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Software Takes Off

What needs to be done? What has been done? This is the easy way to find out.

 

Some experts in the field of takeoff software are rare specimens. They know a lot about their subject, they know how it works, they know how it can help us, but they don’t talk as if they are the know-it-alls and the rest of us are the ignorant pupils. It’s most refreshing, if rare. 

Good Reasons for Using Takeoff Software

Every profitable estimate starts with an accurate takeoff and wise contractors are moving away from cumbersome paper takeoff processes to improve their accountability, accuracy, and efficiency. Maxwell Systems offers digital takeoff for those contractors who want to eliminate the cost and hassle of paper blueprints. With digital takeoff, contractors can perform takeoffs quickly and accurately right on their monitor. “The manual method was very difficult, as odd shapes were tough to takeoff and it was challenging to get precise values,” explains Bret Chumbley, vice president at Anderson Commercial Concrete. “We needed to increase the number of takeoffs we were doing, and it was tough because of the time-consuming manual process we used.” Anderson automated its takeoff and estimating processes by turning to Maxwell Systems. “At first we primarily used Maxwell Systems ProContractorMX software for takeoff, and it made a big difference in both speed and accuracy,” notes Chumbley. “Since then it has really sped up our processes and enables us to develop very accurate estimates and more of them.” By using software for takeoff—with digitized or digital plans—sitework contractors can work more efficiently, bid more jobs, win more jobs, and make more profit.

Maxwell Systems will provide solutions specifically tailored for earthwork, so contractors can efficiently takeoff existing contours, proposed contours, spot elevations, and any sitework elements; calculate grade; and quickly identify borings, substrata, swell, and yield. Plus estimators can raise or lower the elevations and strip or replace topsoil as needed to balance their cut-and-fill work for important savings. DG Frondorf and Associates LLC uses Maxwell Systems software for earthwork. “If we do an earthwork takeoff manually, there is a greater opportunity for error,” asserts company founder Daniel G. Frondorf, CPE. “The Maxwell Systems program does exactly what we would do manually, but it’s quicker and more reliable. We can nail down the details to the last cubic yard, eliminating guesswork and waste on the projects. We are able to plug in numbers with certainty and be more accurate in cost estimating and bids.” Maxwell Systems digital takeoff also gives estimators the ability to overlay addendum drawings, flag changes, and eliminate the possibility of missing the changes and additional costs. Because change orders can drastically affect a project’s profitability, some contractors have seen their takeoff software pay for itself with a single won change order.

Maxwell Systems also offers verification features, such as interactive 3D Visual Assemblies, realistic aerial views of existing and proposed elevations, a virtual fly-by tool to survey the site, and a tool to balance an entire site in mere seconds. These features help contractors accomplish takeoff faster and with precision, providing comprehensive data to see the job come together. Christian Mayeske, project manager and estimator for Milton Mayeske & Sons Inc., values these software capabilities in his Maxwell Systems solution: “We have a process that gives us speed and the ability to turn estimates out quickly. And with the verification tools, we can ensure our calculations are not thrown off by errors during takeoff,” comments Mayeske. “Speed and accuracy are critical in an economy that requires contractors to bid more work to remain in business.” Beyond the takeoff and estimate, Maxwell Systems offers seamless business management solutions that help construction companies streamline processes throughout the project life cycle. Tory Tesauro is president of PT Masonry, a contractor using Maxwell Systems ProContractorMX software as its complete, end-to-end business management solution. “ProContractorMX will help us get and stay organized and know our bottom line. Having our plans available in our estimating process and through final payments will be a major benefit. We believe this all-in-one tool will help us run our company more efficiently and increase our profits.”

There is still a place for doing takeoff by hand. It is the foundation for a solid understanding of estimating in general, but companies that don’t also use software—such as that described in this article—are putting themselves at a disadvantage today…and tomorrow.

Note: These are selected excerpts from full article, available as PDF.

Author's Bio: Paul Hull is a freelance author and writes on construction topics for several magazines.

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Sigfusson Northern LTD

Sigfusson Northern LTD uses Maxwell Systems StreetSmarts as its job cost accounting and project management software solution. With StreetSmarts, SNL manages all of the accounting practices and job costs for their seven entities across the U.S. and Canada; maintain information in one place, in one format; manage payroll in-house; track and bill equipment expenses; and streamline workflow between the office and job sites.

