of Constellation’s commitment to the homebuilding industry and focus on helping residential builders streamline operations with a more complete and collaborative homebuilding management solution.”  Constellation offers the expertise, in-depth knowledge and experience to understand and meet the technology needs of homebuilders of all sizes.

About Constellation:

As the largest home building software provider in the industry, Constellation HomeBuilder Systems has helped more than 2,800 builders manage their information technology costs with integrated home building software solutions to run their business from websites 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 website solutions designed exclusively for the home building industry. Constellation’s product suite includes, HomeDev Pro, BuildSoft Pro, Builder 360, Constellation Web Solutions, FAST, NEWSTAR, Sales1440, and BuildTopia.

Constellation HomeBuilder Systems is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Constellation Software Inc. (“CSU”), the premier international provider of market leading software and services, and is a publicly traded company.

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

Markham, ON – (February 1, 2012) – Constellation HomeBuilder Systems, the leader and most trusted provider of residential home building software solutions, unveils new solutions at the NAHB International Builders’ Show from February 8 – 11, 2012 in Orlando, FL.

Constellation’s software solutions are specifically designed to help home builders manage their business and information technology costs with cutting-edge integrated software solutions to run their business more efficiently, communicate more effectively and build more homes while utilizing fewer resources and reducing costs.  Whether you are a custom builder or building thousands of homes annually, Constellation delivers a comprehensive suite of software solutions and continues to demonstrate a longstanding commitment to the home building industry.

Constellation will be on-hand to offer one-on-one demonstrations, visit our booth at W4783.

Request a free exhibit pass – www.BuildersShow.com/ConstellationHomeBuilderSystem

Websites and Online Marketing
Websites and lead management processes are critical components of the home builder’s sales performance. Constellation has combined an easy to manage website solution and online lead management system to help builders present their business professionally, and ensure that all leads are tracked and acted upon.  With Groundbreaker™ websites, Constellation will provide the SEO training to help you achieve higher rankings in popular search engines and convert more leads to sales agent appointments.

Sales and CRM Solutions
When 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 comfort of knowing that no lead is lost.

Accounting and Production Solutions
Constellation offers a comprehensive suite of homebuilding solutions to help you improve processes in budgeting, purchasing, accounting, payroll, construction management, and customer service. With one system everyone can have access to the same business data and builders will spend less time updating spreadsheet reports to improve the quality of information available when making critical decisions.

Workflow Services and Document Management
With real-time alerts and notifications, everyone knows what is happening and can follow established business processes to respond in a timely manner. Externally, the workflow system allows builders to provide the new home buyer with the information and comfort they need throughout the construction cycle and beyond. Constellation’s document management solutions provide functionality to easily secure and publish information for back office and remote employees.

Field Scheduling and Mobile Devices
Superintendents and project managers need information about the job in order to maintain margins, avoid mistakes, and reduce delays.  With Constellation’s integrated iPad/iPhone, Android, Blackberry and laptop scheduling solutions, field staff can access sales information, schedules, purchase orders, service requests, site plans, and supplier information to complete tasks and request variances without making a phone call.

Vendor Portal and Collaboration
Constellation’s secure, web-based vendor portal provides suppliers and trades with real-time access to purchase orders, construction schedules and payment information to reduce phone calls and costly errors.  With Constellation’s vendor portal solutions suppliers and trades can get the information they need anytime.

Warranty and Customer Service
With Constellation’s home buyer portals and online warranty guides, you can provide home buyers with information about their home during construction and beyond.  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 Systems

As the largest home building software provider in the industry, Constellation HomeBuilder Systems has helped more than 2,800 builders manage their information technology costs with integrated home building software solutions to run their business from websites 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 website solutions designed exclusively for the home building industry. Constellation’s product suite includes, HomeDev Pro, BuildSoft Pro, Builder 360, Constellation Web Solutions, FAST, NEWSTAR, Sales1440, and BuildTopia.

Constellation HomeBuilder Systems is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Constellation Software Inc. (“CSI”), the premier international provider of market leading software and services, and is a publicly traded company.

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

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WOODBRIDGE, NEW JERSEY – December 7, 2011 – SBS Group has selected Constellation HomeBuilder Systems to launch integrated home building software solutions for home builders across North America.  SBS Group, a New Jersey-based technology consulting firm, provides mid-market accounting & business management solutions to companies across the U.S.  SBS Group will represent Constellation’s HomeDev Pro and BuildTopia software solutions. This partnership extends SBS and Constellation’s market reach in the homebuilding industry and provides homebuilders affordable and efficient software solutions.

“We are eager to work with Constellation and strengthen our presence in the homebuilder industry,” states James R. Bowman, Jr., President of SBS Group. He continues, “Constellation brings great knowledge of the homebuilder industry and proven products to the mid-market.  This partnership paired with our new cloud offering is a natural extension of our construction strategy and enables us to provide complete and integrated solutions to homebuilders of all sizes.”

Dexter Salna, President at Constellation HomeBuilder Systems states, “For the past six months, we’ve been working with Carolyn Chasteen of SBS Group Denver, part of the SBS Partner Network, and the partnership has been a perfect fit. We are excited for the launch of Stratos for homebuilders. We feel the combination of SBS Group’s ability to bring core accounting expertise and business process knowledge paired with our products will bode well for builders as we continue our business relationship.”

