Estimating Software

Overview

Estimating software is a computer program that helps sales agents give accurate estimates of job costs or repairs to their customers. It can also be used in project management or construction to estimate the price of large construction projects. The software has the ability to break down tasks into sub-bills, which allows for more details in billing and analysis.

Estimating software is used by a variety of industries worldwide. While it is more common in construction, electrical, and automotive industries, it is also used in moving companies, contracting, and insurance companies.

How It Works

Most estimating software is very user friendly and allows a company to complete tasks in ways they couldn't do before. For example, most estimating software works with a program called CAD ESTIMATOR v6, which helps display PDF, DWG, DXF and DWF files without having to print them first. This saves a company time and money by letting workers see blue prints instantly without having to waste paper and ink on unnecessary printouts.

When using estimating software you will be asked a series of questions. For instance, it will ask you to import information like a customer's name and address. The system may also give you industry specific prompts so it can get all the information that is needed to producing an accurate quote for the job in hand.

Benefits

There are 6 major benefits that you get out of estimating software: speed, accuracy, consistency, procurement, better project management, and professionalism. In short, estimating software makes it very easy to give an accurate job estimate to a customer. It also allows a company to define a project with cost codes and improved risk assessments, which ultimately benefit everyone involved in the project.

A company that has the ability to give a quick estimate because of estimating software looks a lot more professional than one that cannot. Estimating software allows a company make quick estimates, which saves the company and customer both time and money. This positively reflects the company and helps build long lasting relationships with customers.

Other benefits of estimating software are that it helps make employees more productive and decreases transportation costs. Everything that is required for an accurate estimate is done within the software and without delays or errors.

Costs

The cost of estimating software varies depending on the complexity of the program. Low-end versions of estimating software range from $100 to $500. High-end estimating software that can be specifically designed to the needs of your company can cost upwards of $1,000. It is important to remember that estimating software is an investment and will return dividends through increased productivity and better revenues streams for the company.

Timing

The best time to get estimating software is before your company needs to make estimates for large clients because the quicker you start using the software the quicker you will get acclimated to it and reap the benefits. However, it is never too late to invest in estimating software and if your company does not currently use it, it is highly recommended to purchase the software as soon as possible.