the value of estimating software - bicsi ed... · estimating the bill of materials efficiently....

The Value ofEstimating Software

Presenter

Ed CoffinProduct Advisor/Product Trainer/Database Consultant

ConEst Software Systemswww.conest.com

Topics Discussed

Estimating today and in the future

Accountability and Credibility

The Value of Estimating Software

Estimating in a slow economy

Estimating and Project Management

Established estimating techniques


• Spreadsheets• Pencil and Paper

Brief History of Estimating

• Software Programs

Methods

Other Construction Trades


Project Plans - Counting and Measuring

• Only part of the Estimating Process Estimating the Bill of Materials Efficiently

Technology and Estimating

Digital Plans, Onscreen Counting and Measuring

• Time Consuming

Saves Estimating Time

Saves company resources

Earth friendly

Organize your Counts and Measures

Assign Parts to Each Device Count

Complete your Estimate Quickly and Efficiently


• CSI Master Formats

ITS industry is evolving at the same time the construction standards are evolving

More than just an estimate

Accountability and Credibility

• Green Formats

• Building Information Modeling (BIM)

• Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)


• Tighter Margins

• More Competitors

• Fewer Projects

Estimating In A Slow Economy Problems

• No. of Projects Estimated vs Projects Awarded


• Most systems are criticized by the ITS industry

Current Estimating Systems - Pros & Cons

Established Estimating Models

• Some electrical estimating software companies have dedicated their time to understanding the needs of the ITS industry

• Years of estimating knowledge and techniques


Established Estimating Models

These companies have worked close with ITS professionals

These companies have developed sound methods for consistent estimating

This partnering of experience and knowledge now gives the ITS professional the tools for efficiency and growth

Current models that meet this criteria


Project Phasing

The Scope of Work

Working Environments: Note specific areas that vary from the rest of the project

First Steps: Understand

Create a Network Diagram of the Design


Project Phasing

Breakdown By:

Cross Connect Location

Physical Location• Building

• Floor

• Wing

• Room

• HC, IC, MC


Project PhasingAdditional Advantages

• Setup Phasing to suit complex tender forms

• Evaluate impacts on labor

• Schedule material and labor more effectively

• Measure your budgets vs actual costs

Bill of Material - Work Bench

Organized Database

Manufacturer Lists

Assemblies / Kit of Parts

Faceplate Components

Voice Components

Data Components

Cables & Patch Cords

Speed and Consistency

Make Decisions

Adjust Labor to Suit Installation Conditions

Summary of Bill of MaterialsMATERIAL LABOR

Store Material Pricing for Multiple Vendors

Adjust for Project Pricing

Global Labor Changes Based on Difficulty

Create Company Labor Standards


Sub-Contractor Costs


Equipment Rentals


Labor Adjustments


Direct Labor Costs


Indirect Labor Costs


Labor Escalation Costs


Miscellaneous Direct Job Costs

Final Price - Summary

OVERHEAD

PROFIT

MISCELANEOUS

PRIME COST

TOTAL COST

BID TOTAL


The estimating process is important, but it’s only the beginning

Estimating and Project Management

Managing the project for maximized profitability is the next and most important step

You now have some practical time saving solution

Integrate your estimate with:

• MS Project

• Accounting Software

• Project Management Software


Project Reporting

AIA Payment Applications

Estimate Summaries

Detailed Price Breakdowns

Purchasing Reports

Labor Scheduling Reports

Field Material and Labor Reports

Unit Pricing

Schedule of Values

Accounting Reports and Integration

Bill of Materials- Summary

Bill of Materials- By Task

Bill of Materials by Installation Cost Code


Task Breakdown by Bid Price

Task Breakdown by Cost

Task Breakdown - Detailed


Project Unit Pricing



Project Management

Manage the estimate you have just been awarded

Setup Customer and Project Contacts

Setup Submittals and To Do lists

Track Phone Memos, RFIs, Transmittals and Misc Documents


Import Project Tasks from Estimate

Setup Start and Finish Dates

Setup Milestones, Dependencies and Constraints

Schedule Labor, Equipment and Sub-Contractors

Scheduling Gantt Chart


Project Management

Estimate and Submit Change Orders

Track Pending, Approved and Rejected Change Orders

Add Approved Change Orders to Schedule of Values

Schedule Material and Labor for Change Orders


Create and Submit Purchase Orders

Schedule Material by Project Task

Create Inventory and Field Requisitions

Send and Track RFQ’s

Purchase Orders


Project Management

Setup Calendar of Important Document Submittal Dates

Store and Submit Documents Electronically

Standardized and Efficient Submittal Process


Project Management

Track Actual Material and Labor per Project Task

Track Equipment Usage

Review Costs by Task and Project Summary

Track Sub-Contractor Progress

Compare Budgets vs. Actual Costs

Project Tracking - Budget vs Actual Costs

By Task

By Project Summary


Project Management

Project Schedule of Values

Project % Complete Status by Task

Payment Application in AIA Format

Application for Payment w/ Retainage

Schedule of Values - Application for Payments

AIA Billing Formats


Project Management

Inventory

Receiving

Reconciliation

Shipping


Project Management

Analyze project history to correct labor for current estimates

Actual Labor is Based on your company’s ability to perform the work

Budgeted labor is subjectionable


Project Management

Company Profiles and Contacts

Project Specific Contacts for Efficiency

Add Approved Change Orders to Schedule of Values

Customer and Project Specific Journal Logging


Project Management

Field Personnel Profiles

Employee Names and Skill Levels

Equipment Profiles

Cost and Billing Rates

Use for Scheduling

Know When and Where your resources are


Project Management

Daily Reports

Labor Activity by Task

Log Daily Weather

Identify and Track Project Issues

Identify and Track Deficiencies

Log Accident Incident Reports


In Conclusion

Estimating Software has evolved along with the ITS Industry

Estimating Software provides Convenience and Consistency

Established Estimating and Project Management Models

Visit us in the Exhibit Hallin Booth #227

[email protected] www.conest.com

Thank You!ConEst

Software Systems