ResidentialBusiness

NBCUniversal may soon be pulling its programming from Google’s YouTube TV. The news comes as a dispute between the companies over carriage fees and terms is ramping up. NBC began warning customers on Thursday evening that its programming would leave the streaming platform if the companies don’t reach an agreement by Sept. 30, the date its contract is set to renew. If a blackout were to occur, popular programs such as Sunday Night Football, The Voice, NBA games, and the Oct. 4 premiere of Saturday Night Live, wouldn’t be viewable on the platform. However, a separate spat between YouTube TV and TelevisaUnivision comes at the same time, as both companies’ contracts are set for renewal on Sept. 30. If both networks pulled their programming, two major hispanic networks, Univision and NBCU-owned Telemundo, would no longer be accessible on the platform. TelevisaUnivision alleged that YouTube TV was being discriminatory in an open letter published on Sept. 24. “YouTube TV will force millions of Hispanic viewers to pay an 18% premium – a “Hispanic tax” – to maintain access to trusted Spanish-language news, sports, and entertainment,” it said. NBC issued its own statement on the dispute. “Google, with its $3 trillion market cap, already controls what Americans see online through search and ads—now it wants to control what we watch,” NBC said, per Axios. “YouTube TV has refused the best rates and terms in the market, demanding preferential treatment and seeking an unfair advantage over competitors to dominate the video marketplace—all under the false pretense of fighting for the consumer.” NBCUniversal has never before pulled its programming from a streaming platform. YouTube says it’s committed to negotiating with the network, but the price is too high. “NBCUniversal is asking us to pay more than what they charge consumers for the same content on Peacock, which would mean less flexibility and higher prices for our subscribers,” it said in a Sept. 25 statement. The company announced it would reimburse customers $10 if the blackout occurs for an extended time. While the dispute could have big implications, it seems to mark a growing trend, as digital live TV providers, like YouTube TV which has more than 10 million subscribers, continue to grow. And it’s not the first time YouTube TV has dug its heels in. In August, the company said it would drop Fox Corp. channels if an agreement wasn’t reached ahead of football season. The companies reached an agreement days later. “We have reached a short-term extension with Fox to prevent disruption to YouTube TV subscribers as we continue to work on a new agreement,” YouTube TV said in an Aug. 25 blog post. “We are committed to advocating on behalf of our subscribers as we work toward a fair deal and will keep you updated on our progress.” View the full article

Did you know you can customize Google to filter out garbage? Take these steps for better search results, including adding my work at Lifehacker as a preferred source. Earlier this month, we saw a new running world record—more specifically, running backwards. In heels. Christian Roberto López Rodríguez claimed the fastest 100m backwards in high heels with an impressive time of 16.55 seconds. I may not be setting that sort of record, but I do see running backwards crop up time and time again as a trendy idea for the average runner. Sometimes called "reverse running," it's exactly what it sounds like: runners literally turning around and jogging backwards. But does running backwards genuinely help improve forward running performance, or is it simply another fitness fad destined to fade? Does running backwards actually help?From a physiological perspective, backwards running fundamentally alters how your body moves and which muscles bear the workload. Physiotherapist Alex Lee explains the dramatic shift that occurs when you reverse direction: "Your quadriceps do the majority of the job of slowing your body down. Your hamstrings work differently too because they aren't pushing you forwards. This variation alleviates stress from the knee joint, specifically the ACL." He further explains how running backwards also causes your ankles to "move with greater dorsiflexion," which trains balance and body awareness, known as proprioception. As any runner can attest, going easy on the knees is a major draw. Lee notes additional advantages when he trains athletes, explaining how he incorporates running backwards to "shield their knees, develop leg strength, and enhance coordination." Supplemental, not essentialWhile the biomechanical benefits are real, running coach Will Baldwin offers a more measured approach to backwards running's place in training programs. "I think the biggest benefit from running backwards is it helps you engage some of your posterior chain and muscles that aren't typically recruited in forward running, like your glutes, some hamstring, and it helps with your pushback a little bit," Baldwin explains. However, he's quick to temper expectations about performance gains: "I don't think it makes runners faster. It's probably a good supplemental tool. I don't even think it's a necessity in training, but it definitely can wake some muscles up and can be a fun, different type of coordination skill to work on that's still similar to running." Baldwin's perspective highlights a crucial consideration in training philosophy—the principle of specificity. "The law of specificity applies here. If we want to get better at a skill, we need to practice that skill in the specific way we want to compete. We've got to be careful with how much time we waste, especially for busy people. That could be time better spent doing core work or some specific strength training." For most recreational runners juggling work, family, and training, Baldwin suggests backwards running falls into the "nice to have" rather than "must have" category: "You'd really have to be someone with a lot of extra time to experiment and play around with things like this." Getting started safelyRunning backwards is awkward at best, and genuinely risky at worst. You could fall, and it's easy to twist an ankle or pull something because you can't see where you're landing. If you'd like to experiment with backwards running, start conservatively. Baldwin suggests beginning with walking: "If someone wanted to try it, I'd start with walking backwards. Especially uphill, on a treadmill or outside, it can really engage, work, and stretch certain muscles. It can be a fun skill to play with, but I'd definitely start with walking before running backwards." This gradual approach allows your body to adapt to the different movement patterns while minimizing injury risk. Treadmills provide an ideal controlled environment for initial backwards movement practice, eliminating the hazard of unseen obstacles. The bigger concerns, according to Baldwin, relate to training efficiency: "Wasted time and lack of specificity are probably the bigger ones, but again, not major." For time-strapped runners, the opportunity cost of backwards running sessions might outweigh the supplemental benefits. The bottom lineBackwards running offers legitimate benefits—improved proprioception, reduced knee stress, enhanced muscle activation patterns, and increased coordination. However, for the average recreational runner seeking to improve their forward running times, backwards running is more of a fun bonus activity, rather than a true game-changer. The time investment might be better allocated to proven training methods like tempo runs, interval training, strength work, or simply building up more forward-running mileage. Backwards running sits comfortably in the category of "helpful but not essential" training methods. It's not the revolutionary breakthrough some social media posts might suggest, but it's also not entirely without merit. Like many fitness trends, the truth lies somewhere between. So, for runners with specific needs—such as rehabilitation from knee injuries, athletes requiring enhanced proprioception, or those simply seeking variety in their training routine—backwards running can serve a valuable purpose. For everyone else, it remains an interesting option worth considering if time and safety conditions permit, but not a priority that should displace more fundamental aspects of training. View the full article

OCMBC launched its new wholesale lender, GIANT Lending, amid a poaching controversy with the naming rights to its old DBA, Jet Advantage. View the full article

Think about where your insights originate. By Hitendra Patil Client Accounting Services: The Definitive Success Guide Go PRO for members-only access to more Hitendra Patil. View the full article

Think about where your insights originate. By Hitendra Patil Client Accounting Services: The Definitive Success Guide Go PRO for members-only access to more Hitendra Patil. View the full article

ChatGPT now processes 66 million “search-like” prompts per day, while Google still processes about 14 billion searches daily – roughly 210 times more. That’s the latest AI search reality check, via Rand Fishkin, CEO and co-founder of SparkToro. By the numbers. Google processes ~210x more searches than ChatGPT. Even DuckDuckGo outpaces ChatGPT in referrals, per estimates. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said ChatGPT handled 1 billion prompts per day in December. By July, that number was 2.5 billion prompts. Much of that growth comes from API calls (businesses plugging GPT into products). A Harvard/OpenAI study found 21.3% of prompts are “search-like.” That’s roughly 66 million search-intent prompts per day. Google handled 5 trillion searches in 2024, or about 14 billion per day. Zoom out. This is a good reminder that AI hasn’t replaced search. In fact, AI search drives less than 1% of referrals, according to BrightEdge data. Fishkin estimated that Google Search was 373x bigger than ChatGPT in March. Also, when people adopt AI tools, their Google searches also rise, SparkToro/Datos found. Dig deeper. AI search is booming, but SEO is still not dead Why we care. Google still dominates discovery, even as AI Overviews are eroding clicks to many websites. Meanwhile, ChatGPT is tiny compared to Google – yet in certain niches, it may be more influential than DuckDuckGo. So beware of the AI search hype – focus on where your audience spends their time. Fishkin’s video. You can watch it on LinkedIn. Dig deeper. AI hype vs. SEO reality: What actually drives leads and revenue View the full article

Chinese parent company set for greater financial upsides than US shareholders following Washington-Beijing dealView the full article

Turkish Airlines, Turkey’s national carrier, has announced plans to add 225 Boeing aircraft to its fleet. In an a declaration to the Istanbul Stock Exchange on Friday, the airline said it has decided to purchase 75 Boeing B787-9 and B787-10 aircraft and has completed negotiations with Boeing to acquire 150 737-8/10MAX models. The announcement was made a day after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan met with U.S. President Donald The President in Washington. Turkish Airlines will place 50 confirmed and 25 optional orders for the B787-9 and B787-10 aircraft, scheduled for delivery between 2029 and 2034. The B787-9 and B787-10 are advanced, fuel-efficient long-haul aircraft designed for international travel, the airline said in a statement. The company is in negotiations with Rolls-Royce and GE Aerospace for the procurement of engines, spare parts and maintenance services for the aircraft, the statement said. Separately, Turkish Airlines said it has finalized negotiations with Boeing for 150 737-8/10MAX aircraft, with 100 confirmed and 50 optional, and will proceed with the order once talks with engine supplier CFM International are successfully concluded. Turkish Airlines operates one of the world’s largest flight networks. On Thursday, The President signaled the U.S. may soon lift its hold on the sale of advanced fighter jets to Turkey, a NATO ally. During The President’s first term, the U.S. removed Turkey from its flagship F-35 fighter jet program in 2019 following Ankara’s purchase of a Russian-made air defense system. —Associated Press View the full article

President warns his administration will go after ‘corrupt, radical-left Democrats’View the full article

Drugmakers have reason to take a tough stance against British negotiatorsView the full article

It’s the Friday open thread! The comment section on this post is open for discussion with other readers on any work-related questions that you want to talk about (that includes school). If you want an answer from me, emailing me is still your best bet*, but this is a chance to take your questions to other readers. * If you submitted a question to me recently, please do not repost it here, as it may be in my queue to answer. The post open thread – September 26, 2025 appeared first on Ask a Manager. View the full article

