Electrical Estimating Methods, 4th Edition

CHAPTER 24 Computerized Estimating

Computers have clearly added speed, power, and accuracy to construction estimating. They make it possible to produce more estimates in less time, break a job down to a more detailed level for better cost control, manage change orders more easily, test “what if” bidding strategies, and integrate estimating with other commonly used construction applications. However, nowhere in the industry has the efficiency of computers simplified and improved the construction process as much as it has for estimating. Automating the estimating function was revolutionary.

The ability to accelerate what once were slow, tedious calculations, combined with the accuracy offered by computers, has allowed estimators to perform these basic functions more efficiently and cost effectively. Leaving number crunching to the computer allows more time for strategizing and exploring new methods to obtain work.

The estimating and bidding process has always been plagued with last-minute changes. Bids submitted late from suppliers and subcontractors to prevent “bid shopping” have always proved problematic. How can last-minute changes be made accurately? Computer estimating builds in the flexibility of making changes—even at the last minute—without having to retrace steps or redo calculations. By changing just one number, the entire estimate can be recalculated automatically. Prior to computers, this process often took a multiperson staff, or at the very least, extra time to ...