The Value of Estimating Software Presenter Ed Coffin Product Advisor/Product Trainer/Database Consultant ConEst Software Systems www.conest.com
Topics Discussed Estimating today and in the future Accountability and Credibility Estimating in a slow economy Established estimating techniques Estimating and Project Management
Brief History of Estimating Methods Pencil and Paper Spreadsheets Software Programs Other Construction Trades
Technology and Estimating Estimating the Bill of Materials Efficiently Only part of the Estimating Process Project Plans - Counting and Measuring Time Consuming Digital Plans, Onscreen Counting and Measuring
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
Accountability and Credibility More than just an estimate ITS industry is evolving at the same time the construction standards are evolving CSI Master Formats Green Formats Building Information Modeling (BIM) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)
Estimating In A Slow Economy Problems Fewer Projects More Competitors Tighter Margins No. of Projects Estimated vs Projects Awarded
Established Estimating Models Current Estimating Systems - Pros & Cons Most systems are criticized by the ITS industry 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 developed sound methods for consistent estimating These companies have worked close with ITS professionals 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 First Steps: Understand The Scope of Work Working Environments: Note specific areas that vary from the rest of the project Create a Network Diagram of the Design
Project Phasing Breakdown By: Cross Connect Location HC, IC, MC Physical Location Building Floor Wing Room
Project Phasing Additional Advantages Evaluate impacts on labor Setup Phasing to suit complex tender forms Schedule material and labor more effectively Measure your budgets vs actual costs
Bill of Material - Work Bench
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 Materials MATERIAL 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 PRIME COST OVERHEAD TOTAL COST PROFIT BID TOTAL MISCELANEOUS
Estimating and Project Management The estimating process is important, but it s only the beginning 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 Estimate Summaries Detailed Price Breakdowns Accounting Reports and Integration Purchasing Reports Labor Scheduling Reports Field Material and Labor Reports Schedule of Values Unit Pricing AIA Payment Applications
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
Scheduling Gantt Chart Import Project Tasks from Estimate Setup Start and Finish Dates Setup Milestones, Dependencies and Constraints Schedule Labor, Equipment and Sub-Contractors
Project Management Estimate and Submit Change Orders Track Pending, Approved and Rejected Change Orders Schedule Material and Labor for Change Orders Add Approved Change Orders to Schedule of Values
Purchase Orders Create and Submit Purchase Orders Schedule Material by Project Task Send and Track RFQ s Create Inventory and Field Requisitions
Project Management Setup Calendar of Important Document Submittal Dates Store and Submit Documents Electronically Standardized and Efficient Submittal Process
Project Tracking - Budget vs Actual Costs Project Management By Task Track Actual Material and Labor per Project Task Track Equipment Usage By Project Summary Track Sub-Contractor Progress Review Costs by Task and Project Summary Compare Budgets vs. Actual Costs
AIA Billing Formats Schedule Project of Management Values - Application for Payments Project Schedule of Values Project % Complete Status by Task Application for Payment w/ Retainage Payment Application in AIA Format
Project Management Inventory Receiving Shipping Reconciliation
Project Management Budgeted labor is subjectionable Actual Labor is Based on your company s ability to perform the work Analyze project history to correct labor for current estimates
Project Management Company Profiles and Contacts Project Specific Contacts for Efficiency Customer and Project Specific Journal Logging Add Approved Change Orders to Schedule of Values
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 Identify and Track Project Issues Log Daily Weather 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
Thank You! ConEst Software Systems Visit us in the Exhibit Hall in Booth #227 sales@conest.com 800-662-7687 www.conest.com