A federal judge on Thursday approved a $1.5 billion settlement between artificial intelligence company Anthropic and authors who allege nearly half a million books had been illegally pirated to train chatbots. U.S. District Judge William Alsup issued the preliminary approval in San Francisco federal court Thursday after the two sides worked to address his concerns about the settlement, which will pay authors and publishers about $3,000 for each of the books covered by the agreement. It does not apply to future works. “This is a fair settlement,” Alsup said, though he added that distributing it to all parties will be “complicated.” About 465,000 books are on the list of works pirated by Anthropic, according to Justin Nelson, an attorney for the authors. “We have some of the best lawyers in America in this courtroom and if anyone can do it, you can,” Alsup said. The Association of American Publishers called the settlement a “major step in the right direction in holding AI developers accountable for reckless and unabashed infringement.” “Anthropic is hardly a special case when it comes to infringement. Every other major AI developer has trained their models on the backs of authors and publishers, and many have sourced those works from the most notorious infringing sites in the world,” said Maria A. Pallante, president and CEO of the publisher group. San Francisco-based Anthropic said it is pleased with the preliminary approval. “The decision will allow us to focus on developing safe AI systems that help people and organizations extend their capabilities, advance scientific discovery, and solve complex problems. As we’ve consistently maintained, the court’s landmark June ruling that AI training constitutes transformative fair use remains intact. This settlement simply resolves narrow claims about how certain materials were obtained,” said Aparna Sridhar, deputy general counsel at Anthropic. The Authors Guild, meanwhile, said the settlement “marks a milestone in authors’ fights against AI companies’ theft of their works. It sends a clear signal to AI companies that infringement of authors’ rights comes at a steep price and will undoubtedly push AI companies towards acquiring the books they want legally, through licensing.” A Monday filing sought to convince the judge that the parties have set up a system designed to get out robust notice to all authors and publishers covered by the agreement, ensuring they get their cut of the pot if they want to sign off on the settlement or opt out to protect their legal rights moving forward. They also tried to assure him that the author and publishers group that cobbled the deal together are not doing any “back room” dealings that would hurt lesser-known authors. Alsup’s main concern centered on how the claims process will be handled in an effort to ensure everyone eligible knows about it so the authors don’t “get the shaft.” He had set a September 22 deadline for submitting a claims form for him to review before Thursday’s hearing to review the settlement again. The judge had raised worries about two big groups connected to the case — the Authors Guild and the Association of American Publishers — working “behind the scenes” in ways that could pressure some authors to accept the settlement without fully understanding it. Attorneys for the authors said in Monday’s filing they believe the settlement will result in a high claims rate, respects existing contracts and is “consistent with due process” and the court’s guidance. Alsup had dealt the case a mixed ruling in June, finding that training AI chatbots on copyrighted books wasn’t illegal but that Anthropic wrongfully acquired millions of books through pirate websites to help improve its Claude chatbot. Bestselling thriller novelist Andrea Bartz, who sued Anthropic with two other authors last year, said in a court declaration ahead of the hearing that she strongly supports the settlement and will work to explain its significance to fellow writers. “Together, authors and publishers are sending a message to AI companies: You are not above the law, and our intellectual property isn’t yours for the taking,” she wrote. Alsup also said in the courtroom Thursday that he plans to step down from the bench by the end of the year. President Bill Clinton nominated him for the federal bench in 1999. — AP Technology Writer Matt O’Brien contributed to this story from Providence, Rhode Island. —Barbara Ortutay, AP Technology Writer View the full article

Managing a project is a team effort. Throughout the lifecycle of your project, it’s crucial to maintain communication with team members, executives, clients and other stakeholders. In order to do so, you will no doubt be sharing different types of files that contain data about the project. Depending on the project management tools that you use, you could end up with files of various types—and this can cause compatibility issues. One example of this is an MPP file. Unfortunately, since MPP files were not designed to be shared outside of Microsoft Project, the project management software that they are created in, trying to open an MPP file extension can cause confusion and delay. Read on to see how MPP files are created, and how to open this file extension to access important project data. What Is an MPP File? A MPP file is a file format that is exclusive to Microsoft Project. Each MPP file contains comprehensive information about a project, including the project plan, schedule, timeline, budget, deliverables and more. In essence, it is a blueprint of the entire project, and exporting it lets you pass along information about the project to your stakeholders. The difference between sharing an MPP file extension versus sharing a different type of file format is that MPP files can only be opened by someone who also has a Microsoft Project license. This bars many individuals from opening the file shared with them. A common example of this issue is when MPP files are shared with Mac users. Because Microsoft Project cannot be used on a Mac, there is no way to open an MPP file extension and view information or make changes. This issue directly impacts workflow and slows projects down. Even if the entire team is using Microsoft Project, odds are someone they are sharing the project data with will not be. There are countless project management tools, but MPP files lock you into using only Microsoft Project. Fortunately, ProjectManager is a Microsoft Project alternative with a powerful import feature that lets you access existing data in your MPP files. Plus, it’s compatible with every operating system! /wp-content/uploads/2021/05/microsoft-project-import-graphic.jpgStart free. Types of MPP Files Each release introduced new capabilities, which affected how data is stored in the MPP format: Project 98 MPP File: earliest format, not compatible with later releases. Project 2000–2003 MPP File: improved structure, but still limited cross-version compatibility. Project 2007 MPP File: added new fields and scheduling enhancements. Project 2010 MPP File: introduced manual vs. automatic scheduling options. Project 2013 MPP File: expanded reporting and data visualization capabilities. Project 2016 MPP File: included Agile fields and resource engagement. Project 2019/2021 MPP File: established the modern format still in use today, can be opened with the Microsoft Project Standard 2024 & Microsoft Project Professional 2024 editions. Newer versions of Microsoft Project can open and convert older MPPs, but older versions generally cannot open newer ones. Unfortunately, the latest versions of Microsoft Project, Project Standard 2024 and Project Professional 2024 are very expensive, they’re sold as a one-time purchase at $679.99 and $1,129.99 respectively. If you’re looking for a cost-effective solution to view, edit and export MPP files in CSV, Excel and PDF, try ProjectManager instead. How to Open an MPP File with ProjectManager To get started on opening your MPP file with ProjectManager, you first need to start a 30-day free trial. Not only can you access any file with the MPP extension, it also converts that data and allows you to start managing your project immediately. Additionally, when you export your project again from ProjectManager, the resulting file is universally compatible and can be opened by anyone. This means that even if a project originated in Microsoft Project, it can now be worked on by team members without a Microsoft license, stakeholders working from a Mac computer and anyone else. And, the best part is, it’s free for 30 days. Follow these six steps to import your MPP file extension! 1. Begin Import of Your MPP File Select the ProjectManager Gantt view, and click the import option on the menu bar. This will import your file into our online Gantt chart view. 2. Choose an MPP File to Upload A popup window will appear. Follow the instructions to choose which MPP file you would like to import. Begin the import by selecting ‘Next”. /wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Import-Projects_Wide_Zoom-175-600x313.jpg 3. Set your Import Preferences You will now see your import listed as ‘selected file’. Below this, check whether you would like to import as a new project or as part of an existing project. If you select ‘existing project’, you will then be asked to choose to either update or replace existing data. 4. Choose to Import the Entire Project or Just the Task List Next, check whether you would like to import all MPP data or just the task list. If you choose all data, your import will allow you to view and edit your file just like you would in Microsoft Project. /wp-content/uploads/2021/05/import-all-day-msp-600x387.jpg 5. Close Out of the Pop-Up Window The popup window should now read ‘Success!’. From here, close the popup window and begin working on your project. 6. Start Using Your MPP File in ProjectManager Now that you have completed the import process, you can edit your project online, see the data in multiple views, share the data with stakeholders and more. /wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Gantt_Marketing_Wide_Zoom-175_WBS.jpg Congratulations! You’ve imported your MPP file with only a few clicks and without relying on conversion tools. Now, enjoy working on your project from one central location, and export files so that project data can be shared with anyone. More About Microsoft Project Microsoft Project is one of the oldest project management software options around and is a part of MS Office suite. Microsoft Project allows users to manage every aspect of their project, with an array of views and features, including Gantt charts, timelines, resource management tools and more. All that in mind, Microsoft Project is a highly technical project management solution, making it notoriously difficult for new users to get the hang of. It is especially challenging for users who are not familiar with other MS Office apps or the Microsoft interface. This learning curve can stall projects. Additionally, unlike many other MS tools—Excel, Word, Powerpoint, etc.—Microsoft Project can only be run from a Windows operating system. This means Mac OS users have no way to directly use the tool. It also means anyone working on a Mac or any other non-Windows OS cannot open MPP file extensions. More Ways to Open an MPP file If you’re opening an MPP file from the same version of Microsoft Project, the process is fairly simple. But, opening an MPP file from an outside application is far more complicated and may require several extra steps. How to Open an MPP File with Different Versions of Microsoft Project If you still want to use Microsoft Project to open your MPP file, it’s important to know that while some versions of Microsoft Project are compatible, there are just as many incompatible combinations. This means stakeholders working on different versions of Microsoft Project may have just as much difficulty opening MPP file extensions as they would on different PM software. Below is a list of different versions of Microsoft Project, from Microsoft Project 98 onward. The issue lies in that not all of these versions can open files from the others. So, for example, there is no way to open a MPP file extension from Microsoft Project 98 using MS 2013 and vice versa. Here are the limitations of each version: MS Project 98 can open Project 4.x and Project 98 files. MS Project 2000 can open Project 98 and Project 2000 files. MS Project 2002 can open Project 98, Project 2000, and Project 2002 files. MS Project 2003 can open Project 98, 2000, 2002, and 2003 files. MS Project 2007 can open Project 98, 2000-2003, and 2007 files. MS Project 2010 can open Project 98, 2000-2003, 2007, and 2010 files. MS Project 2013 can open Project 2000-2003, 2007, 2010, and 2013 files. MS Project 2016 can open Project 2000-2003, 2007, 2010, 2013, and 2016 files. MS Project 2019 can open Project 2000-2003, 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, and 2019 files. As you can imagine, this becomes a major issue when stakeholders own different versions of Microsoft Project. Clients and investors, for example, may have difficulty accessing data sent over from a project team without workarounds or alternatives. Why You Can’t Use Excel to Open an MPP File When people run into issues opening MPP files, many hope they will be able to use Excel to troubleshoot as it is sometimes a better option to share project data via spreadsheet. Unfortunately, this is not a viable option for MPP files. Excel cannot open MPP files without a conversion tool that will change the file extension from MPP to XLS. These conversion tools are out there, but they have their fair share of drawbacks. For one, they add an extra step in the process of access project data. Something that should be simple is now a multi-step process. Conversion programs can also put your data at risk. Anytime file extensions are being converted from one type to another, there is the chance of the data being altered, lost or more nefariously, stolen! What About a Microsoft Project Viewer for opening MPP Files? In order to open an MPP file from a non MS application or a Mac computer, many people choose to use a Microsoft Project Viewer. These ‘viewers’ give you the ability to open the MPP file extension by downloading the file in a different format, often a pdf. But even when the MPP file has been opened, you will not be able to make changes to the data, leave comments, collaborate, etc. As the name implies, you will strictly be able to view the project. The good news is, ProjectManager is the solution that will unlock any MPP file without Microsoft Project and allow you to work on projects with ease. ProjectManager Can Do What Microsoft Project Can’t ProjectManager gives users access to a suite of features and tools that make sharing, editing and collaborating on projects simple, not more complicated. Plan and schedule the details of your projects with your team on our Gantt charts, where you can lay out your project from start to finish. The best part is, no matter what operating system your team is working on, everyone has access—all you need is an internet connection. Once your project begins, we give you access to a real-time dashboard that tracks all the important project metrics in a single display. The charts and graphs are automatically updated as your team updates the status of the project’s tasks. /wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Dashboard_Construction_Wide_Zoom-150.jpg We also have powerful built-in reporting features that can negate the need to pass around potentially incompatible file types. Just select the different options that you want to generate your report, and send off your reports with the peace of mind that they’ll reach their intended audience with no hassle. /wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Reports_Wide_Zoom-150_Project-Status-Report.jpg ProjectManager is a cloud-based project management solution compatible with MPP files from all versions of Microsoft Project. Work with team members and other stakeholders from anywhere whether they’re Mac or Windows users. Flexible import options mean that file format won’t get in the way. Import, edit and share all of your projects with only a few clicks, no matter the original file extension. Start your free trial of ProjectManager today, and see why we’re trusted by NASA, Volvo and thousands of other organizations to manage their projects. MPP File Format FAQ Internet users have many questions about Microsoft Project Files (MPP Files), here are some of them. What Microsoft products can open MPP files? MPP files are the native format of Microsoft Project and can be opened in the Microsoft Project Standard 2024 and Project Professional 2024 editions. Project Server also works with MPPs when projects are checked in or out. Other Microsoft apps, such as Planner or Excel, cannot open MPP files directly. Can I open MPP files without Microsoft Project? Yes, but you’ll still need to purchase a Microsoft Project alternative like ProjectManager, which lets you open and edit MPP files and export them in a variety of formats such as CSV, Excel and PDF. Can I open MPP files with Microsoft Planner? No. Microsoft Planner does not support the MPP file format. Planner is a lightweight task management tool and works independently of Project. If you need to work with MPP files, you’ll need Microsoft Project or a compatible third-party solution like ProjectManager that supports importing or converting MPP files into a different format. What’s the difference between MPP and MPT files in Microsoft Project? An MPP file is a working project file containing tasks, resources, schedules, and assignments. An MPT file is a template format that stores predefined project structures, calendars, and settings but no live project data. You use an MPT file to create consistent new projects, while MPP files track actual, ongoing work. Can I convert an MPP file to Excel, PDF, or another format? Yes. In Microsoft Project or ProjectManager, you can export project data to Excel for further analysis or save as PDF for easy sharing. ProjectManager also allows MPP conversion into formats like Excel, CSV or PDF. While exports maintain core data, complex scheduling or formatting details may not fully transfer. Related Content Microsoft Project: Plans, Training and How to Download Top Microsoft Project Management Software Best Microsoft Project Alternatives Best Microsoft Planner Alternatives What Is Microsoft Project? Uses, Features and Pricing Microsoft Project Online: Pros, Cons and Free Alternatives Microsoft Project Viewer – How to View & Edit MPP Files Online MPP File Extension: What Is It & How to Open It Microsoft Project for Mac: How to Run MS Project Files on Your Mac Archivo MPP: ¿Qué Es y Cómo Editar Un Archivo en Formato MPP? Extension de fichier MPP : qu’est-ce que c’est et comment l’ouvrir MPP-Datei: Was ist das und wie öffnet man sie The post MPP File Extension: What Is It & How to Open It appeared first on ProjectManager. View the full article

