Masonry Magazine March 2009 Page. 22
SOFTWARE & TECHNOLOGY
That ability helps defend your numbers, when an owner looks at four or five other projects and sees a contractor has a history with all those other similar projects," says Watt of his project's benefit as a marketing tool. "No owner wants to think the contractor is cutting their teeth on their project."
WinEst software is available in a number of different levels, depending on the size and need of the purchasing company, and ranging in price from $3,000 to $10,000. In addition, training is offered through a variety of options, including classes at company headquarters, online training with WinEst University, or on site at the customer's location.
Quest Estimator
MAXWELL SYSTEMS, based in King of Prussia, Pa., has had an estimating product on the market for more than 20 years. Currently, their Quest Estimator product offers an all-in-one, fully automated system, from takeoff to bid, and proposal to accounting.
Quest performs takeoff and generates quantities through a digitizer board or imported digital files in various formats, allowing users to perform takeoffs right off the screen using a mouse, says Mike Gillum, director of development-estimating.
"Digital takeoff has come a long way and is becoming more of the norm," he says. "While some architects are fearful of letting digital files go to contractors, it's becoming increasingly popular."
Going Green With Software
Gray Construction, an ENR Top 100 Green Contractor, has reduced construction submittal response time by 60 percent and cut printing and shipping costs by 50 percent by going paperless with Bluebeam PDF Revu. The product is a PDF creation, markup and editing software for the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry. The firm has achieved significant results by sharing construction submittals electronically in PDF, rather than printing and shipping paper.
This greener, more sustainable workflow is being deployed on various projects, including the construction of a new 165,584-square-foot distribution center for Kentucky Eagle Beer in Lexington, Ky. Project team members located throughout the United States communicate faster with Bluebeam PDF Revu than paper submittals allow. The team creates PDFs, compares revisions of PDF drawings with the Document Compare feature, and red-lines PDFs with customizable markup tools, such as text boxes, shapes, symbols and images. Project documents are then emailed, eliminating the need to print and ship.
Gray Construction has deployed Bluebeam PDF Revu Standard Edition and CAD Edition to more than 200 users.
THE ULT
MASONRY
MAST-CLIMBER
Quick installation and ease of operation
Real payload of 150 lbs per linear foot
Optimal loading on step deck mor
Innovative and ergonomic supply line
Our mast climbing work platforms combine safety, sturdiness and capacity for medium to large-size projects. Whether it is for new construction, facade renovation, for laying bricks, blocks or stones, Fraco mast-climbers represent the perfect solution to vertical access. They offer multiple and adjustable work areas and also provide a safe and harmonious work environment for labors and bricklayers. Productivity is guaranteed.
FRACO
www.fraco.com
READER SERVICE #101
20 MASONRY
March 2009 www.masoncontractors.org
The Voice of the Masonry Industry