When selecting mechanical estimation software, look for one that can quickly calculate labour costs and material discounts. It should also include a regularly updated database of materials. Ask the software vendor how much training will cost, as this can vary from company to company.
Often the software comes with a default database of construction costs that can be updated on a monthly basis by subscription. However, some builders prefer to maintain their own cost databases for accuracy and consistency.
Cost-effective
Mechanical Estimating Software is a great way to save time and money. It allows contractors to create accurate estimates more quickly and accurately than traditional estimating methods. The software also helps ensure that estimates are compliant with industry standards and regulations. This is especially important when working with complex systems or unique project requirements. It is also important to choose a system that integrates with existing takeoff software, allowing mechanical estimators to eliminate the need for manual on-screen takeoff.
A good mechanical estimating software program will include a large database of piping-specific parts and items, including fittings, valves and piping materials. It should also have a large library of pre-built mechanical assemblies. The software should also allow the user to customize assemblies if necessary. Most estimating programs have labor tables that match standard industry unit labor units published by MCAA (Mechanical Contractors Association of America), PHCC and SMACNA. This makes it possible for the software to automatically calculate labor hours and material costs.
When choosing a cost-effective mechanical estimating system, look for one that provides the most complete set of features. Many of these systems offer a variety of reports, including historical win rates and job costing. Others allow you to run comparisons of actual versus estimated costs, which can help you improve your estimating accuracy.
Mechanical estimating software can save contractors significant amounts of time and money on bids, by automating the process of calculating labor and material costs. It also helps to reduce the risk of overestimating materials and wasting costly resources, which could result in lost profits or lower bids.
While a mechanical estimation software program is typically more expensive than simple add-ons for Excel, the initial investment will pay off in the long run. Most vendors offer a free trial period to test the product and determine if it is right for your business. In addition, many offer flexible pricing options based on the number of users and the number of features you require.
A cost-effective mechanical estimating software should be easy to use, with a clean interface and a flexible layout. It should also support multiple platforms and languages. Some systems also provide training to get you up and running quickly.
Easy to use
When estimating mechanical projects, you need to consider the labor and materials needed to complete a project. This includes reviewing architectural plans, conducting site visits to assess existing conditions and analyzing material specifications and pricing trends. This information can be used to build an accurate cost estimate. A trustworthy estimate builds trust between contractors and clients and helps prevent costly surprises down the road.
A good mechanical estimating software solution allows you to work with a wide variety of formats and outputs. It should also allow you to customize items, assemblies and labor costs to suit your company’s needs. In addition, it should allow you to roll your estimates into quotes and proposals without any hassles.
Some mechanical estimating software vendors offer mobile applications that are compatible with their main program. These apps enable you to do a takeoff in the field and then import it into your mechanical estimating software, saving you time and effort. Be sure to ask your vendor about this feature before you buy.
In addition to an intuitive user interface, mechanical estimation software should include a library of pre-built assemblies that can save you time and money. The system should also provide labor tables from MCAA and PHCC that help you determine the types of labor required to perform a task.
The software should also support various types of joiners and couplings. For example, the software should support soldered, brazed, welded, grooved and pressed joints. It should also be able to recognize different pipe sizes and types. It should also include a database of commonly-used mechanical components, including air handling units, ductwork and sheet metal work.
Another important consideration when choosing a mechanical estimating software is the availability of training videos and documentation. These can be useful for new estimators who may need a little guidance while learning the software. Some vendors offer these trainings in-house, while others can provide them via online courses. Finally, you should also consider the availability of technical support, which is crucial for resolving any issues that arise during the implementation process.
Customizable
In a time when profitability is crucial, it’s important to make sure that your estimates are accurate and reflect the reality of the job at hand. Mechanical estimators must know the local labour rates and availability of materials, as well as take into account risk factors that could affect the project’s costs. Using a mechanical estimating software program can help them do this quickly and efficiently, while also saving valuable field time.
A good mechanical estimating software will have many options for the user to customize their estimate, such as different labor rates, markups and discounts. It will also allow users to enter in values for equipment and equipment connections, which can be used to calculate quantities, prices, and unit cost. It will also include a calculator for piping and sheet metal work, and will provide detailed item cost data for a variety of materials. The best mechanical estimating software will also offer the option to use a standard item cost database or a custom one that’s specific to your business.
The software should be easy to set up and navigate, so that you can get the most value out of it. It should also be able to run on different computers. Some of these programs are cloud based, which means that you can access them from anywhere on any device. This can be helpful if you have employees or contractors working in the field. Some programs will even allow you to grant them project edit privileges, which can be a great tool for collaborating with partners.
Another useful feature of a good mechanical estimation software is its ability to compare a new drawing with an existing one. This can be a great way to speed up the process of addressing addendums and change-orders. It will also save you time by allowing you to quickly identify and highlight differences in the drawings.
A good mechanical estimating software should integrate with BIM models, which can be especially beneficial for large projects. This technology is gaining wider acceptance in construction and can streamline the design and estimating processes. You should ask your software vendor about this and what fabrication equipment it is compatible with.
Robust
Choosing the right mechanical estimation software for your business is essential to ensure that your projects are completed accurately, on time and within budget. It can save you valuable time and money while minimizing the risks associated with inaccurate estimates. This process is accomplished by using a combination of accurate measurements, careful analysis and reliable software programs. It also takes into account any unforeseen costs that may arise on site.
The software allows you to define a job by specifying materials and labor hours, then the program automatically calculates the cost from a database of material and labor prices. This minimizes the chance of leaving out a procedure or miscalculating labor or material prices. It also helps prevent the use of inaccurate data such as stale, outdated labor rates and material prices, which can lead to a significant increase in cost overruns.
Mechanical estimating software is robust and user-friendly, with a number of tools to save you time. It is easy to import plans and digitise them onscreen, making it easier to avoid mistakes and ensure the accuracy of your estimates. It also includes a regularly updated database of construction costs, so you can save time on calculations and stay competitive with other contractors.
Another important feature of a mechanical estimating software is the ability to integrate it with building information modelling (BIM) tools. This can significantly reduce the takeoff process and eliminate manual input into the estimating system. This feature can also help you manage more accurate item cost databases by allowing you to connect your accounting system with BIM models.
Robust mechanical estimating software can help you bid for projects with confidence by helping you identify and estimate costs for a wide range of equipment and piping materials. It can even predict the effects of inflationary pressures on the project. In addition, it can help you find a balance between materials and labor for the best possible outcome.
Lastly, the software also provides you with an easy-to-use takeoff tool for pipe and duct work. This allows you to quickly count all elbows, reducers and tees in the pipe and duct work. The system can even count symbols such as dampers, registers and air handlers for you, making it faster and more accurate. It also includes a pattern search tool that finds multiple occurrences of a symbol, accelerating the takeoff process even further.