MSI’s Touchplan Bridges the Gap Between Traditional and Collaborative Planning

MOCA Systems Inc. (MSI) has announced important enhancements to Touchplan. These improvements enable seamless synchronization with Oracle’s Primavera P6, a widely used project management and scheduling system. This powerful integration tackles the issue of “schedule drift,” a common problem where master schedules (often in P6) become disconnected from real-time field operations managed in Touchplan. This disconnect can lead to increased costs and schedule delays for large, complex construction projects. Understanding the Disconnect: CPM vs. LPS Traditionally, project management relies on the Critical Path Method (CPM) – the foundation of P6. CPM provides a top-down view, focusing on timelines and identifying the longest chain of dependent activities (critical path) that dictate the project’s overall duration. However, P6 schedules require periodic updates to reflect actual workflow sequencing and task durations captured in the field. Touchplan, on the other hand, leverages the Last Planner System (LPS) – a bottom-up, action-oriented approach. It empowers production managers and executives with detailed insights, facilitating collaboration, commitment, and accountability among workers through daily and weekly plan iterations. Touchplan’s production plan adapts to new project requirements, supply chain deliveries, and labor availability dictated by the master schedule. A Human-Centered Solution While both systems play crucial roles, their different data…

University of Hawaiʻi plays pivotal role in broadband expansion

The University of Hawaiʻi (UH) is playing a pivotal role in the state’s efforts to bridge the digital divide and provide high-speed internet access to all residents. Hawaiʻi has been awarded over $149 million in federal funding to expand and upgrade broadband infrastructure through the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program. UH is leading key components of the state’s Connect Kākou initiative, which aims to leverage over $400 million in federal grants and matching funds to improve internet connectivity across the islands. This funding will be used to deploy and upgrade high-speed internet networks, ensuring reliable and affordable service for all Hawaiʻi residents. “Strengthening and upgrading our broadband pipelines is crucial to keep us connected to each other and the rest of the world,” said UH Vice President of Information Technology and Chief Information Officer Garret Yoshimi said. “Hawaiʻi’s location in the Pacific means we depend heavily on internet access, which will be integral to all our future endeavors.” Once deployment goals are met, remaining funds will be allocated to support internet adoption, training, and workforce development initiatives. “Ensuring that every person in Hawaiʻi has dependable access to affordable high-speed internet service is crucial to our state’s economic, educational…

TradeCentric strengthens global reach with new Romanian team

TradeCentric, a leading provider of B2B Connected Commerce solutions, has announced the expansion of its global footprint to include Bucharest, Romania. This strategic move strengthens TradeCentric’s ability to serve clients across North America, Europe, and beyond. “We are thrilled to expand our European presence,” said Elizabeth Segovia, CEO at TradeCentric. “Bucharest is a city known for its rich history, talent and innovation, and our new Romanian-based team will play a critical role in our long-term strategy to provide innovative B2B Connected Commerce solutions across a variety of markets.” The new Romanian team bolsters TradeCentric’s existing operations in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, and Brazil. This expansion offers several key benefits to the company’s global customer base: “The opening of our Bucharest office is just the beginning,” said Pete Geherin, VP of Professional Services at TradeCentric. “We are implementing new strategies to drive success for customers, delivering the highest levels of service and support.” Learn more about TradeCentric’s latest milestone on TradeCentric.com.

