I see a lot of estimates in HeavyBid in my travels. From my perspective estimators, today juggle more tasks than ever before. One quantification of a good estimator is they take their responsibilities seriously and while there is a shortage of estimators the ones I meet are taking up the slack. That is the good news. But I do see a trend that is discouraging and if it continues does not bode well for our industry. I see fewer and fewer calculations backing up production rates. It is more of shooting from the hip without considering factors like depth of cut, poor conditions, environmental conditions, limited access, and all the other factors that affect crew productivity. In fact, I am seeing estimators just skip setting productivity and guessing at total shifts! Hand sketches – haven’t seen one in a long time. I see big dirt with large quantities production values with no backup calculations. Our industry has to get better. I saw more calculations backing up production values back when we did estimates with pencil and paper (no computers-yes there was a time) where some really serious analysis was done. One big problem is the estimators who had the knowledge have already retired and they did a poor job of transferring their knowledge. How can we turn the tide? Here are some ideas:

  1. In the Activity codebook in the notes have the experienced estimators start listing parameters that needs to be considered in setting production values. This is one way knowledge can be passed down. Also spreadsheet calculations can be passed down.
Add critical information in activity notes
  • Start using the internal spreadsheet to develop cycle times. I am going to be doing some videos soon on the internal spreadsheet. Start using this resource!
  • Start a formal education program for young estimators. Cover takeoff fundamentals, developing production values, even just basic math (yes math).
  • Have “no busy work” days where estimators can just sharpen their Excel and other software skills with on line courses that are available. Stop the phone calls and put down the phone and gather in a conference room and brainstorm! Whiteboard time.

So in 2022 develop a plan for the estimator team to “sharpen the ax”. Consider bringing me in to brainstorm that along with some HeavyBid training/setup.