Heavybid-Who is it for?
Occasionally I train a new customer who incorrectly assumes that HCSS provides cost data for estimating. Usually, in these cases, the company wants a relatively inexperienced estimator to be able to put together complex estimates for work their company has not historically performed. This misunderstanding…
Considerations for Weekend Work
In my training I always make it a point to discuss planned weekend work especially for utility construction work. So you are working on an estimate where the estimator knows that a utility tie in (or whatever it is) can only be done on off…
Setting up same piece of equipment with weekly and monthly rates
The trend I am seeing is that contractors for outside equipment (not owned) want the option in an estimate to select either a weekly or monthly rate quickly. Problem is in the equipment setup you would have to input a new rental rate if you…
Star Functions – Webinar
HCSS now has a link to a recent webinar on the very useful and valuable tool – star functions. If you are not using star functions already start your investigation here with this webinar. LINK
Autofill Productivity and Productivity Factor
A feature I did not notice is how HeavyBid now fills in the crew productivity and productivity factor if the estimator fills in one of the productivity information fields. I see estimators who have not come up through any formal estimating training just fill in…
Equivalent Dozer Chart
I found this to be useful. Sometimes I need to know what is the Komatsu dozer equivalent to a CAT. Not exact but close enough in most cases. LINK
HCSS Support Options
This is new (at least new to me). It gives the HCSS customer a one page summary of all the options available to get help for any of HCSS products. Share this with your estimating team. LINK Help Summary
Salvage Credits in HeavyBid
On some projects the contractor is able to sell salvaged material such as steel from a building that has to be demolished. Another credit can be in excess dirt that can be sold to other projects. But where is the best place to take the…
Do your estimators need more training? A Simple Test.
What are some indications that you or estimators you work with need formal HCSS training? I use one indicator to test the depth of the user’s HCSS knowledge. If the estimator does not know about this feature then I know there are many more gaps in their…
Activity Codebook – Lump Sum Setting
If you have been reading my blogs you know that I am a firm believer that all users of HeavyBid should have an Activity Codebook. There is just not any exceptions that I can think of. There is a setting that I just noticed where…
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.