“This partnership further exemplifies SBS Group’s dedication to the homebuilding market.  As a Microsoft Master VAR and cloud solution provider, SBS has positioned itself to meet the needs of today’s homebuilders. This deep penetration into the homebuilder market coupled with a cloud-based offering is consistent with the Microsoft Dynamics™ strategy and we fully support SBS Group on this endeavor,” states Ted Kempf, Microsoft Dynamics Director of Service Industries.

About SBS GroupSBS Group provides business management solutions to mid-size companies across the country. SBS delivers its solutions and services with the industry’s top technology partners including Microsoft, Sage Software, Deltek, IBM, Hewlett Packard, Citrix, Acumatica, and others. Focused on distribution, manufacturing, supply chain management, customer relationship management, financial management, project management, service management and accounting solutions, SBS Group has over 25 years of working with clients, not just for them.

The SBS team has earned an award-winning reputation, having been recognized as a Microsoft Gold Competency Partner, Microsoft 2011 Inner Circle Member, Microsoft Partner of the Year (Dynamics SL), New Jersey Best Places to Work Winner, NJBIZ Business of the Year Finalist, IBM Beacon Award recipient and Sage Software Leadership Academy member. The company is headquartered in Woodbridge, New Jersey and operates other offices in New York, Boston, Chicago, Denver, Houston, New Orleans, Oklahoma City, Philadelphia, Toledo, Pittsburgh, Washington, DC, Atlanta, and Los Angeles. For more information, please visit SBS Group’s website at www.sbsgroupusa.com.  Follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/sbsgroup and find us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/SBS-Group/316030805149.

About Constellation Homebuilder SystemAs the largest home building software provider in the industry, Constellation HomeBuilder Systems has helped more than 2,800 builders manage their information technology costs with integrated home building software solutions to run their business from websites 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 website solutions designed exclusively for the home building industry. Constellation’s product suite includes, HomeDev Pro, BuildSoft Pro, Builder 360, Constellation Web Solutions, FAST, NEWSTAR, Sales1440, and BuildTopia.

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Constellation HomeBuilder Systems Media Contact:
Cathy Kotsopoulos
888.723.2222
ckotsopoulos@constellationhb.com

SBS Group Media Contact:
Kimberly A. Kohlhepp
732.476.5909
kkohlhepp@sbsgroupusa.com

Markham, ON – (July 18, 2011) – Constellation HomeBuilder Systems, the largest provider of homebuilding software, sales, production and accounting solutions, exhibited both their latest products and commitment to the industry at PCBC 2011 in San Francisco, CA – June 22^nd – 24^th, 2011.

As the second largest home builder show in the United States, PCBC attracts home builders of all sizes, seeking ways to streamline their businesses by reducing IT costs and accomplishing more with less.  Constellation was solidified as the industry leader, with a 50% increase in booth traffic over last year’s show, and by offering the fully integrated solutions attendees were looking for.

As the only home building software solutions provider to exhibit at the 2011 PCBC show, Constellation continues to demonstrate unwavering support to the industry, regardless of the economic slowdown.  With a significant investment of time, money and resources toward creating new and enhancing current products, Constellation is the most comprehensive, functionality-rich solution on the market.

“By continuing to attend the PCBC, it demonstrates Constellation’s commitment to the home building industry and provides builders with innovative, leading-edge software that help achieve greater profits,” said Dexter Salna, President of Constellation HomeBuilder Systems.  “By having all of our products in one booth we were able to show builders and remodelers of all sizes, software solutions that fit the needs of their business.”

“We would like to thank Constellation for their continued support for exhibiting year after year at PCBC and congratulate them on successful 2011 trade show.  They have redefined their place as an industry innovator with products that respond to today’s changing market,” said Ann Bivens, Director of PCBC.

Constellation is the trusted technology partner of home building and remodeler software solutions, and leads the industry with the highest investment in product development and customer service.                                                                                                             

About Constellation HomeBuilder Systems:

As the largest home building software provider in the industry, Constellation HomeBuilder Systems has helped more than 2,800 builders manage their information technology costs with integrated home building 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, schedule, accounting, warranty, electronic homeowner manuals, vendor portal solutions, and website solutions designed exclusively for the home building industry.  Constellation’s product suite includes, HomeDev Pro, BuildSoft Pro, Builder 360, Constellation Web Solutions, FAST, NEWSTAR, Sales1440, and BuildTopia.

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

Constellation is pleased to announce the release of our new website, fully dedicated to our latest revolutionary solution, HomeDev Pro™ www.homedevpro.com

HomeDev Pro™ is Constellation’s latest software solution designed for custom builders and remodelers, featuring web-based accessibility and easy integration with Microsoft technology and popular accounting systems.

Our new site has been designed with a fresh new look providing a user-friendly experience, easy navigation and has been updated with information about our latest solution, services, and channel partner program.

Constellation continues to demonstrate an unmatched longstanding commitment to invest in new technology, leading edge products and services specifically designed to help home builders of all sizes.