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Our Story of Complete Construction Software

Maxwell Systems provides construction software solutions that help contractors to streamline workflow, increase productivity, and improve profitability. Furthermore, we understand that today's contractors must optimize processes across all business areas to gain or maintain an increasingly important competitive edge and ensure a successful business. Critical, to that end, is timely and efficient communication and information access among estimating, job cost accounting, and project management teams.

By using a Maxwell Systems complete construction software solution, you'll be able to better operate your business with increased efficiency and streamlined operations, and confidently increase profitability on every project. You will have the tools you need to accomplish more in less time; taking the guesswork out of reaching true profit potential; and improving financial stability for long-term benefit.

Why Maxwell Systems?

Maxwell Systems is truly unique with its ability to offer contractors a complete, seamless software solution that allows:

  • A new level of continuity and productivity among estimating, job cost accounting, and project management
  • Better insight, analysis, and financial oversight for owners to make informed and timely decisions
  • Improved operational efficiencies, cost reductions, and increased profits

Contractors value having an end-to-end solution from one company:

  • All applications work together seamlessly
  • Efficient access to comprehensive support and services
  • A stable technology partner committed to customer success

How Your Business Benefits

A complete construction software solution from Maxwell Systems provides end-to-end control of your business so you can see a day's profit potential at a glance, identify and prevent potential financial losses, spot discrepancies and errors, and manage projects with accurate information in real-time.

With tailored features designed to fit each member on your team, construction company management software ultimately allows your business to:

  • Attain end-to-end control and increased visibility
  • Achieve easy and accurate reporting with real-time data
  • Optimize project execution for maximum profitability
  • Streamline operations with seamless workflow

The Bid-to-Cash Cycle Explained

Managing each of the key process areas of a construction business – Estimating, Construction Accounting, and Project Management – requires vastly different talents and areas of expertise. The reality is that each of these functional groups is related and dependent on one another.

For your organization to run in an optimal fashion, the groups much work together in an optimal fashion. Together, these functional areas compromise what we describe as the Bid-to-Cash Cycle. And our goal at Maxwell Systems is to provide software for construction so you can bridge the needs of the functional groups, better manage this cycle, and so maximize profitability.

When construction estimating software, construction accounting software, and construction project management software are working together in a seamless system as a complete construction business management software solution, then a contractor is truly poised for optimal profit and productivity.

How does a complete solution fit your part of the cycle? Here are a few examples:

  • Owner: It's all about reducing waste, uncovering lost opportunity, exposing shortcomings, and maximizing resources – all which impact profit and the bottom line. With end-to-end visibility of every project, executives can hone business strategy, improve control of cash flow, and keep financials in the black with accurate ROI.
  • Estimator: Beyond estimating projects, the estimator can access more accurate information in regards to how the project actually performs. This will allow the estimator to improve accuracy on future estimates with actual labor and production rates, updated material prices, and other resource related items.
  • Accounting: Not only a company's construction accounting system, a complete solution helps to streamline the procurement processes for optimal efficiencies and produces more accurate purchasing processes. Additionally, billing processes, inventory issuances, and many other processes are streamlined. Less data entry, better accuracy, and reliable audit trail allow convenience and peace of mind.
  • Project Manager: The seamless workflow from Estimating to Project Tracking allows for a streamlined method of creating the job and then tracking performance against the estimate. Within the complete solution, the construction project management programs also provide the detail required for the Project Manager to understand what the Estimator was thinking when the bid was put together. Plus, by accessing real-time information whether in the office or in the field, the project manager can track progress, be more agile, and better handle all aspects of jobs from beginning to end.

Bottom Line

To succeed in today's competitive marketplace, construction business owners must improve productivity and have end-to-end visibility to see how jobs perform (and turn profit) from start to finish. Maxwell Systems knows construction company software and can be your partner by offering truly unique products (as well as support and services) that address the entire construction project lifecycle – from digital takeoff through final cash payment. Our seamless system provides your company with all the capabilities you need for estimating, job cost accounting, and project management, and ultimately for superior insight and analysis of your business.

Imagine the flexibility and insight by having one solution for estimating projects, for construction accounting programs, and for construction project software! All that and more in one system will help your business be more competitive and profitable.

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