The Value of Estimating Software

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The Value of

Estimating Software

Presenter

Ed Coffin

Product Advisor/Product Trainer/Database Consultant

ConEst Software Systems

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Topics Discussed



Estimating today and in the future

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Accountability and Credibility

The Value of Estimating Software

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Estimating in a slow economy

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Estimating and Project Management

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• Spreadsheets • Pencil and Paper

Brief History of Estimating

• Software Programs  Methods

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 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

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 Saves Estimating Time

 Saves company resources  Earth friendly

 Organize your Counts and Measures  Assign Parts to Each Device Count  Complete your Estimate Quickly and

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• 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)

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• Tighter Margins • More Competitors • Fewer Projects

Estimating In A Slow Economy

 Problems

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• 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

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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

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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

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Project Phasing

Breakdown By:

 Cross Connect Location

 Physical Location • Building • Floor • Wing • Room • HC, IC, MC

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Project Phasing

Additional Advantages

• Setup Phasing to suit complex tender forms • Evaluate impacts on

labor

• Schedule material and labor more effectively

• Measure your budgets

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Faceplate Components

Voice Components

Data Components

Cables & Patch Cords

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Make Decisions

Adjust Labor to Suit Installation Conditions

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Summary of Bill of Materials

MATERIAL LABOR

 Store Material Pricing for Multiple Vendors  Adjust for Project

Pricing

 Global Labor Changes Based on Difficulty

 Create Company Labor Standards

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Final Price - Summary OVERHEAD PROFIT MISCELANEOUS PRIME COST TOTAL COST BID TOTAL

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 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

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The Value of Estimating 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

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Task Breakdown by Bid Price

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Task Breakdown - Detailed

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Project Unit Pricing

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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

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 Import Project Tasks from Estimate  Setup Start and Finish Dates

 Setup Milestones, Dependencies and Constraints  Schedule Labor, Equipment and Sub-Contractors

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 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

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 Create and Submit Purchase Orders  Schedule Material by Project Task

 Create Inventory and Field Requisitions

 Send and Track RFQ’s

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 Setup Calendar of Important Document Submittal Dates

 Store and Submit Documents Electronically  Standardized and Efficient Submittal Process

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 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

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 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

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The Value of Estimating Software Project Management  Inventory  Receiving  Reconciliation  Shipping

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 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

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 Company Profiles and Contacts

 Project Specific Contacts for Efficiency

 Add Approved Change Orders to Schedule of Values

 Customer and Project Specific Journal Logging

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 Field Personnel Profiles

 Employee Names and Skill Levels  Equipment Profiles

 Cost and Billing Rates  Use for Scheduling

 Know When and Where your resources are

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 Daily Reports

 Labor Activity by Task

 Log Daily Weather

 Identify and Track Project Issues

 Identify and Track Deficiencies  Log Accident Incident Reports

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In Conclusion

 Estimating Software has evolved along with the ITS Industry

 Estimating Software provides Convenience and Consistency

 Established Estimating and Project Management Models

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Visit us in the Exhibit Hall

in Booth #227

800-662-7687

[email protected] www.conest.com

Thank You!

ConEst

Software Systems

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