Number of Shifts for Activities on the Classic Cost Report
Many estimators still utilize the Cost Report as a tool in the final bid review. It is especially useful in a Joint Venture review session where you need to write a lot of notes. There is just something about paper that a screen cannot duplicate….
A Standard HeavyBid Training Example
My first training of 2018 was with Auza Contracting who has been using HeavyBid since 2009. Part of the training was HeavyBid maintenance and part was training new estimators to the program. This mix of estimators is normal in a training. Here is a short…
Version 2017.1 Update Webinar
While we are waiting for HeavyBid Version 2018 I thought I would post a link to the latest webinar from HCSS. LINK
Single User System with Multiple Users
Occasionally I train companies that have purchased one license (or seat) for HeavyBid for multiple estimators to use. I fully understand the budget considerations where the cost of a multi-user license is just not feasible. First let me discuss the drawbacks of this approach. Obviously you would…
Workers Comp Options – Settings you need to set
I train many companies who are already users of HeavyBid. The training involves my reviewing their setup in the Master Estimate. One of the first items I check is how they calculate workers comp. So there are two options to how HeavyBid calculates Workers Comp…
Review HeavyBid for the New Year
I always like to do a blog on a checklist in the New Year for estimating teams. This is not a complete list but perhaps this will make companies really start digging into their HeavyBid setup and estimating workflow. The first thing I always recommend…
HeavyBid Reference Card
This has not been updated for a while but still useful for new users. Covers lots of shortcuts that you can use in Heavybid. A one sheet (front and back – designed to be a laminated trifold) with HeavyBid information. Before HCSS went to a…
Estimate Review Workflow – Do it Better
Want to change your estimate review procedures for the new year? Tired of seeing errors creeping into your estimate and then not finding it until after the bid is submitted? Try the following: Start requiring estimates to be completed with plugged subs and material prices…
Running Windows (and HeavyBid) on a Mac
For as amazing as HeavyBid is you can’t run it on a Mac, which is a problem for some people. My son recently came across this problem when he started working for me and here is the solution as well as some advice before adding windows…
% Efficiency-Worth Your Consideration (Comp Version Only)
I am not sure why more companies don’t use the “% Efficiency” feature (Comprehensive Version Only). It adjusts the crew hours based on any productivity. Here is the math of the feature. Calculated Crew Hours x % Efficiency = New Crew Hours so 80% efficiency…
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.
