The construction industry has evolved greatly with the use of new technologies in design and building. Construction estimating software solutions are now available, providing experts with an easy way to plan and manage construction processes. Arriving at cost estimates in construction is not easy and continues to be an important factor in the industry. To run a profitable construction business, efficiency and accuracy are essential. You need critical details to help you with the scheduling and management of your project.
Proper implementation and management of any construction project require a thorough understanding of the costs involved.
Therefore, the right estimation software will be of great impact in promoting efficiency throughout the process. The objective is to pick a cost-effective solution that will give you value for money. To get this, you should put in place the best procedures and practices in construction. Here is how to choose the best construction estimation software:
Understand the Core Functions Needed
Different organizations address this matter in varying ways. However, there are basic principles of detailed analysis and precision. The ultimate goal is to drive accuracy to save valuable resources and time. Don’t go for the platform with the most features but rather those that will match your needs and operations. That way, you will settle for software that is affordable and economically feasible.
Work with an Expert in Construction Software
This is a sure way to avoid getting a construction estimating software you don’t need. Ensure that the people making the decision are guided by an expert in this field. Involve those who will be using the software as well and not the IT team alone. These are the people who will feel the benefit and impact created by the software. The estimating team and management should be involved.
Questions to Ask When Looking for Software Solutions
The choice of a construction estimating software must be made from a well-informed point of view. One of the best ways to arrive at the best solution is by asking the right questions. Here is what you need to establish in your search efforts:
1. Does the software address the specific construction estimating needs? Establish whether the system was designed and developed by professionals in the industry. Only experts can understand the best solution for existing construction estimating needs.
2. Is the software compliant legally and business-wise? Dig deep to find out whether the system meets estimator expectations in legal and commercial aspects. Is it intuitive enough to offer the value needed for construction processes?
3. Is the software developed around a logical procedure? The systems should enhance conventional estimations and not make them complex for use. The idea is not to complicate simple procedures but rather to enhance accuracy and efficiency.
Anything else you should look for? We asked Jeff Gerardi, CEO of a company that specializes in software to help with construction takeoffs, he added “Some key elements you should also check for when choosing your estimation tool include:
- How large is their cost book? Will it cover the kind of projects you’re estimating?
- What integrations do they have?
- Do they have good training options?
- Do they have value-add tools like CRM and reporting?
The Best Construction Estimating Software
The ultimate construction estimating software should serve immediate construction needs in this area. It should be a system designed for the industry, intuitive and reasonable to operate. Most importantly, it should be sourced from a respected supplier in the industry with verifiable references. A great example of such a supplier for cost-data would be RSMeans.
Expensive is not a guarantee for quality. Look at the value you are getting from the software. On the other hand, cheap solutions may eventually be costly especially when they don’t address the construction needs. Ensure your team comprehensively and effectively reviews the available options using their already acquired knowledge of how the software will be applied and used in the business.
Use software professionals’ advice and what they have used in the past. To help you make your final pick, get feedback and read reviews by those who have already used the software. Important areas to look at include the time taken to implement the software and the training needs required. Get to know how much it took to review and revise the software database to make it ready for use.
Customer experience, software responsiveness and expert’s help are essential considerations to make when choosing the right construction estimating software. Ultimately, business needs should be met and value for money attained. That way, you will be satisfied that you picked the right software choice.