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has taken a significant step to bolster American manufacturing by awarding $1.1 million in grants aimed at supporting small manufacturers through its Empower to Grow (E2G) Program. These funds will help three organizations provide vital training and technical assistance tailored specifically for small manufacturing entities, a sector identified as crucial for economic recovery and national security. As SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler noted, “The SBA is focused on delivering for America’s manufacturers – the majority of whom are small businesses – by offering the capital and resources they need to rebuild America’s industrial strength.” The grants are part of a broader effort to ensure small businesses can thrive, especially amidst current economic challenges. Small business owners in the manufacturing sector stand to benefit from these programs in various ways, especially through access to free courses, hands-on training, and one-on-one consulting. The E2G Program provides targeted assistance to help manufacturers improve growth strategies, operational efficiency, hiring practices, and overall competitiveness. Here’s a closer look at the grant recipients and their initiatives: The Ohio State University (OSU) will focus on central Ohio’s manufacturing industry, offering specialized training for roles such as assemblers, inspectors, and machinists. The Center for Design and Manufacturing Excellence at OSU aims to promote essential skills through courses on manual machining, 3D printing, welding, and more. Their comprehensive offerings are structured around four key areas: foundational manufacturing skills, digital and advanced manufacturing, business readiness, and emerging technology integration. A second grantee, the Bluefield WV Economic Development Authority (BEDA), will spearhead the Bluefield BUILD initiative in West Virginia. This program is strategic in alleviating the skills gap by fostering partnerships between small manufacturers and educational institutions. By aligning training efforts with actual business needs, BEDA aims to streamline workforce development and maximize job readiness. The program includes a range of activities, such as operator training for specific manufacturing equipment and soft skills development for job seekers. Lastly, the University of Tennessee Center for Industrial Services (UT CIS) has plans for outreach throughout Tennessee, especially targeting rural and economically distressed areas. By focusing on workforce training and process improvement, UT CIS will provide services directly at manufacturers’ facilities, ensuring that small businesses facing workforce shortages can access the help they need. The implications of these initiatives are vast. Small manufacturing businesses will gain access to specialized and localized training, enhancing their ability to modernize and compete in a challenging market. Such resources can be instrumental in not only filling current job openings but also in preparing for future advancements in technology and operational processes. However, small business owners should also be aware of potential challenges that may arise in utilizing these resources effectively. For instance, businesses must ensure they can allocate time for training amidst daily operations. Additionally, the varying scopes of the grant recipients mean that not all small manufacturers will have the same level of access to resources, which could potentially create disparities in training opportunities across different regions. Participation in these programs is designed to be straightforward, but small business owners may need to invest time in understanding how to engage effectively and take full advantage of what’s available. Networking with grant providers and joining local business groups could be crucial in navigating this landscape. For small manufacturers looking for comprehensive solutions to strengthen their operations while investing in their workforce, these initiatives present powerful opportunities. The grants serve as a reminder that federal programs can and do respond to the pressing needs of the manufacturing sector. For additional details about the initiatives and to explore the full potential of Empower to Grow, visit the SBA’s original announcement at SBA.gov. Accessing this supportive framework can open doors for numerous small businesses seeking to enhance their capabilities and strengthen their position in the market. Image via Envato This article, "SBA Grants $1.1 Million to Boost Training for Small Manufacturers" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has taken a significant step to bolster American manufacturing by awarding $1.1 million in grants aimed at supporting small manufacturers through its Empower to Grow (E2G) Program. These funds will help three organizations provide vital training and technical assistance tailored specifically for small manufacturing entities, a sector identified as crucial for economic recovery and national security. As SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler noted, “The SBA is focused on delivering for America’s manufacturers – the majority of whom are small businesses – by offering the capital and resources they need to rebuild America’s industrial strength.” The grants are part of a broader effort to ensure small businesses can thrive, especially amidst current economic challenges. Small business owners in the manufacturing sector stand to benefit from these programs in various ways, especially through access to free courses, hands-on training, and one-on-one consulting. The E2G Program provides targeted assistance to help manufacturers improve growth strategies, operational efficiency, hiring practices, and overall competitiveness. Here’s a closer look at the grant recipients and their initiatives: The Ohio State University (OSU) will focus on central Ohio’s manufacturing industry, offering specialized training for roles such as assemblers, inspectors, and machinists. The Center for Design and Manufacturing Excellence at OSU aims to promote essential skills through courses on manual machining, 3D printing, welding, and more. Their comprehensive offerings are structured around four key areas: foundational manufacturing skills, digital and advanced manufacturing, business readiness, and emerging technology integration. A second grantee, the Bluefield WV Economic Development Authority (BEDA), will spearhead the Bluefield BUILD initiative in West Virginia. This program is strategic in alleviating the skills gap by fostering partnerships between small manufacturers and educational institutions. By aligning training efforts with actual business needs, BEDA aims to streamline workforce development and maximize job readiness. The program includes a range of activities, such as operator training for specific manufacturing equipment and soft skills development for job seekers. Lastly, the University of Tennessee Center for Industrial Services (UT CIS) has plans for outreach throughout Tennessee, especially targeting rural and economically distressed areas. By focusing on workforce training and process improvement, UT CIS will provide services directly at manufacturers’ facilities, ensuring that small businesses facing workforce shortages can access the help they need. The implications of these initiatives are vast. Small manufacturing businesses will gain access to specialized and localized training, enhancing their ability to modernize and compete in a challenging market. Such resources can be instrumental in not only filling current job openings but also in preparing for future advancements in technology and operational processes. However, small business owners should also be aware of potential challenges that may arise in utilizing these resources effectively. For instance, businesses must ensure they can allocate time for training amidst daily operations. Additionally, the varying scopes of the grant recipients mean that not all small manufacturers will have the same level of access to resources, which could potentially create disparities in training opportunities across different regions. Participation in these programs is designed to be straightforward, but small business owners may need to invest time in understanding how to engage effectively and take full advantage of what’s available. Networking with grant providers and joining local business groups could be crucial in navigating this landscape. For small manufacturers looking for comprehensive solutions to strengthen their operations while investing in their workforce, these initiatives present powerful opportunities. The grants serve as a reminder that federal programs can and do respond to the pressing needs of the manufacturing sector. For additional details about the initiatives and to explore the full potential of Empower to Grow, visit the SBA’s original announcement at SBA.gov. Accessing this supportive framework can open doors for numerous small businesses seeking to enhance their capabilities and strengthen their position in the market. Image via Envato This article, "SBA Grants $1.1 Million to Boost Training for Small Manufacturers" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Keep employees engaged and connected with transparency and beauty. Gear Up for Growth With Jean Caragher For CPA Trendlines Go PRO for members-only access to more Jean Marie Caragher. View the full article

Keep employees engaged and connected with transparency and beauty. Gear Up for Growth With Jean Caragher For CPA Trendlines Go PRO for members-only access to more Jean Marie Caragher. View the full article

The fate of Starmer’s government rests on the economy — but an obsessive pursuit of financial prudence could undermine itView the full article

