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62 E L EC TR I C AL CONNEC T I ON
W I N T E R 20 1 6
BEWARE OF THE VARIABLES
T
he cornerstone of any project is a
sound estimate, no matter how it
is created.
However, a computer-generated
version is quicker and more accurate in
terms of calculations, and advances in
user-friendly features allow estimators
to build extensive material databases.
Yet a computer-generated estimate is
not necessarily a panacea, as everything
depends on accurate input.
Manually prepared estimates are
slowly disappearing, but many ‘paper
and pencil’ methods are still in use.
Some contractors don’t trust computers,
having read horror stories about
disastrous results from computer-
generated estimates when the operator
has hit the wrong key.
I regularly see a cross-section
of industry personnel, from small
contractors preparing their own
estimates to multinational companies
employing teams of estimators.
Small contractors usually have
developed an estimating procedure
with its own checks and balances to
ensure nothing has been omitted. If
they are in a dedicated field in which
most of the work is installing specialised
equipment, then they will have records
of installation time and materials that
are accurate down to a few minutes
and dollars.
Big contractors that employ teams
of estimators, overseen by a senior
estimating engineer, use computer
software for all projects.
Some of the more expensive packages
include an online platform designed to
simplify management of the project
tendering process. This provides
estimators with a secure and systematic
way of exchanging information with
suppliers and sub-contractors.
Many large contractors have
developed their own programs; others
use a commercially available program
and modify it to suit their business.
Tendering for major construction
works may require multiple estimators
working on the same project to enable
completion by the closing date.
Many medium-size contractors
are reluctant to change over to
electronic estimating due to discomfort
ACCOUNTING FOR NOT-SO-
OBVIOUS COSTS MAKES THE
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN
DISASTER AND PROFIT.
BRIANSEYMOUR
EXPLAINS.
ESTIMATING