BuildOps and NexCore partner to drive HVAC industry growth

BuildOps, a leading provider of all-in-one sales, service, and project management software for commercial contractors, has announced a strategic partnership with NexCore, a prominent platform for building services and facility management. This collaboration aims to leverage BuildOps’ advanced technology to accelerate NexCore’s growth and operational excellence within the HVAC sector. NexCore, known for its strategic acquisitions and operational excellence, is rapidly expanding its footprint in the commercial HVAC market. By integrating BuildOps’ software solutions, NexCore will streamline operations, enhance efficiency, and position itself for continued growth. “We are ecstatic to partner with such a distinguished company as NexCore,” said Michael Carey, VP of Strategy at BuildOps. “Their relentless pursuit of growth and operational excellence perfectly aligns with our mission to deliver the best technology solutions to commercial contractors. Together, we will build upon NexCore’s remarkable achievements and drive even greater success in the future.” “Partnering with BuildOps marks a significant milestone for NexCore,” said Steve Knowles, CEO of NexCore. “Their cutting-edge technology and profound industry expertise will be pivotal in supporting our growth and upholding our commitment to excellence. We eagerly anticipate working closely with BuildOps to achieve our shared goals.”

Delaware Department of Labor selects Infosys Public Services to modernize its labor systems

Infosys Public Services, a subsidiary of Infosys, has been awarded a contract by the Delaware Department of Labor to modernize the state’s unemployment insurance tax, benefits, and appeals programs. The company will also develop a new system for the state’s paid family medical leave program. Infosys will implement its LaborForce solution, a Salesforce-based enterprise labor system, to streamline operations, enhance customer service, and improve the overall efficiency of the Delaware Department of Labor. This cloud-native solution will enable the department to adapt quickly to changing economic conditions and strengthen its security posture. Karryl Hubbard, Secretary, Delaware Department of Labor, said, “Facing an aging legacy system characterized by manual processes, incorrect dates and delays, we needed to transform customer experience, optimize and streamline operational processes and provide a technology platform enabling rapid response to quickly changing economic scenarios and an ever evolving federal and state regulatory environment. We are thrilled to collaborate with Infosys Public Services to implement Infosys LaborForce and vastly improve the services we provide.” Lax Gopisetty, President and CEO, Infosys Public Services, said, “We are honored and excited to work with the Delaware Department of Labor and help them navigate their implementation journey with Infosys LaborForce. The solution has been…

U Mobile partners with leading infrastructure providers to accelerate 5G Network Rollout

U Mobile, a leading mobile and digital services provider, has completed strategic partnerships with four Network Facility Providers (NFPs) to expedite the rollout of its second 5G network in Malaysia. The collaborations with Bullish Aim, EdgePoint Towers, Naza Communications, and OCK Group Berhad will enhance U Mobile’s ability to deliver wider and faster 5G coverage across the country. Under the Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), U Mobile will work closely with the NFPs to streamline the 5G site infrastructure deployment process. This includes optimizing site acquisition, permitting, and construction to accelerate network expansion. Additionally, the partnerships will explore cost-effective solutions for various infrastructure requirements, such as built-to-suit sites, co-locations, and site upgrades. “We are excited to partner with these industry leaders to accelerate our 5G network rollout,” said Woon Ooi Yuen, Chief Technology Officer of U Mobile. “By leveraging their expertise and infrastructure, we can deliver a superior 5G experience to our customers and contribute to Malaysia’s digital transformation.” The collaboration with these NFPs aligns with the government’s dual 5G network model, which aims to foster healthy competition and drive innovation in the telecommunications sector. U Mobile is committed to playing a pivotal role in bringing the benefits of 5G technology…

Salvează o inimă Association Paves the Way for Efficient Fundraising with AI Integration

The “Salvează o inimă” Association, a non-profit dedicated to supporting children with critical medical needs, announces a groundbreaking initiative that leverages artificial intelligence (AI) to streamline fundraising campaigns. This innovative project tackles the urgency of securing life-saving surgeries and treatments for children facing complex medical conditions. The AI integration aims to maximize the impact of every donation and provide prompt assistance to families in desperate need. The association has developed a mobile app that seamlessly connects with banks via APIs, enabling secure and convenient donations directly from the app. Donors receive instant confirmation via email or SMS, fostering a sense of transparency and trust. “Artificial intelligence helps us make a real-time analysis of the situation in order to make rapid adjustments to the fundraising strategy, but it also allows us to offer donors information about the efficiency of the campaigns they have contributed to,” Vlad Plăcintă, president of the “Salvează o inimă” Association said. The AI system generates personalized thank-you messages utilizing ChatGPT, fostering a deeper connection with donors. Additionally, the platform employs AI algorithms to analyze transaction patterns, ensuring the security of donations by identifying and promptly addressing unusual activities. “Integrating artificial intelligence into our fundraising activities is an…