Here is a recap of what happened in the search forums today, through the eyes of the Search Engine Roundtable and other search forums on the web. The Google Ads sponsored results grouping interface expanded and it is borderline deceptive...View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. Did you know you can customize Google to filter out garbage? Take these steps for better search results, including adding Lifehacker as a preferred source for tech news. If you’re in the market for a solid mid-range model that vacuums, mops, and has plenty of hands-free cleaning features, the Eufy Robot Vacuum + Mop Omni C20 is a great option, and it’s currently 46% off on Amazon, marking its lowest price ever according to price tracking tools. Eufy Robot Vacuum + Mop Omni C20 $379.99 at Amazon $699.99 Save $320.00 Get Deal Get Deal $379.99 at Amazon $699.99 Save $320.00 The Omni C20 has an auto-empty dustbin, and while the mop heads are not washed with hot water, they are automatically cleaned and dried with room-temperature air. This makes the cleaning process low-maintenance, but it does take a bit longer than heated drying systems. It features dual rotating mop pads with 180 rotations per minute and 6N of pressure, while the vacuum function delivers 7,000Pa suction with both a rolling brush and a side brush that better pick up debris, fur, and crumbs. While 7,000Pa performs well for everyday use, it may not pick up embedded dirt and debris on carpeting as effectively, sometimes requiring multiple passes. Still, it’s considered one of the best robot mops of 2025, according to PCMag. It only supports 2.4 GHz wifi, and while battery life is advertised at around 132 minutes on a single charge, it receives mixed reviews on Amazon. Some users say it needs more frequent charging compared to brands like Dreame, and also takes longer to recharge (around three hours). However, unlike Dreame and some other competitors, the C20’s slim height of 3.35 inches allows it to fit under low-profile furniture and get into tight spaces, so you don’t have to struggle to manually reach tough spots like under beds and couches. Ultimately, if you’re looking for a sub-$400 robot vacuum that also mops, your home has mostly hard floors with low clutter, and you’re seeking the convenience of automation over top-tier performance and AI features, the Eufy Robot Vacuum + Mop Omni C20 is a solid option. Our Best Editor-Vetted Tech Deals Right Now Apple AirPods Pro 2 Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds — $199.00 (List Price $249.00) Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge 256GB Unlocked AI Phone (Titanium JetBlack) — $699.99 (List Price $1,099.99) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $299.00 (List Price $349.00) Roku Streaming Stick Plus — $29.99 (List Price $39.99) Blink Mini 2 1080p Indoor Security Camera (2-Pack, White) — $34.99 (List Price $69.99) Ring Battery Doorbell Plus — $79.99 (List Price $149.99) Blink Video Doorbell Wireless (Newest Model) + Sync Module Core — $34.99 (List Price $69.99) Ring Indoor Cam (2nd Gen, 2-pack, White) — $49.98 (List Price $79.99) Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K (2nd Gen, 2023) — $24.99 (List Price $49.99) Shark AV2501S AI Ultra Robot Vacuum with HEPA Self-Empty Base — $229.99 (List Price $549.99) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

