Resources in a Crew-Why?
One setting that you want to set in HeavyBid is found in Tools>Preferences>System Preferences?>Setup. It is the option to “Do not prompt for material resources to be added to crews”. This should really be checked as a default setting by HCSS but easy enough to…
HCSS Academy Courses
I try to keep updated on the postings on the HCSS Academy site. A highly recommended feature that HCSS rolled out several years ago that every HCSS user (not just estimators) should take advantage of. I just noticed that the UGM 2019 courses that were…
Favorites & Opening HeavyBid Tab Options
Want a quick way to get to your frequently used HeavyBid routines? For example, when I am training a new customer I am constantly making them go to Tools>Preferences>…… But with Favorites on the Ribbon Bar, I got right to the routine they need. Such…
Getting back into the Office
Returning to the office doesn’t have to feel like hitting the unpause button. This time away can be used to better your company and the estimating department in many ways. Here are a few suggestions: Keep open communication. Hopefully, while you have been isolated you…
HCSS Article – Is My HeavyBid Setup Correctly?
This is a good article from my friend Ray Zanon with HCSS. When I do a coaching session or come to your office I have a checklist of items that I go through so I can do an in-depth check of your HeavyBid setup and…
Advice for Growing Construction Companies
This month marks 10 years since my return to HCSS as a software trainer. In my travels visiting over 1,000 companies, I came in contact with many that are experiencing rapid growth. They were once under $10 million a year in revenue and now are…
Component Pricing in HeavyBid
When I started showing this feature I was surprised how many contractors can use this, especially ones that quote work to the power and utility companies. I have been in trainings with estimators practically give me a standing ovation when I teach them how to…
Updating Resource Costs?
I had this question come up the other day during a training. The estimator didn’t know when his equipment costs were last updated. I had to think a little bit but then I remember the “updated” field that is available to view but only available…
Critical Takeoff Tool – The Wheel
Here is tool that as a seasoned (don’t call me old) utility estimator I can recommend should have in their estimator’s toolbox. Now I am going to assume that paper plans are still used especially in the field but I still see plenty of rolled-up…
Video Conferencing – Best Practices & Solutions
Since starting my remote HeavyBid coaching sessions, I have made a small list of best practices to send out to clients to help them properly set up. Here it is: Invest in audio. For a remote training or a HeavyBid coaching session seeing everyone is…
HeavyBid – Basics and Beyond is devoted to everything HCSS HeavyBid and estimating. Updated regularly with helpful insights and tools of the trade, this blog is designed to make your estimating easier and more successful.