Rocketlane Secures $24 Million in Series B Funding to Revolutionize Client Onboarding and Project Delivery for Professional Services Teams

Rocketlane, a provider of AI-powered post-sales CRM solutions for professional services teams, today announced the closing of a $24 million Series B funding round. The round was co-led by 8VC, Matrix Partners India, and Nexus Venture Partners, bringing Rocketlane’s total funding to $45 million. This investment fuels Rocketlane’s mission to empower professional services teams by eliminating the inefficiencies associated with siloed tools and legacy systems. Rocketlane’s all-in-one platform streamlines project management, fosters seamless communication with clients, and leverages AI to enhance resource allocation and project delivery. Srikrishnan Ganesan, CEO & Co-founder, Rocketlane commented: “Our unique combination of high-velocity innovation and robust capabilities sets us apart, and has helped us consistently win large, forward-thinking customers, including public companies. With this new investment, we are committed to accelerating our AI roadmap and redefining the client portal experience,” adding, “We have equipped ourselves to handle the challenges of rapid growth, and continue delivering exceptional value to our clients.” ‍Nav Kalra, VP of Professional Services at OpenGov, a Rocketlane customer said, “In a sea of legacy tools, Rocketlane stands out as a modern, disruptive force in the PSA software landscape with its all-in-one platform. The intuitive interface and unparalleled client-facing experience make managing client…

AI Project Management Soars: 90% of Users Report Positive Returns

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming project management, delivering significant benefits and driving further investment according to a new report by Capterra, a leading software review platform. The Capterra Most Impactful PM Tools Survey surveyed 2,500 project managers globally, with a specific focus on the 46% who currently use AI in their project management tools. The findings reveal a clear trend: AI is leading to notable improvements in productivity, efficiency, and risk mitigation. Positive ROI Breeds Confidence in AI The survey results paint a positive picture for AI adoption. A staggering 90% of project managers using AI tools reported a positive return on investment (ROI) over the past year. This success story is fostering increased confidence in AI technologies, with project managers planning for an average increase of 36% in their AI investments by 2025. Proactive Risk Management for Project Success Over half (54%) of project managers are leveraging AI tools to predict potential project risks and recommend mitigation strategies. AI’s ability to analyse historical data and identify past project failures allows for proactive adjustments to plans, minimising the likelihood of delays and budget overruns. Boosting Efficiency with Automation The survey also highlights the automation capabilities of AI, with nearly all…

Buildots Secures $15 Million Investment to Revolutionize Construction Management with AI

Buildots, a leading AI-powered construction software company, has secured a $15 million investment led by Intel Capital. OG Tech Partners and previous investors also participated in the funding round. Lisa Cohen, Investment Director at Intel Capital, will join Buildots’ board as an observer. The construction industry is notorious for inefficiencies, leading to project delays and budget overruns. Buildots’ innovative technology aims to address these challenges by integrating AI-powered progress tracking and advanced analytics into construction management. “Intel Capital has recognized that the construction industry, a fundamental pillar of the global economy, has not yet fully benefited from the digital age,” said Roy Danon, co-founder and CEO of Buildots. “Over the past five years, Buildots has been at the forefront of integrating AI-powered progress tracking and advanced analytics software into this multi-trillion dollar industry, driving a transformative shift towards performance-driven construction management. We are proud to work with Intel Capital to propel large-scale construction into a more efficient and controlled future, taking out the guesswork and providing decision-makers with comprehensive and precise oversight.” Data-Driven Insights for Increased Efficiency Buildots’ technology leverages objective site data to automate and track the progress of every task on a construction project. This eliminates the reliance…