Construction projects can be big, complex and often unruly, with regulatory issues, safety concerns, equipment rentals, multiple teams and more. If you want to keep a construction project on track and meet your deadlines, you want construction scheduling software that’s robust and dynamic. What Is Construction Scheduling Software? The term construction scheduling software describes digital solutions that help you make construction schedules via construction project management tools such as Gantt charts, project calendars, to-do lists and dashboards. Construction scheduling tools should enable you to assign project tasks to your construction site crew, track their work hours and daily progress and log any events or issues. However, there are many different alternatives, each with unique features and functionality—which is why we reviewed and ranked the best construction scheduling software out there. What Features Make the Best Construction Scheduling Software? Before we learn about the best construction scheduling software of 2025, let’s review the project management tools and key features any construction project management software should offer. Task management tools: The first step when creating a construction schedule is identifying project tasks and durations. Task management tools should allow you to assign those tasks to team members. Resource management tools: All construction projects involve resources like labor, raw materials and equipment, so seek features to allocate those resources and monitor their utilization and availability as projects are executed. Project planning & scheduling tools: Project planning tools like Gantt charts, kanban boards, punch lists and project calendars are preferred for construction scheduling and planning. Project tracking tools: Look for project tracking features such as real-time dashboards to track team performance and whether task due dates are being met. Project reporting tools: Reporting is fundamental for the successful and timely completion of construction projects. Construction scheduling software with project status reports can regularly update stakeholders. Cost management tools: Construction scheduling tools should also include cost-tracking features such as timesheets, dashboards and budget baselines to help you monitor your project costs. Mobile app: Choose a construction scheduling program with a mobile app so your crew can update project tasks and log hours from the construction site. 2025 Best Construction Scheduling Software Rankings Many products on the market sell themselves as the go-to construction scheduling tool for the construction project manager. But how do they measure up to the task? We’ve thoroughly reviewed different types of construction scheduling tools, including: Construction job scheduling software Construction employee scheduling software Construction resource scheduling software Contractor scheduling software Commercial construction scheduling software Residential construction scheduling software We’ve looked at the best for you—here are our top picks. 1. ProjectManager /wp-content/uploads/2022/03/pm-logo-bggrey.png ProjectManager is online project management software that can be used anywhere and by anyone. Of course, this is a benefit to construction scheduling, where work occurs on-site and among multiple teams. Beyond that, the suite of tools featured offers a means to control every aspect of the construction planning, from organizing tasks, costs and resources to linking dependent tasks and setting milestones to break the larger project schedule up into more manageable bits. That’s in addition to the larger construction project management of construction project planning, construction vendor management, construction cost management and more. Plus, unlike some other online construction scheduling software options on this list, ProjectManager offers a free 30-day trial to try it out for yourself. Schedule With Gantt Charts For example, ProjectManager has an online Gantt chart tool that’s a visual timeline of the project, with tasks represented by a start date and end date. The duration of the task is indicated by a line, which can be easily edited by simply dragging and dropping when and if there’s a schedule change. Use the online Gantt chart to assign tasks to individuals on the team, identify task dependencies and track the critical path tasks of your projects. They can then collaborate at the task level, leaving comments and adding relevant documents and images directly to the task. If any of those tasks are dependent on another being completed before they can begin, the construction project manager can link them, preventing bottlenecks and leaving your crew idle. Track Your Resources Another aspect of construction schedule software that is complex is resource management. Construction requires many different skill sets working together throughout the many phases of the project, and ProjectManager makes it easy to coordinate moving parts with resource scheduling features that chart availability, skillset, cost and allocation of the various workforce and materials. All of this occurs in real time, so the pieces come together as you need them. /wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Team-Light-2554x1372-1.png Streamline Payroll Once you’ve scheduled the work, you can track your crew and streamline the payment process with timesheets that track the hours your team works, whether in the office or on-site. Timesheets can be updated and submitted anywhere for easy review by managers, who can approve with a keystroke. Plus, all your files are uploaded online, where they can be accessed when needed. /wp-content/uploads/2024/05/timesheet-lightmode-good-version-lots-of-tasks-1600x869.png Given all these amazing features at a low price point, it’s clear that ProjectManager is the heavyweight champ of construction project management software. Click here to start a 30-day free trial! Verdict: Best Online Construction Scheduling Software for Construction Project Management ProjectManager Pros & Key Features Online Gantt charts for construction planning and scheduling Resource planning, scheduling and tracking tools for construction Mac-friendly, Cloud-based construction scheduling software with unlimited file storage Free trial is available Mobile app for Android and iOS ProjectManager Cons & Limitations Limited customization features No payment or invoicing tools Lacks construction bidding functionality No free plan Pricing Team: $14.00 user/month Business: $26.00 user/month Enterprise: contact sales for a custom quote ProjectManager Reviews G2 review: 4.4 / 5 Capterra review: 4.1 / 5 Highlighted User Reviews “ProjectManager works very well with both large and small-scale projects. Being able to use this with anything from a project involving only two members of staff, to hundreds, has been invaluable.” Peter W – from Capterra “We used to manage our projects, resources, and reporting in different systems. Enter ProjectManager. We have consolidated systems and work more efficiently.” Jeffrey M – from Capterra “Having the full scope of activities and who is responsible to do it, plus the time tracking is excellent.” Flavio M – from G2 “It has an excellent accounting system capable of calculating the time that a person has used to develop a task that was assigned to him, I like being able to collaborate with all my colleagues in the Finance sector through ProjectManager.” Jesus C – from G2 “The UI of the application is user-friendly, and it helps to identify what we are looking for with minimal effort.” Pavan H – from G2 2. Procore /wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Procorelogo-600x73.png Construction project managers use Procore for HR, safety and financial concerns related to the construction schedule. It has a place for the many documents related to construction. There’s an employee contact log, with everyone’s certification, though billing is very confusing and, even if understood, not up to the industry standard. Related: Best Procore Alternatives: Paid & Free Options Ranked /wp-content/uploads/2023/06/procore-construction-scheduling-software.webp It’s a decent construction scheduling software for medium to large construction companies, but if you’re running a smaller company, the software is too bulky and likely too expensive. It’s good for end-users, in that it involves them in the planning for future projects and improvements. That said, it’s not great if you’re interfacing with architects and engineers or subcontractors. The integrations are also spotty, including financials, and the bidding module doesn’t update automatically. We’ve also reviewed the best Procore alternatives in case you’d like to learn more about Procore and software that offers similar construction project management features. Verdict: Best Construction Scheduling Tools for Large Projects Procore Pros & Key Features Best construction scheduling software for large projects Document management features for construction management Project cost tracking and budgeting tools Time tracking features for managing the construction site Compatibility with Microsoft Project and Primavera P6 Mobile app for Android and iOS Procore Cons & Limitations Procore only offers two project scheduling views, Gantt charts and project calendars Complex construction scheduling tool with a steep learning curve Limited resource planning tools for managing resource allocation Gantt charts don’t track task costs No free trial No free plan Procore Pricing Procore requires a custom quote Procore Reviews G2 review: 4.6 / 5 Capterra review: 4.5 / 5 Highlighted User Reviews “Procore is the king of remote working especially for administrative tasks.” Andy G – from Capterra “User friendly and easy to navigate with little to no training.” Sienna W – from Capterra “I enjoy the Procore Learning Center, which helps me when I am unsure of how to start or edit a task in Procore.” Olivia E – from G2 “We use Procore daily and it makes management of a project so much easier.” Lise B – from G2 3. BuilderTrend /wp-content/uploads/2023/06/buildertrend-logo-construction-software.png BuilderTrend is construction schedule software for construction managers and contractors. It has a Gantt chart to create construction schedules and an intuitive user interface. If you run into any trouble, they provide good customer support. It’s expensive, but you’re paying for that hand-holding, among other things. Related: Best Buildertrend Alternatives: Free & Paid Options Ranked /wp-content/uploads/2023/06/buildertrend-construction-scheduling-software.webp The dashboard is especially well-designed and there are strong reporting tools. Both of these features are critical to keeping to your construction project schedule. However, there’s no free version, so if you’re interested in the software, you’ll have to pay. The estimating functionality, which is an important part of any construction scheduling software, is poor and very labor-intensive. Another frustrating aspect is that there aren’t alerts to let users know when they have a message. Verdict: Best Residential Construction Scheduling Software for Independent Home Builders BuilderTrend Pros & Key Features Intuitive interface makes it easy to use Good customer support helps with any questions Customer relationship management tools Basic construction project scheduling tools like Gantt charts, calendars and to-do lists Mobile app for Android and iOS BuilderTrend Cons & Limitations Gantt charts lack resource management and cost tracking features Lightweight construction project management feature set and functionality The software monthly subscription fee is expensive No free plan No free trial BuilderTrend Pricing Essential plan: $499 per month Advanced plan: $799 per month Complete plan: $1099 per month BuilderTrend Reviews G2 review: 4.2 / 5 Capterra review: 4.5 / 5 Highlighted User Reviews “Buildertrend has been a very helpful solution for our construction business.” Janelle B – from Capterra “Very easy to keep track of various different elements throughout construction.” Brandi G – from Capterra “I love that Buildertrend is a one stop shop for everything building related.” Paige M – from G2 “What I love most about Buildertrend is how user-friendly it is.” Antonio C – from G2 4. CoConstruct CoConstruct is a popular construction software with limited scheduling features. It’s web-based and used by contractors, modelers and design-build companies. It has features such as activity planning, scheduling, estimating, budgeting and communications. One of the pluses of CoConstruct is that it’s easy to customize and has good customer service if you need assistance. However, one downside for those who are window shopping is the fact that CoConstruct doesn’t offer a free trial. /wp-content/uploads/2023/06/co-construct-construction-scheduling-software.png It’s also expensive and has limited integrations, which can frustrate users who are interested in a system that works with their other software packages, related to construction or not, such as accounting and social tools. Verdict: Best Construction Scheduling Software for Residential Building CoConstruct Pros & Key Features Scheduling software equipped with timesheets Cost estimating features for construction teams Easy-to-use task lists for project scheduling Mobile app for Android and iOS CoConstruct Cons & Limitations Limited construction project scheduling tools Missing important resource management tools like workload charts and resource utilization dashboards Pretty expensive compared to some other construction scheduling software No free trial No free plan CoConstruct Pricing Standard plan: Starts at $99/month and then increases to $299/month after 2 months Plus plan: Starts at $200/month and then increases to $299/month after 3 months CoConstruct Reviews G2 review: 4 / 5 Capterra review: 4.7 / 5 Highlighted User Reviews “I’ve truly been impressed with CoConstruct’s customer service, webinar, and coaching availability.” Sam G – from Capterra “I like that, once all of your templates, specs, and trade partners are populated, it is very easy to build professional looking proposals.” Becky S – from Capterra “Estimating and job tracking features all in one place.” Brandee V – from G2 “The clients can see precisely what we intend to build and the materials we will utilize.” Jorge P – from G2 5. Workyard /wp-content/uploads/2024/07/workyard-logo.png Workyard is built from the ground up to support the needs of fast-moving construction and field service businesses. Workyard’s contractor scheduling software is part of a workforce-management system that includes time-tracking, task tracking, labor compliance, and other tools. /wp-content/uploads/2024/07/workyard-UI.webp Widely praised for its ease of use and accuracy, Workyard’s GPS tracking system is precise enough to automatically clock workers in when they enter a jobsite. Meanwhile, Workyard’s scheduling tools can duplicate tasks, create repeating assignments and provide job checklists (while collecting worker notes) to ensure everyone’s on the same page with every task. New tasks or updates automatically trigger notifications to applicable workers so no one’s confused or left behind. There are bulk-edit scheduled entries, review and/or approve time off requests and review a real-time map view of all active worker locations to always send the most suitable tech to any job. However, Workyard might not be the choice for small-to-medium sized construction firms for monitoring and managing their workforce. Pricing, especially if using multiple apps, can get expensive. Other issues include not being able to view all workers at one time and users have complained about difficulty changing time entries for employees who forgot to log in. Verdict: Best Construction Scheduling Software for Workforce Management Features Workyard Foreman Pros & Key Features Intuitive drag-and-drop interface for calendar management Easily assign crew members to projects and locations Instantly push schedule updates to mobile devices to your team Accurate GPS-based time tracking Automatic overtime alerts and reminders for mandatory breaks Quick communication between office staff and field personnel Workyard Cons & Limitations No optional SMS alerts for scheduled tasks No native CRM integrations Privacy-conscious workers may not like location tracking No free plan Workyard Pricing Time Tracking: $6 / month per user (plus $50 company base fee) Workforce Management: $13 / month per user (plus $50 company base fee) Workyard Reviews G2 review: 2.5 / 5 Capterra review: 4.8 / 5 Highlighted User Reviews “My experience has been fine although I wish it was a bit more hands off.” Patrick D – from Capterra “We have loved getting onto digital timecards, and have found the direct export from Workyard to our payroll company to greatly reduce payroll errors and delays.” Sam D – from Capterra “GPS tracking, Geotag and Timesheet, Very basic and easy to use.” Isaac K – from G2 “Helpful… very helpful and user-friendly” Ankita B – from G2 6. Contractor Foreman /wp-content/uploads/2024/12/contractor-foreman-logo.png Contractor Foreman is construction scheduling software for construction contractors. It facilitates tasks such as managing bids, estimates, sub-contracts, work orders and more. In terms of construction scheduling, it offers Gantt charts, kanban boards and task management tools like to-do lists, punch lists and daily logs. It’s a good alternative for managing administrative tasks and construction management documents such as invoices, bills and permits. /wp-content/uploads/2022/05/contractor-foreman.webp However, while Construction Foreman can be used as a construction scheduling software due to its task management tools, it doesn’t offer a robust set of project management tools. For example, it lacks resource planning tools like workload charts or project dashboards, which are essential for creating a realistic construction schedule. Another drawback of this software is its outdated user interface and lightweight features. Verdict: Best Construction Employee Scheduling Software Contractor Foreman Pros & Key Features Unlimited user monthly license fee Various task management tools like kanban boards, task lists and daily logs Simple, easy-to-use project tracking tools are ideal for monitoring daily project progress Daily logs, job costing and work order tracking Free trial Contractor Foreman Cons & Limitations Overly simplistic user interface results in a poor user experience Lightweight construction project management tools Limited resource planning, scheduling and monitoring features No free plan Contractor Foreman Pricing Basic: $49 per month Standard: $79 per month Plus: $125 per month Pro: $166 per month Unlimited: $249 per month Contractor Foreman Reviews G2 review: 4.5 / 5 Capterra review: 4.5 / 5 Highlighted User Reviews “I like the interface, the ability to customize and integrate” Jessi J – from Capterra “My experience has been very positive. I appreciate the live chat function that is available during business hours.” Rafael V – from Capterra “It has made it possible to organize all processes efficiently, and the information is always up-to-date and verified.” Loyda V – from G2 “I enjoy that it can house everything I need for my projects and has a client portal.” Kristin B – from G2 7. e-Builder The good thing about e-Builder is that it’s made with scheduling government projects in mind. It helps with updating submittals, communications and invoicing. It, however, is a bit of an uphill battle to learn how to use it. Once you clear the training hurdle, it organizes documents easily and has notifications, which help with updates and changes throughout the project. The layout can be confusing; it’s cluttered and overwhelming but does offer a lot of specifics related to managing government-issued projects. /wp-content/uploads/2023/06/e-builder-construction-scheduling-software-1.webp It has a nice scheduling feature, which helps manage large organizations with many employees, but the usability isn’t ideal or intuitive compared to most construction scheduling programs. It also doesn’t autosave, which can be problematic. Verdict: Best Construction Scheduling Software for Capital Improvement Projects e-Builder Pros & Key Features Helps contractors and project owners create construction reports Equipped with document management features for construction bidding Mobile app for Android and iOS e-Builder Cons & Limitations User interface has an outdated look and feel Limited Gantt chart project scheduling functionality Lack of resource planning tools No free trial No free plan e-Builder Pricing e-Builder requires a custom quote e-Builder Reviews G2 review: 3.7 / 5 Capterra review: 4.3 / 5 Highlighted User Reviews “Very good auditing tool that can help score performance on internal staff and outside consultants or contractors.” Guiseppe S – from Capterra “As a Construction manager, I have visibility over key metrics to support project management.” Bryan H – from Capterra “It helps keep all the projects very organized and you can run reports by numerous subjects , people or projects.” Alesa R – from G2 “This software covers all the bases from documentation to project closeout as needed for a construction project.” Yash C – from G2 8. Smartsheet /wp-content/uploads/2023/05/smartsheet-logo.svg Communication is key to good construction scheduling and executing that schedule. Smartsheet is a nice program to streamline and add efficiency to your project communications. With Smartsheet, work is managed so that construction projects can stay productive through better communication. /wp-content/uploads/2023/10/LODESTAR-project-plan-with-gantt-timeline-smar-smartsheet.png The software also manages the avalanche of paperwork involved in any project, which goes double for a construction project. With improved documentation to capture issues as they arise in a project, teams can collaborate more effectively on Smartsheet. Not only teams but vendors and clients can also be added into the loop. All of this saves time and creates more accurate management of project resources. However, Smartsheet lacks strong Gantt functionality, which is critical for making and executing construction schedules and plans. Check our blog to learn about the best Smartsheeet alternatives of 2025. Verdict: Best Construction Scheduling Software for Scheduling Templates Smartsheet Pros & Key Features Workflow management features for construction project teams Resource management tools that can be used for construction projects Good for users transitioning from spreadsheets to scheduling software for construction Cost management and budgeting tools Free trial Mobile app for Android and iOS Smartsheet Cons & Limitations Limited offer of scheduling features for construction projects Rigid, spreadsheet-based user interface that lacks the versatility of other tools Some aspects of the software involve a steep learning curve, which make its implementation difficult, especially for larger teams No free plan Smartsheet Pricing Pro plan: $7/user/month, billed annually Business plan: $25/user/month, billed annually Smartsheet Reviews G2 review: 4.4/5 Capterra review: 4.5/5 Highlighted User Reviews “Smartsheet is a great platform for data visualization and project management.” Pathan I – from Capterra “Good for tracking projects but takes some time to learn all of the features.” Marissa P – from Capterra “Automation can save hours of time by automatically sending emails and reminders to ensure we meet our deadlines.” Amy S – from G2 “Easily allows a sharable document that concurrent users can view and make live changes to.” Steven K – from G2 9. Jobber /wp-content/uploads/2024/07/jobber-logo-transparent.png Jobber is a scheduling software that’s designed to help independent construction contractors and small construction firms run their daily operations. It offers tools for tasks such as quoting, online booking, payment processing, invoicing and job scheduling. In terms of construction scheduling, it’s equipped with to-do lists, calendars and notifications to help construction teams stay on top of their work. /wp-content/uploads/2023/06/jobber-screenshot-e1703882707303.webp However, while Jobber is a useful tool, it’s not ideal for planning or scheduling construction projects because it lacks key features such as Gantt charts and project tracking dashboards. It also lacks tools for monitoring resource utilization and availability which play an important role in the construction scheduling process. It’s good for teams that need a solution to organize their work, rather than teams that need fully-featured construction project scheduling software. Verdict: Best Construction Job Scheduling Software for Independent Contractors Jobber Pros & Key Features Unlimited user monthly license fee Various task management tools like kanban boards, task lists and daily logs Simple, easy-to-use project tracking tools Daily logs, job costing and work order tracking Mobile app for Android and iOS Free trial Jobber Cons & Limitations Overly simplistic user interface results in a poor user experience Lightweight construction project management tools Doesn’t have Gantt charts Limited resource planning, scheduling and monitoring features No free plan Jobber Pricing Core: $49 per user, per month Connect: $129 per month, up to 5 users Grow: $249 per month, up to 15 users Jobber Reviews G2 review: 4.5 / 5 Capterra review: 4.5 / 5 Highlighted User Reviews “I like it better than other CRMs because I do everything on my phone really.” Nick G – from Capterra “It is fine for doing exactly what the designers of the software want it to do. It’s simple to use.” Heather K – from Capterra “I use Jobber everyday, to keep my scheduled route the most efficient and to know where my crew will be.” Kristi S – from G2 “It helps me keep track of client requests, send out quotes that get approved quickly, and invoice clients easily.” Eliseo M – from G2 10. B2W Software /wp-content/uploads/2023/06/b2w-construction-software-logo-1.png B2W Software is an estimating software for civil construction and bidding. It helps contractors bid faster, more accurately and within their business strategy. Therefore, it’s helpful for construction scheduling in that it helps create accurate estimates for cost, labor, tasks, materials and equipment. /wp-content/uploads/2023/06/b2w-construction-scheduling-software-1600x805.webp It has a central resource database and a work breakdown structure (WBS) and can be used simultaneously by multiple estimators. An issue, though, is that if a user mistakenly changes a production rate or cost, you can’t undo that change. There are also costly maintenance fees each year and the cost, which is only provided upon request, can get expensive. And to add more users only jacks up that price further. Verdict: Best Construction Resource Scheduling Software B2W Pros & Key Features Ideal cost-estimating features for construction management Work logs for tracking employee hours and equipment utilization Simple resource planning and reporting tools Mobile app for Android and iOS B2W Cons & Limitations Limited construction project planning, reporting and tracking tools Doesn’t offer Gantt charts unlike most construction project scheduling software Narrow feature set, focuses on basic resource planning No free trial No free plan B2W Pricing Contact the company for a quote B2W Reviews G2 review: 4.5 / 5 Capterra review: 4.5 / 5 Highlighted User Reviews “I like that the software is very user-friendly and pretty straightforward.” Diana G – from Capterra “Overall it’s a legacy software that new competitors will likely overtake unless Trimble (who just purchased B2W) brings it into modern times with competitive pricing.” Shane A – from Capterra “I was using this software to bid on projects & estimate the labor hours as well as calculate the quantities.” Vinesh S – from G2 “B2W is great, and has saved us time and allowed us to bid more projects, thus making more money each year.” Joe P – from Capterra 11. eSUB /wp-content/uploads/2023/06/eSUB-logo-construction-software.svg eSUB is construction scheduling software that is made for subcontractors. It has features that allow them to create field notes, make daily reports, create and approve requests for information (RFIs) and schedule equipment. /wp-content/uploads/2023/06/e-sub-construction-scheduling-software.webp In terms of scheduling, there are calendars that capture contractors’ schedules and track the project. This software works best for small to mid-sized subcontractors, such as electrical, mechanical and other specialty trades. However, users better not make any errors in the submission because if they do they can’t be erased. While it’s good for much of a subcontractor’s job, it’s not ideal for planning or scheduling projects due to its lack of project management tools. It’s also not built for service work or any short-term project that is only a week or two in duration. Verdict: Best Construction Scheduling Software for Subcontractors eSUB Pros & Key Features Helps subcontractors make field notes Single platform for document management Free trial Mobile app for Android and iOS eSUB Cons & Limitations No real project scheduling tools other than task lists to assign due dates, missing tools like Gantt charts or project calendars Limited project management feature set, focuses on construction document management No dashboards for a high level project tracking and reporting view eSUB Pricing Base plan: $49 user/month billed annually Advanced plan: $69 user/month billed annually eSUB Reviews G2 review: 4.1 / 5 Capterra review: 4.4 / 5 Highlighted User Reviews “I like eSUB for keeping track of time and progress on the job.” Patrick D – from Capterra “Very positive. The support team is excellent. I have only had a few issues, but they have been addressed swiftly every time.” Ron M – from Capterra “One platform for daily reports, field notes, RFI’s, Submittals, PO’s, CO’s & reports for tracking productivity is why we have been impressed with this software.” Tom H – from G2 “There are multiple tabs where I can visit different areas of the project to keep track of progress and how the daily activities are going.” Robert B – from G2 12. AutoDesk Construction Cloud /wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Autodesk-build-logo.png AutoDesk Construction Cloud is a great tool for connecting your office staff with workers in the field. It connects workflows and helps teams securely collaborate. It’s made up of many different products, a fact that’s good and bad. It’s nice to have many tools, but each comes with its own pricing structure which can get expensive. /wp-content/uploads/2023/06/autodesk-build-construction-scheduling-software.webp It’s a great product for transferring files and keeping your team informed. But some of its products, such as the BIM 360 Document Management are confusing and customer service is hard to reach and often not helpful. This is more of a construction management software than a construction scheduling software, however, it does help get everyone on the same page with the construction project schedule and communicate any changes to that schedule, which is a critical part of staying on track. Verdict: Best Construction Scheduling Software for Workflow Management Autodesk Build Pros & Key Features Connects office and field teams with meeting planning features Part of a software platform that includes other construction management products for sale Gantt charts allow users to enter detailed task management information Free trial Mobile app for Android and iOS Autodesk Build Cons & Limitations Autodesk Build is sold separately from other construction software that’s needed for construction project management Lacks resource management tools like workload or resource allocation charts The software is sold at a flat price for unlimited users but it’s expensive Users need to buy multiple products for a fully featured construction project scheduling software No free plan Autodesk Build Pricing Autodesk build: $145 per month Autodesk Reviews G2 review: 4.4 / 5 Capterra review: 4.3 / 5 Highlighted User Reviews “Great. The app is extremely intuitive so the learning curve is reduced and simple. Just looks more complicated than it really is.” Mathew H – from Capterra “Overall it was okay. The implementation team (3rd party vendor who sold the bundle to us) could have been better, but the product itself was overall good.” David S – from Capterra “I find the submittals section very helpful and intuitive when sending in shop drawings.” Carl T – from G2 “ACC has been phenomenal for working remotely. It’s also been great for sharing content with external partners.” Jeff B – from G2 13. Buildxact /wp-content/uploads/2023/06/buildxact.webp Buildxact is construction scheduling software equipped with Gantt charts that helps run projects with flexible scheduling and keeps them on budget with cash flow and profit tracking. It also helps to estimate jobs and order materials, which is key data for creating construction schedules. /wp-content/uploads/2023/06/buildxact-construction-scheduling-software.webp Another plus is that the company is open to suggestions for improvements from its customers, which is a great way to retain a happy consumer base. The trouble with that is there’s a lot of room for improvement. Customers have complained about the software’s inability to adjust purchase orders after they’ve been created. The customizing of quotes is unnecessarily complex as are some of the other features, such as advanced editing. Also, the pay structure can get expensive fast if you want more features and users. Verdict: Best Construction Scheduling Software for Small Builders Buildxact Pros & Key Features Tracks cash flow and profit Estimates jobs and order materials Pre-built construction scheduling templates Digital material takeoff features Mobile app for Android and iOS Free trial Buildxact Cons & Limitations Expensive compared to other scheduling software for construction in this list No task or workflow management, missing basic tools like task lists or daily logs Limited project monitoring and reporting features No free plan Buildxact Pricing Entry plan: $149 per month for 1 user, $53 per additional user Pro plan: $249 per month for 2 users, $62 per additional user Teams plan: $399 per month for 4 users, $79 per additional user Buildxact Reviews G2 review: 4.4 / 5 Capterra review: 4.6 / 5 Highlighted User Reviews “Buidxact has sped up our estimating and the templates we’ve created have made us a lot more efficient.” Shane W – from Capterra “I quite like the program but the reporting is very lacking so we rely heavily on XERO to do this part.” Emma L – from Capterra “Quoting and take offs are easy, even changing a quote when a client decides to add or change an item.” John K – from G2 “Buildxact is easy to use and set up.” Andrew W – from Capterra 14. InEight /wp-content/uploads/2024/06/ineight-logo.jpg InEight is a construction management software for project owners, contractors and construction project managers who need a high-level view of the key construction project phases. You can use Gantt charts and task lists to create a project schedule along with work planning, cost estimating, budgeting and change management features for managing the key areas of your project. /wp-content/uploads/2023/06/5-1024x645-Resize-1.png However, the main disadvantage of InEight is that it sells its project planning, scheduling and cost management tools as separate software priced individually, which means you’ll need to purchase multiple products to get all InEight features. That’s not the case with most construction scheduling software in this list. On top of that, it lacks key features such as timesheets, workload charts, status reports or project dashboards. Verdict: Best Construction Scheduling Software for Document Management InEight Pros & Key Features Change order management features Critical path analysis features are good for making sure the project is delivered on schedule Good for managing your construction documents Cost estimating and forecasting tools InEight Cons & Limitations Non-intuitive user interface feels outdated and makes the software hard to use Limited Gantt chart functionality for construction scheduling No free trial No free plan InEight Pricing Contact sales team for pricing information InEight Reviews G2 review: 4.3 / 5 Capterra review: 4.4 / 5 Highlighted User Reviews “The software works great for large complicated projects.” Chad O – from Capterra “One source of truth for a large scale project instead of multiple side lists/sheets/data that need to be compiled together.” Deniel A – from Capterra “InEight brings everything the site team needs, it has all kinds of different modules that are suited to all stages of the project.” Abdallah A – from G2 “Powerful tool for cost estimating projects.” Kyle H – from Capterra 15. BuildBook /wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Buildbook-logo-1.png Buildbook is a residential construction scheduling software that offers tools to help contractors and construction firms contact potential clients, prepare proposals and make a schedule for tracking project progress. Some of Buildbook’s key features are cost estimating, invoicing, timesheets and customer relationship management (CRM) tools. /wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Buildbook-timeline-tool.png While BuildBook does a decent job at providing various solutions for residential construction contractors, it lacks many scheduling tools such as Gantt charts, kanban boards and task lists—so it can’t be used as a construction timeline software. On top of that, its project scheduling tools are overly basic. For example, you won’t be able to use its project calendar to allocate resources, identify the critical path of a schedule or identify all four types of task dependencies. Verdict: Best Residential Construction Scheduling Software BuildBook Pros & Key Features Makes it a good contractor scheduling software for residential construction projects Offers CRM tools that help contractors communicate with clients and keep them updated Cost estimating and project budgeting tools Mobile app for Android and iOS Free trial BuildBook Cons & Limitations It doesn’t have a Gantt chart like most construction project scheduling tools Lack of construction schedule management features other than a project calendar tool and a basic task dependency mapping timeline No critical path analysis functionality Expensive solution compared to most construction scheduling programs No free plan BuildBook Pricing Solo: $99 per month per user Team: $179 per month, 2 to 5 users Business: $299 per month, 6 to 8 users BuildBook Reviews G2 review: Not available Capterra review: 4.5 / 5 Highlighted User Reviews “I do believe they will work the issues and help to create a product that is in tune with the current market needs.” Chris K – from Capterra “Overall very positive experience. Very friendly, responsive, and knowledgeable staff.” Tim B – from Capterra “The user experience is clean, simple and easy to navigate.” Serena K – from Capterra “With Buildbook we have everything we need within reach in the office or on location.” Delaney H – from Capterra 16. Fieldwire /wp-content/uploads/2024/05/fieldwire-by-hilti.webp Fieldwire is a construction management software for general contractors, independent contractors and construction firms managing larger residential and commercial projects. With Fieldwire, you can make construction schedules, track the daily progress of job site activities and create punch lists. There are also features to design and store construction documents such as requests for information (RFIs), submittals, specifications and change orders. /wp-content/uploads/2024/05/fieldwire-screenshot-1600x811.png However, Fieldwire falls short when it comes to construction project scheduling due to its lack of features. For example, its Gantt charts don’t have key features such as resource scheduling, critical path analysis or task dependency mapping. Another major drawback is the absence of resource management, cost estimating or project budgeting tools. While these aren’t necessarily part of construction scheduling, they’re related areas that need to be managed closely. Without them, you may make project schedules that don’t align with resource availability, which can cause serious issues—including project failure. Verdict: Best Contractor Scheduling Software Fieldwire Pros & Key Features Good for storing and sharing construction documents like proposals, estimates, submittals and change orders Construction crews can share photos related to project tasks and site inspections Punch lists can be created and tracked using the mobile app at the job site Free plan Mobile app for Android and iOS Fieldwire Cons & Limitations Gantt charts, kanban boards and project calendars have limited project scheduling functionality Lack of cost-tracking tools such as timesheets or dashboards Doesn’t have CRM features like other contractor scheduling software No free trial Fieldwire Pricing Basic: $0 per user, per month Pro: $54 per user, per month Business: $74 per user, per month Business Plus: $94 per user, per month Fieldwire Reviews G2 review: 4.5 / 5 Capterra review: 4.6 / 5 Highlighted User Reviews “Overall I’ve been very satisfied with using Fieldwire as a field report and punch list tool.” Patrick B – from Capterra “Information at our fingertips is essential, and Fieldwire readily enables us to access information easily and quickly on the job site, be it from a laptop, iPad, or smart phone.” Corey K – from Capterra “Exporting and sharing plans with others is super easy and means you’ll never need a file sharing service to send plans.” Mike P – from G2 “We are able to keep track of progress, materials and scheduling easily.” Shannen H – from G2 17. Microsoft Project /wp-content/uploads/2020/01/MS_Project_Logo.png Microsoft Project can be used as construction scheduling software, though it was not specifically designed for the construction industry. It is notable for features such as task scheduling, resource allocation, cost tracking and reporting. For example, it has task dependencies, subtasks and can assign resources to those tasks. It can also analyze the critical path to avoid delays. Where it excels is with kanban boards, which is useful for task management and workflow visualization. Because it’s a Microsoft Project, it seamlessly integrates with other Microsoft tools, such as Office, Power BI and Outlook. /wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Microsoft-Project-Professional-1600x867.jpg Like others on this list, there is no built-in timesheet, though it can integrate with third-party tools at an extra cost. That is to say, users will have to work at making this tool friendly to construction needs. It doesn’t have advanced features like building information modeling (BIM), detailed material tracking or construction-specific cost management. Like many MS products, there’s a steep learning curve and, when managing larger projects, the interface can become cluttered and difficult to navigate. There’s a mobile app, but with only basic functionality. This is an office-based project management software and its field-level management is limited. The product can get very expensive when adding advanced features. Verdict: Best Construction Scheduling Software for Kanban Boards Microsoft Project Key Features & Benefits Ideal for those who use other similar Microsoft solutions like Teams, Planner or Lists Task management tools, such as kanban boards visualize workflow Free plan and free trial Mobile app for Android and iOS Microsoft Project Cons & Limitations Has a very limited feature set compared to most construction scheduling software Depends on integrations and paid add-ons, which adds to the cost There are no built-in timesheets Mobile app has only basic functionality Microsoft Project Pricing Standard: $679.99 (one-time purchase) Professional: $1,129.99 (one-time purchase) Microsoft Project Reviews G2 review: 4/5 Capterra review: 4.4/5 Highlighted User Reviews “It’s a powerful tool for managing complex projects, offering detailed features like task scheduling, resource allocation, and progress tracking.” Mazhar A – from Capterra “The quality of MS Project output is often sufficient for the requirement of most projects.” Paul B – from Capterra “I love the automatically generated gantt charts and the timeline feature.” Eric B – from G2 “It is easy to set up a project plan using templates provided in MS Project.” Alex N – from G2 18. Primavera P6 /wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Primavera-P6logo.png Primavera P6 is construction scheduling software developed by Oracle. It’s made to be used when managing large-scale construction projects with scheduling capabilities that allow for complex and detailed project timelines. It has multiple project views, including Gantt charts, resource histograms and network diagrams. There’s also resource planning and management to track labor, materials and equipment allocation. /wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Primavera-P6.webp However, the software doesn’t have built-in timesheet functionality as part of its core features. It is mainly focused on scheduling, resource management and cost control. But those tools are complex and require a steep learning curve to command, which means training and resources allocated to navigating and setting up projects. To add insult to injury, this tool is expensive. Small-to-medium sized companies will likely not have the budget to use it. For those that make the investment, the software is resource intensive and can be slow, especially with larger projects or handling complex data. Verdict: Best Construction Scheduling Software for Complex Projects Primavera Key Features & Benefits Robust scheduling features Multiple project views Mobile app for Android and iOS Free trial Primavera Cons & Limitations Steep learning curve Expensive and resource intensive No built-in timesheets Can run slow for larger, complex projects No free plan Primavera Pricing Users can acquire a desktop license or pay a monthly subscription for the online service for any of these and other versions of Primavera. Primavera P6 Enterprise Project Portfolio Management: $2,750 Primavera P6 Progress Reporter: $950 Primavera P6 Professional Project Management: $2,500 Primavera Reviews G2 review: 4.4/5 Capterra review: 4.4/5 Highlighted User Reviews “The schedule is very easy to observe. Easy to operate. I use it frequently.” Srinidhi S – from G2 “I call it the best Project control and scheduling app for construction projects.” Amirshahab S – from Capterra “Comprehensive set of tools for managing projects, from planning and scheduling to execution and monitoring.” Muzammil H – from G2 “Oracle PrimaveraCloud provides a comprehensive project management solution for projects of any size and complexity.” Coraly C – from Capterra What Are the Main Benefits of Using Construction Scheduling Software? You can use analog methods, tools and techniques like PERT charts or network diagrams to make a construction project schedule, but there are many reasons why using scheduling software for construction is a much better choice. Facilitates Project Schedule Management Online Gantt charts, project calendars and kanban boards can greatly facilitate schedule management tasks such as estimating the total duration of projects and identifying critical path activities and task dependencies. These can double as tracking features, which can monitor the status of your construction project schedule in real time. More Accurate Time Tracking and Labor Costs Estimates Construction scheduling software features such as timesheets and workload management charts allow you to assign tasks to team members and monitor work hours, so you can balance workload, track labor costs and process payroll. Track Construction Site Activities and Collaborate Online Online construction software and mobile apps simplify communication and record-keeping. Collaborate in real time, send photos and share files on one platform. This is the ideal way to connect job sites with the construction project management office. FAQs Choosing software for scheduling your construction projects is an important decision, which is why we’ve gathered some of the most frequently asked questions about construction scheduling software and related topics. What Is the Best Construction Scheduling Software? ProjectManager is the best construction scheduling software due to its advanced project management tools and features. Additionally, ProjectManager is an online platform with top-notch team collaboration features such as unlimited file storage, instant messaging and real-time project tracking to help connect teams in the construction site. Is There Any Free Construction Scheduling Software? Yes. While most of the best scheduling software for construction in this list is paid, you can still find some free alternatives. For example, you might find construction scheduling programs with free plans at the expense of limited functionality, or you can also use the free trial period to evaluate various solutions for free. What Are the Types of Construction Scheduling Software? As stated above, there are many construction scheduling tools with unique features and functionality, which are determined by their target audience. The most popular types of construction software are contractor scheduling, job scheduling, commercial and residential. What Is Contractor Scheduling Software? Contractor scheduling software offers features that are specifically tailored to help contractors manage their operations. For example, it can help them communicate with their clients, manage construction documentation, generate invoices, estimate project costs, log daily activity at the job site and more. What Is Commercial Construction Scheduling Software? Commercial projects are large, complex and expensive. Ideally, commercial construction scheduling software should offer project planning, resource scheduling, and cost-tracking features. Because of their scale, commercial projects require a lot of resources which means the schedule must be accurate or else the project cost will increase dramatically. If there’s a discrepancy between your project schedule and the actual project completion timeline, you’ll need to assume many additional, unexpected construction costs. If you’re managing a commercial construction project, you’re going to want the most advanced scheduling and tracking features available to keep on time and budget. What Is Residential Construction Scheduling Software? Residential construction refers to any construction project that makes buildings for people to live in, such as building a brand new home, remodeling one or even making an apartment building of up to four floors, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Residential projects have unique challenges that other projects don’t. For example, the project owner is the person who’ll be residing in the building, which makes them pay special attention to detail and have specific requirements, so you’ll need to constantly communicate with the project owner and keep him updated on progress. Change requests are also common in residential projects, as owners can typically change their minds about aspects of the project, which may require additional planning, estimating and budgeting from the construction project manager. Residential construction scheduling software will have change management features to address these scenarios. Related Content Best Construction Software for Mac Best Construction Management Software for a Small Business Best Construction Software for Mac” Best Construction Estimating Software Making a Construction Schedule: Construction Scheduling Basics 24 Construction Documents (Templates Included) The 5 Construction Phases (Templates Included) 10 Mejores Software de Programación de Construcción 10 Meilleurs logiciels de planification de la construction en 2025 Construction project management is a big field that requires robust and dynamic project management software to handle all its moving parts. ProjectManager is construction project management software that has the tools to plan, monitor and report on every phase of the project’s life cycle. It’s uniquely equipped for construction, with visual workflow features like its kanban boards and online Gantt charts that schedule and help teams collaborate. See for yourself by taking this free 30-day trial. The post 18 Best Construction Scheduling Software of 2025 (Free & Paid) appeared first on ProjectManager. View the full article

