MH2Technologies, a leading provider of Internet-based, job-management tools for the construction industry, today announced that it has teamed with Nextel Communications Inc. (Nasdaq:NXTL) to sell and market MH2's popular MH2Supply and MH2Build systems for the Nextel nationwide packet data network.
The systems, which are already in use by hundreds of builders and suppliers responsible for tens of thousands of housing starts nationwide, enable companies to schedule, communicate and collaborate at every stage of the homebuilding process. With this agreement, builders, contractors and suppliers now can utilize their Nextel Internet-ready phones to operate the MH2 systems, helping finish construction projects faster and more efficiently.
According to Michael Holigan, president of MH2Technologies, the combined power of MH2 and Nextel delivers significantly more value to builders and suppliers, helping them to increase market share. "Millions of builders, contractors and suppliers already use the combined cellular, Nextel Direct Connect(R) and Two-Way Messaging capabilities provided by Nextel. Our MH2 applications are another great enhancement that will make their jobs even easier. And they can have it all right on their telephone screens without having to purchase a separate PDA."
Several national homebuilders, including D.R. Horton Homes and Beazer Homes, are currently using MH2Build's patent-pending technology that allows them to develop job schedules, order and track delivery of materials, communicate to subcontractors, and calculate lead times and project durations from any location, 24/7. The Internet-based ASP system helps builders lower costs and cycle times by better managing their project schedules, personnel, and materials procurement.
Lumber and building materials suppliers and contractors use the MH2Supply system to collect and manage data with much greater efficiency. By using MH2Supply, suppliers can accept or reject job orders from homebuilders, check the status of homes under construction, and confirm the delivery of materials and products to the job site on their Nextel Internet-ready phones. Additionally, companies can use Nextel Direct Connect, a digital two-way radio feature that provides instant contact with co-workers and any other Nextel customers in a local calling area with the push of a button on a Nextel phone.
"Construction projects typically operate under tight margins and deadlines, therefore delays can cause significant cost overruns that impact profitability," said Blair Kutrow, vice president, product management at Nextel. "The combination of the Nextel network and MH2 solutions ensures important project information is available to all parties -- inside and outside a company -- when they need it, which can cut building cycle times by days or weeks."
Because of Nextel's large national wireless footprint and its long-standing relationships with companies in the industry, Nextel's sales team will be calling on existing customers as well as selling MH2Build and MH2Supply to new building and supply prospects. Nextel provides an Internet Protocol standards-based packet data network that is tightly integrated with Nextel's voice network and available nationwide. Nextel's all-digital, integrated wireless network offers an "always on" capability for data communications regardless of a user's location on the Nextel National Network as long as the phone is turned on.
The MH2 systems are now available for use on all Internet-ready Nextel telephones for a monthly fee, available from Nextel.
MH2Build and MH2Supply are implemented with minimal support and training. Ease of use is similar to Nextel's current mobile phone and two-way radio features, with all functionality driven from the keypad. "It's really as simple as 1-2-3," said Holigan.
Holigan added, "Nextel is an amazing channel partner for us. Builders and suppliers already know the Nextel brand stands for reliable service backed up by quality equipment from Motorola. When these customers add the MH2 applications to their phones, they'll see that they have another great application that will save them considerable time. And that means saving them lots of money."
MH2Technologies offers a range of technology platforms (sales management, options, design center, scheduling, inspection, procurement, collaboration, warranty, and accounting systems) that are integrated to build total solutions for the homebuilding industry:
-- MH2 uses an open technology platform allowing all industry technology systems and software to communicate and collaborate with each other.
-- MH2Build uses the scheduling, inspection and procurement
modules so that homebuilders and contractors can reduce cycle time and overhead and benefit from having more exact job scheduling and data from the site in real time.
-- MH2Supply is the system used by dealers, suppliers and subcontractors to collaborate with homebuilders and contractors. MH2Supply provides a system that allows dealers and contractors to reach each other in a real-time manner, have access to accurate forecasting, improve customer service, and reduce unnecessary inventory.
-- A key advantage of MH2Technologies services is that customers can get much more from their existing accounting and ERP systems. Since MH2 is an application service provider, all of the MH2 systems integrate into existing back office systems used by homebuilders, contractors and dealers.
-- MH2Technologies also provides other online solutions to benefit builders such as lead generation for home sales, building products, and other valuable home services.
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