The present invention concerns new associative thickening agents belonging to the category of HEURs. More specifically, a system and method for employing the World Wide Web in a business that vertically integrates the concrete materials procurement, specification, submittals, quotation, testing for compliance with specifications, automated mixture optimization, and manufacturing processes in the construction industries. Other devices associated with the railway signaling devices each have a unique identifier, with two adjacent devices exchanging signals with one another via the rails.