President Donald The President said Thursday that he will put import taxes of 100% on pharmaceutical drugs, 50% on kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities, 30% on upholstered furniture and 25% on heavy trucks starting on Oct. 1. The posts on his social media site showed that The President’s devotion to tariffs did not end with the trade frameworks and import taxes that were launched in August, a reflection of the president’s confidence that taxes will help to reduce the government’s budget deficit while increasing domestic manufacturing. While The President did not provide a legal justification for the tariffs, he appeared to stretch the bounds of his role as commander-in-chief by stating on Truth Social that the taxes on imported kitchen cabinets and sofas were needed “for National Security and other reasons.” Under the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, the administration launched a Section 232 investigation in April about the impacts on national security from pharmaceutical drug and truck imports. The Commerce Department launched a 232 investigation into timber and lumber in March, though it’s unclear whether the furniture tariffs stem from that. The tariffs are another dose of uncertainty for the U.S. economy with a solid stock market but a weakening outlook for jobs and elevated inflation. These new taxes on imports could pass through to consumers in the form of higher prices and dampen hiring, a process that economic data suggests is already underway. “We have begun to see goods prices showing through into higher inflation,” Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell warned in a recent news conference, adding that higher costs for goods account for “most” or potentially “all” of the increase in inflation levels this year. The president has pressured Powell to resign, arguing that the Fed should cut its benchmark interest rates more aggressively because inflation is no longer a concern. Fed officials have stayed cautious on rate cuts because of the uncertainty created by tariffs. The President said on Truth Social that the pharmaceutical tariffs would not apply to companies that are building manufacturing plants in the United States, which he defined as either “breaking ground” or being “under construction.” It was unclear how the tariffs would apply to companies that already have factories in the U.S. In 2024, America imported nearly $233 billion in pharmaceutical and medicinal products, according to the Census Bureau. The prospect of prices doubling for some medicines could send shock waves to voters as health care expenses, as well as the costs of Medicare and Medicaid, potentially increase. The pharmaceutical drug announcement was shocking as The President has previously suggested that tariffs would be phased in over time so that companies had time to build factories and relocate production. On CNBC in August, The President said he would start by charging a “small tariff” on pharmaceuticals and raise the rate over a year or more to 150% and even 250%. According to the White House, the threat of tariffs earlier this year contributed to many major pharmaceutical companies, including Johnson & Johnson, AstraZeneca, Roche, Bristol Myers Squibb and Eli Lilly, among others, to announce investments in U.S. production. Pascal Chan, vice president for strategic policy and supply chains at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, warned that the tariffs could harm Americans’ health with “immediate price hikes, strained insurance systems, hospital shortages, and the real risk of patients rationing or foregoing essential medicines.” The new tariffs on cabinetry could further increase the costs for homebuilders at a time when many people seeking to buy a house feel priced out by the mix of housing shortages and high mortgage rates. The National Association of Realtors on Thursday said there were signs of price pressures easing as sales listings increased 11.7% in August from a year ago, but the median price for an existing home was $422,600. The President said that foreign-made heavy trucks and parts are hurting domestic producers that need to be defended. “Large Truck Company Manufacturers, such as Peterbilt, Kenworth, Freightliner, Mack Trucks, and others, will be protected from the onslaught of outside interruptions,” The President posted. The President has long maintained that tariffs are the key to forcing companies to invest more in domestic factories. He has dismissed fears that importers would simply pass along much of the cost of the taxes to consumers and businesses in the form of higher prices. His broader country-by-country tariffs relied on declaring an economic emergency based on a 1977 law, a drastic tax hike that two federal courts said exceeded The President’s authority as president. The Supreme Court is set to hear the case in November. The president continues to claim that inflation is no longer a challenge for the U.S. economy, despite evidence to the contrary. The consumer price index has increased 2.9% over the past 12 months, up from an annual pace of 2.3% in April, when The President first launched a sweeping set of import taxes. Nor is there evidence that the tariffs are creating factory jobs or more construction of manufacturing facilities. Since April, the Bureau of Labor Statistics has reported that manufacturers cut 42,000 jobs and builders have downsized by 8,000. “There’s no inflation,” The President told reporters Thursday. “We’re having unbelievable success.” Still, The President also acknowledged that his tariffs against China had hurt American farmers, who lost out on sales of soybeans. The president separately promised on Thursday to divert tariff revenues to the farmers hurt by the conflict, just as he did during his first term in 2018 and 2019 when his tariffs led to retaliation against the agricultural sector. —Josh Boak, Associated Press View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. Did you know you can customize Google to filter out garbage? Take these steps for better search results, including adding my work at Lifehacker as a preferred source. With this live blog, you can keep up with the best deals the Lifehacker team finds every day, all in one place. Bookmark this page to keep an eye on what we're finding. As always, we use price-tracking tools to suss out the deals that are actually worth paying attention to, not just hype designed to instill a false sense of urgency. View the full article

