A national laboratory* was using Microsoft Excel spreadsheets to do up to 250 estimates a year for laboratory renovations, major maintenance projects and research projects. Getting a more efficient and accurate way of estimating was crucial.
"We wanted to be more accurate, to have a better feel for exactly what things were costing us and be in more control over our scopes and schedules so they were based on sound, formidable estimates," says Van Briggs Jr., manager of the lab's project support offices.
After an exhaustive selection process, the lab chose Sage Timberline Office's estimating software. "The models are by far a lot more sophisticated and user friendly," Briggs says. "No other suppliers had anything like it."
Lowering contingencies
Using Sage Timberline Office has allowed the lab to lower the amount of money placed in contingency because the estimates are more accurate, Briggs says.
"That's important because if you put a contingency in a project then don't use it, you can't start something else with that money until the project is completed and you release the contingency," he says. "Freeing up the money lets you bring backlogged activities to the forefront."
Speeding up the process with models
Sage Timberline Office offers models to help speed the estimating process, something the laboratory uses regularly. "You take 20 minutes to answer some basic questions and you have a detailed estimate that might take you two days to create in the normal process," Briggs says.
"You still have to validate the assumptions in the model are correct and tweak it to the exact situation, but you cut two-thirds of the time out of the estimating process by using the model. And the estimate is a lot more accurate and streamlined, and less take off is required," he says.
Briggs also likes the ability to easily transfer the estimating data into scheduling software, eliminating dual entry of the data.
*The specific agency cannot be disclosed. Many public agencies restrict the use of testimonials that can be construed as a government endorsement.
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