How to track down the perfect estimating package
Q. I am an estimator with a medium-sized contractor. Having used the same estimating software for over 10 years, I now wish to upgrade to a Windows-based package. Where can I go for help?The key to selecting software is to bravely cast your net as wide as possible and then, by a process of elimination, create a shortlist of two to three systems that match your basic requirements. The best way to compile an extensive list of potential suppliers and systems is to contact an organisation with a software directory such as the Construction Industry Computing Association (www.cica.org.uk), the Construction Confederation (www.thecc.org.uk) or the RICS (www.rics.org.uk). Alternatively, use a software selector in a magazine. Ensure that each company sends you full brochures, price lists, demonstration disks and (preferably) trial systems. When you have drawn up your shortlist, invite the relevant suppliers to visit your offices to give you a full demonstration of their system. A fast-track alternative is to visit a construction IT exhibition such as IT Showcase (www.ITShowcase.co.uk) to get a one-stop direct comparison of suppliers, a brief demonstration of the product, plus detailed information and demo disks. Selected exhibitors should still be invited to visit your offices for a full demonstration. Many suppliers prefer this approach, as they can ensure their product suits your basic needs and budget before they spend time and money visiting your office. Your final choice of system should suit the way you want to work now and in the future. So ensure it is true 32-bit Windows and not an 8/16-bit hybrid or DOS with a Windows-like front-end. Remember that software should not necessarily change the way you work, but should make you more efficient in carrying out your daily tasks. Upgrading to Windows was a major hiccup for suppliers of estimating, accounts and similar packages. Some early upgrades were simply a Windows front-end bolted onto a DOS program, with little change in functionality and often slower performance due to the overhead of Windows. This should all be sorted out now but any negative experiences may be due to difficulties in this transition phase. A second change in the last 10 years is the disappearance of some well-known names such as Manifest following a period of mergers and acquisitions. A further change is the move on the part of some software houses from perpetual licences to annual rentals as a way of charging for their products. With the perpetual licence or ‘sale’ model, such things as support, training, major upgrades and customisation could all be charged as extras on top of the basic software price. Some, if not all, of these charges may be included in the annual rental model. It is important to make sure you know exactly what you are getting from each potential supplier. Estimating software can offer a price book or schedule of rates, either as an optional extra or as part of the basic package. Not everybody wants this feature and specialist contractors may only want part of the price book. The usual advice for choosing any IT software applies: look at more than one option, check pricing carefully, speak to other users of each product, and make sure your chosen product meets your own business needs and not someone else’s. Lastly, are you happy with the supplier? A smooth sales pitch is no more than that: you are entering into a relationship and any negative feelings should be investigated.
Paul Watkins
Ian Hamilton
IT Query?
Send it to our experts at IT Clinic, Construction Manager, 7th floor, Anchorage House, 2 Clove Crescent, London E14 2BE. Alternatively, email construction_manager@buildergroup.co.ukSource
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