This week, President Donald The President and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., his secretary of health and human services, suggested a link between Tylenol use during pregnancy and autism. The claim, which has been widely debunked by experts and is not backed by medical science, became instant social media fodder. The President and Kennedy’s announcement included a graphic featuring the words “Autism Announcement,” splashed across a blue background. It quickly became repurposed as a meme by many in the Autism community. “How it feels telling the group chat I don’t want to eat at the restaurant they planned because I don’t like the texture of the food they serve,” one X user posted. “When I’m on a date and they ask me about my hobbies,” another wrote. Summing up the week’s online discourse, one put: “The Tylenol memes have been incredible. What a gift The President gave us.” In his address, The President suggested that pregnant people in America should instead “tough it out” rather than resort to taking the common pain reliever. Unsurprisingly, many pregnant people did not welcome his unsolicited advice and instead responded to his comments by filming themselves popping pills in defiance. “I have a list of things I would be worried about if I were pregnant now in the US but taking Tylenol for my fever wouldn’t be one of them,” reads the caption to one video. “Dear RFK…. kindly go away. Sincerely, a 36-week pregnant person with terrible hip pain,” reads another. To avoid stoking the moral panic that’s since circulated online, it’s worth mentioning many of the videos don’t even show pregnant women taking the drug; if they do, they are taking the recommended dosage. Most have since been taken down, likely due to backlash. Many conservatives failed to see the funny side. “Democrats are now chugging bottles of Tylenol on TikTok,” Calley Means, Kennedy’s health adviser and a key figure in the MAHA movement, claimed in an X post viewed over five million times. “If The President said that oxygen was good, I am convinced there are people out there who would suffocate themselves,” Riley Gaines, the conservative activist known for campaigning against trans women in college sports, said in a video. While the reactions and memes are fun, the problem of health misinformation being peddled across social media is a growing problem. As Forbes reported this week, citing data from the platform analytics company Zelf, TikTok videos about acetaminophen, vaccines, and autism received more than 100 million views in the 48 hours following The President’s announcement. The four most popular of those videos picked up more than 33 million cumulative views. None of the videos included the crucial context that medical science does not support The President’s allegations. As one X user joked, “I’d like to congratulate Tylenol on their upcoming multimillion-dollar lawsuit settlement.” View the full article

