In today’s challenging climate, with ever changing trends and client demands, the work carried out by Estimators and Cost Managers, is at best, difficult!
Bid return times are becoming shorter, the quality of information available often limited, and tender documents produced in a myriad of different formats. In addition, the Estimator is also required to price multiple projects whilst always keeping a watchful eye on each tender submission date. The pace at which BIM technology is moving forward also means today’s Estimator has to have the flexibility to price whatever tender is thrown at him and in whatever format, whilst still maintaining a competitive edge.
CostOS is designed, by industry professionals to meet all challenges, and represents the most technologically advanced Cost Estimating software available in the market today. From initial feasibility to final bid, CostOS can handle every stage, on one platform. So whether you are a Consultant, General Contractor, Civil Engineering Contractor, Specialist Subcontractor, large or small, then CostOS is the only solution you will ever need.
CostOS can be used at any stage of the costing process, from top level feasibility or cost plan, right through to the final bid, activity based or from first principles. Data can be sourced locally (historical), online (eg, Spons, Richardson, RS Means etc) or from a conceptual cost database. Moreover, this is carried out on one single platform.
Quantities can be measured in numerous ways. They can be manual or imported from spreadsheets, measured electronically from PDF’s or 2D Cad, but most importantly, directly from BIM models and GIS maps! Take-off time is dramatically reduced. Using IFC open standards, BIM measure is fully embedded and synchronised within CostOS. Models can be loaded and measured regardless of the system that generated them (Revit, Archicad, Bentley, DDS etc). Multiple files from multiple modelling solutions can be loaded in to one model, simultaneously. The smart assembly functionality within CostOS drastically reduces repetitive pricing on multiple projects. This enables you to evaluate alternatives, optimize the design, and quickly identify the most appropriate materials and construction methods. The intelligence of the assemblies can be built and applied over BIM elements, thus allowing real value engineering opportunities and hence maintaining a competitive edge.
Client BOQ’s or pricing schedules can be quickly input, regardless of format. For example, they can be imported directly from MS Excel, or even easier, simply copied and pasted. Alternatively, projects can be imported directly from project planning solutions such as Primavera P6 and MS project. Hence, the estimator can start pricing straight away.
Subcontractor and material enquiries can be quickly and electronically generated due to the multiple drag and drop mark-up facility. Allocating trades and associated subcontractors/suppliers is carried out in a single operation. Quotations are easily compared and optimum prices selected. CostOS allows you to work on and between multiple projects simultaneously. In addition, on larger projects, the whole estimating team can work on the same project, at the same time, sharing real live data, regardless of their location. True collaborative estimating.