Please visit our new site, at www.homedevpro.com.

Constellation HomeBuilder Systems is pleased to invite you to our one-day Regional Conference on May 17, 2011 at the Hilton Garden Inn Toronto/Vaughan.

REAL SOLUTIONS, REAL-TIME
~ Learn About the Latest Product Development and Solutions Roadmap ~
~ Network with Fellow Industry Professionals ~
~ Discover How Others Use Constellation to Improve Operations ~
~ Learn How to Turn Your Website into an Effective Tool ~
~ Discuss How to Get the Most from Your System ~

With a wide range of sessions, this event will cover everything from new product development and future product plans, to overall best practices.

Each in-depth session is designed to help YOU achieve more with your Constellation HomeBuilder software, and reach new levels of success.

Our User Conferences are an important part of our continued commitment to be a responsive and valued information partner, and have a proven track record for offering valuable tips and advice. The interactive nature of this conference makes it a truly effective learning experience for you and your staff.

Conference Details

When:  Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Time:    8:00AM – 4:00PM
Where: Hilton Garden Inn Toronto/Vaughan

If you have any questions about the user conference, please contact Cathy Kotsopoulos via email or by phone at (888) 723-2222 ext 6140. 

Markham, ON, December 9, 2010 – Constellation HomeBuilder Systems, the leader and most trusted provider of homebuilding accounting and production software in the industry, will be exhibiting at the 2011 NAHB International Builders’ Show from January 12-15, 2011 in Orlando, FL.  The excitement begins with a series of informative presentations by industry experts, featuring Bob Schultz and The New Homes Sales Specialists.  Recently named to the Power 50 list by Builder Magazine, Bob is one of the 50 most influential people in the home building industry.

During the show, builders can see Constellation’s full suite of home building software solutions firsthand and industry experts will be available to answer questions about new home sales and marketing, production, accounting, construction management, purchasing, warranty, and customer experience.  Each session will be about 15-20 minutes in length with additional opportunities for questions and answers.

 CLICK HERE to see the schedule of sessions with industry speaker information, and space is limited, so REGISTER NOW!

Booth W4571:
For Production Builders – Websites, Vendor Portals, Land Development, Sales, Accounting, Production, Warranty, and Service

Booth W4682:
For Small to Medium Volume Builders and Remodelers – Websites, Accounting, Production and Sales Solutions

Constellation’s mission-critical software solutions are specifically designed to offer builders increased productivity and efficiency in order to build homes while utilizing less resources and reducing costs.  With over 100 employees exclusively dedicated to supporting all sizes of home builders, Constellation delivers a comprehensive suite of exceptional products and services to help builders save time and money while building and selling more homes.

Constellation has released several new products and many customer-requested enhancements in 2010 .   All of Constellation’s state-of-the-art software solutions will be available for demonstration.  Builders are invited to meet face-to-face with knowledgeable industry experts in a professional but relaxed setting.  Each year, Constellation makes it a high priority to spend quality time learning from and discussing ideas their home builder partners.  This information becomes an integral part of the new product development strategy at Constellation. This continued investment and dedication to the industry allows Constellation to provide new technology solutions to help builders succeed in this challenging and competitive industry.

If you think a software decision is in your future, be sure to visit one of the Constellation booths to see how a dedicated partner with continued long-term investment in new technology can help you manage your business.  An optimum combination software technology, professional services, and customer support, ensures that you can trust Constellation to help you run your business now and in the future. Constellation representatives can recommend a new solution tailored to your unique business needs and help explain how other builders are using software and technology to be successful. 

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 HomeDev, BuildSoft, Builder 360, Constellation Web Solutions, FAST, NEWSTAR, Sales1440, and BuildTopia.

Media Inquiries:

Cathy Kotsopoulos
cathyk@constellationhb.com
(888) 723-2222 x 6140

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.

Recently, I had the opportunity to visit with a client and was pleasantly surprised.  The Sales Manager explained that they weren’t currently using all of the features in their new home sales system to capture all the sales information, but then she explained that they did use it for many important functions.  She explained that even though they didn’t use it to its fullest extent, it was still a very helpful tool, and she excitedly described how it recently helped her land a very important sale.

A husband and wife had come into the sales office one day and told her that they had visited and taken a look around a couple of years ago, and liked what they saw, and they were getting closer to being ready to buy.  The Sales Manager welcomed them back, and invited them to take a look around the model, and politely excused herself, saying that she needed to take care of something in her office and that she would be back in just a moment.  She rushed back into her office and pulled up their names in their CRM system, and was able to refresh her memory by reading all of the detailed notes she had recorded during their earlier visits.  She returned to her buyers, and created opportunities to work the pieces of information that she had gathered from their visits 2 years ago, into the conversation.  The prospects felt very special and thought it was absolutely amazing that she remembered so much about them.

The Sales Manager told me that she ultimately closed a sale with them, and that the prospects mentioned they were very impressed with her ability to remember them.  While she recognizes that there were many other factors that impacted the final purchase decision, she was also confident that her effort to enter additional prospect information in the new home sales and CRM system played a large role in landing the sale.

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.