Content has long been the fuel for SEO, and its importance continues as AI-driven search relies on rich, trustworthy information. I’ve always believed in doing the “good” and “right” things when it comes to creating content at scale – but even good things can become problems when overdone. Too often, SEO and AI visibility efforts get reduced to publishing more blogs, landing pages, or articles in the pursuit of quick wins that executives want to see. While content is critical, treating SEO as a production machine creates the illusion of progress. Activity without performance bloats sites with duplicative, commoditized, or low-value pages that both search engines and customers overlook. Real results come when content is balanced with technical SEO, authority building, and alignment to business goals, not when output becomes the strategy itself. Breaking free from a content-only mindset means broadening how we define SEO success. The following areas show where to shift focus and rebalance your strategy. Seek out content bloat Use audits – whether with third-party crawlers, AI tools, or manual reviews – to surface low-value content. This includes: Duplicative or outdated pages. Content that’s confusing or poorly aligned to your niche, audience, or value proposition. Realign SEO goals If your objectives are tied too heavily to content, are vague or incomplete, or are linked only to tactics rather than a robust, leading – not trailing – strategy, they’re due for a reset. Step one is to revisit your overarching SEO and visibility goals. Then connect those goals directly to your content strategy – focusing on quality over volume – and map each piece to a funnel stage, customer journey touchpoint, or specific ROI metric. Dig deeper: How to blend AI and human input in your content approach Integrate technical SEO When content dominates your SEO strategy, it’s easy to overlook the technical factors that determine visibility. On-page optimization may help, but without attention to site health and user experience, your content may never reach its full potential. Crawling and indexing have always been core to SEO, and they remain critical for both search engines and LLMs. If your content can’t be properly discovered and sourced, it won’t surface for your audience – regardless of quality. Beyond that, factors like page experience and rendering influence how your site is ranked and, more importantly, how visitors interact with it. Poor UX can drive users back to search results, undermining the very visibility you’re working to achieve. Leverage authority building I’ve long said, “great content attracts great links.” That phrase nods to the early days of SEO, and while simplified, it still holds true. The problem is that content alone often creates an “if you build it, they will come” mentality – one that leaves deserved visibility and engagement on the table. Earning backlinks, PR, mentions, and other third-party validation remains vital for both search and LLMs. Leaving these signals out of your planning means missing a key dimension of optimization. Authority building should be integrated into your SEO and content strategy to add purpose and extend the impact of what you publish. Dig deeper: Revisiting ‘useful content’ in the age of AI-dominated search Get the newsletter search marketers rely on. See terms. Adopt a sprint model You can follow agile methodology or use different terminology and approaches, but the key is to define the time periods and milestones that matter. Day-to-day distractions and the habit of piling new tasks onto existing efforts blur where one initiative ends and another begins. Combined with the shifting environment of attribution and measurement, it becomes difficult to set clear starting and stopping points in SEO and AI optimization. When content is the main focus, the instinct is often to do more when results fall short. A sprint model helps break that pattern. By planning efforts in defined cycles, you can measure outcomes objectively and conduct retrospectives. Those insights then help you realign your overall and content strategies, bringing a more data-driven, disciplined approach to each next phase. Dig deeper: How to create content that works for search and generative engines Stop checklist mindsets When I hear about a company’s content strategy, the first questions I ask are: Why are they doing it? What is it producing? How were those decisions made? Sometimes the cadence exists because it’s what the company has always done. Other times, it traces back to a best practices recommendation. I don’t approach those conversations with a fixed cadence of my own, or with the intent to blow up what’s working. In many cases, the timing and tactics are sound. The problem comes when we stop asking questions. Without a regular, healthy review, it’s easy to slip into checklist mode. Any marketing activity that becomes just another box to tick loses its sense of investment and expected return. Instead of weighing the time, money, and opportunity costs against other options, we risk treating strategy like routine busywork. Build cross-functional alignment At SMX West in early 2020 – just before the pandemic – I spoke about the benefits of aligning SEO and PPC. What I couldn’t predict was how essential cross-functional integration would become in the era of AI. Digital channels have always influenced each other, but AI raises the stakes. Brand, UX, IT, search, social, and content all need to work together efficiently. The same goes for marketing, sales, product, and leadership. Integration prevents SEO and AI initiatives from being dismissed as “just marketing tasks.” It ensures they connect to business-outcome-driven KPIs, new measurement models, and company-wide AI priorities. Dig deeper: An AI-assisted content process that outperforms human-only copy Breaking free from content-only SEO SEO has never been about content alone, and in the era of AI-driven search, it can’t afford to be reduced to a publishing treadmill. Breaking free means balancing content with technical health, authority signals, agile planning, and cross-functional alignment. By shifting from sheer output to intentional strategy, you avoid bloat, earn visibility where it matters, and position SEO as a driver of growth rather than just another box to check. View the full article