Construction cost estimators are busier than ever today. There is pressure to complete more estimates – faster, with precision while ensuring a good profit margin and Contractors and Subcontractors around the globe are realizing value to be gleaned by equipping their professional estimators with the right tools and a seamless workflow.
Sigma Estimating and PlanSwift Takeoff is the most powerful software solution in the construction industry. Question is – are estimators using these tools for precisely what they are meant to do?
For all the time and effort estimators put into pouring over plans – whether on paper or a computer screen – you would think that there would be a larger reward for the time spent. But there really isn’t. The ONLY thing an estimator gets from the drawings are quantities. (And yes, a very good idea about how it’s going to be built). And most estimators don’t want to take off every nail, shim, drip cap, or 1900 box, they want to take off assemblies: an outlet, a HM door and frame, a footing. In other words, an assembly of costs and production rates. May be even an assembly of assemblies (a sub-system).
And building those assemblies in PlanSwift, or any other 2D take off program, is a fairly painful exercise. Which is precisely the reason we developed the integration to PlanSwift.
Sigma and PlanSwift workflow: Reduces friction, saves time, money and headaches in the process
When you consider the variables involved in estimating a construction project, it becomes clear that all the information that needs to be considered and adjusted exists in you estimating software – except for one thing i.e. the quantity. So why try to force all those variables of material, equipment, labor, location, specifications, logistics, etc. (all conditions that affect the price) into something that is designed to do only one thing – i.e. give you the quantity? Makes no sense.
Sigma’s excel like user interface, intuitive design and state-of-the-art features makes it the estimating software you need to boost productivity and win more bids. Sigma puts you in control of all the variables in your estimate: cost and assembly libraries, production rates, material costs, mark up, adds and cuts, assemblies and sub-systems, manual mark up, etc. Which means, you can build your cost libraries and assemblies in Sigma and easily reuse them. If you create a unique item for a job, drag it into a library and save it. If you bid many similar projects, create a template that has all the cost and production information (and even MS Project dependencies) built into it and use it to start new estimates.
If you consider a platform to do most of your important work (think in terms of investment), you would conclude that getting the quantity is the only variable outside of Sigma that you need. We built the PlanSwift integration to Sigma to do just that – get the quantity.
Wondering how this integration works?
Estimators who use professional estimating tools know very well the benefits and competitive advantage they have. Time is money and a professional estimator needs to get it all right with efficiency in less time.
With this powerful integration, projects within Sigma can be pushed to takeoff with a single click.
Estimators need to take advantage of tools that help them arrive at the right estimate efficiently, quickly, and with accuracy. Sigma’s Planswift integration gives you a competitive advantage.
PlanSwift’s familiar take off buttons are relocated into Sigma so you can start your take off from an assembly.
How is it done? Quick steps below –
Here’s how:
- Click the linear wall area button in Sigma, go to PlanSwift and do the take off, then click the refresh button in Sigma and the quantity is brought in.
- If you need to, adjust the line in PlanSwift, click refresh and the quantity is updated.
- Hit the highlight button and that take off is highlighted in PlanSwift making easy to find.
For a live demonstration of how the Sigma → PlanSwift workflow leverages data back and forth across both applications to save time, improve efficiency and minimize risk of error, watch the video below.
Video > (Explainer video embedded here)
Get PlanSwift live link > (button)
Sigma is a modern age estimating software that integrates seamlessly with your workflow and empowers estimator with the right tool to win more bids faster and with precision. So, stay in control of your estimate – in control of the money by building your estimate with Sigma.
Don’t have Sigma yet? Try it free for 14-days with PlanSwift.
Get Sigma > (button)
Some useful links to help you get started
How to install the live link integration? >
Some cool things you can do with this live link >
Create an estimate using Sigma and PlanSwift >
Edit the estimate based on changes >
Import an entire PlanSwift Take Off >
Useful links are optional. I am not sure what will be covered in the explainer video but accordingly, can decide to keep or remove…
