One of the commonly heard terms these days is “big data.” A definition found in a recent Forbes.com article stated that big data is “a collection of data from traditional and digital sources inside and outside your company that represents a source for ongoing discovery and analysis.”
Many times, I’ve been contracted by companies to critique their business, crews and equipment. I spend time in the office, I travel with the field crews for a few days and then I provide an evaluation to the company.
Happy New Year! Another year has ended and a new year begins. What a great time to take a look at your life and take an inventory of things that are important to you and your family, and your business or occupation. What will your goals be this year?
With drilling equipment costs likely to increase in 2014 and beyond, contractors need cost effective solutions and alternatives to ensure that they have the right machine for the job without breaking the bank.
Chris Preston at Xylem has an official job title of Product Manager, but what he’s really good at is problem solving. As one of the speakers at this year’s National Ground Water Association Groundwater Expo in Nashville, he will be sharing his knowledge about troubleshooting submersible and jet pumps.
It’s end of the year and typically work slows a little as we head into the holiday season, giving us time to reflect on our work and the people who have helped us make it through another year. When I think back on the 30 years that I have been in the drilling business, I am grateful that the individuals who have been my boss have been willing to share their experience with me.
As I prepared for the National Ground Water Association’s 2013 Groundwater Expo in Nashville, I wanted to take a look at the state of the industry and offer a few thoughts on its near future.
In my last column, we discussed the value triangle as it relates to developing a cost estimate. This month, let’s talk about another form of estimating: the ubiquitous “budget estimate.” As contractors, we all have been asked to provide this type of cost, which can also be termed a “ballpark estimate.” Before we go into more detail, let’s define the term; and, as always is the case, the definition is in the eye of the beholder.