Why You Need An Estimating System
You may have asked yourself, "Why do I need to buy a professionally-developed estimating system?" You may have spent days, months or years developing your current system which may range from figuring estimates manually to elaborate spreadsheets or even an in-house developed program. The following paragraphs list a few reasons why a professionally-developed estimating system is the right choice for your company.
Increase Productivity
Investing in estimating software will improve your speed, accuracy, and information quality. Oftentimes, if project information is difficult to come by, a contractor will "wing it," with poor results. Estimating software will provide accurate and detailed project information, so you have the data you need to correctly analyze projects and make better decisions. With the ability to bid on twice as many jobs, you'll have a better chance of winning twice as much work. Because of this efficiency in productivity, labor costs per bid will decrease.
Eliminate Errors & Omissions
Have you ever had errors in the way you are currently estimating? A row inserted in a spreadsheet causing the totals to be incorrect? Item costs that did not get added to the bid? Forgot to add a cost for indirects or bonds? The chances of a miscalculation in a spreadsheet are virtually eliminated with an estimating program. Most estimating systems have built in checks and balances as well as "Check Bid" functions to limit the risk of such errors or omissions. This improved accuracy reduces the time spent correcting bid errors and virtually eliminates unpleasant surprises.
Ease of Training
Estimating software will make the training of new estimators much more efficient. Estimating systems allow experienced estimators to pre-build crews with pre-defined resources and production rates. This capability allows new estimators to get "up and running" with less supervision and less training time.
Reduce System Maintenance
With spreadsheet/in-house estimating programs there are a great deal of time and resources expended in keeping your program "clean" and "current." With a pre-packaged system, the software companies maintain personnel on staff exclusively for the purpose of updating and improving the software. This service will not only free up the estimator to bid more work, it will allow you to have an estimating system that is compatible with the latest computer software platforms and technology.
Standardization
Using a pre-packaged system will give your company standardized structure on every estimate. This ranges from the initial set-up, to building crews or tasks, taking subcontractor quotations, all the way to closing out a bid. This structure improves productivity, reduces errors and improves profitability. Another way a system can assist in standardization is in the output of reports a program can generate. This will allow management to review an estimate in the same manner every time regardless of who put the estimate together.
It's Like Having A Estimator / Programmer On Staff
One commonality between the software industry and the construction industry is they are both very complex and technical. Finding a software company that has experience in both fields is important to ensure that the system you purchase is well designed and includes the key features that most contractors require. The advantage of an estimating package from an outside source is the interaction they have with contractors in a variety of markets. This interaction gives the software company a greater pool resource to continually improve and upgrade the features and usability of the program using the latest technology.
As you as read through the remainder of this proposal, I think that you will see Oman Systems, Inc. is the best solution to your estimating needs. We possess intimate knowledge of the industry, offer a program that can grow with your business, is easy to use and will improve your productivity. Our customer service continues to set us apart from other providers in the market while maintaining the best value for our clients.
