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…
What If Scenario- Activity Costs
An estimator might want to compare different activity production costs but doesn’t want to change the estimate. HeavyBid has a “what if” routine that performs this task. First be in the activity you want to do a “what if” and go to the third icon…
Activity Codes – Lessons Learned
Lately I have been working on codebooks for a number of companies. I have come to a couple of conclusions and offer these thoughts to those who are making an activity codebook or recoding your current one. Don’t include letters in the codebook – use only…
Simplify Your Crews and Activity Codebook
For companies involved in excavation, grading, pipe laying and other activities where number of equipment pieces vary with the project there is a tendency to make crews for each possible equipment combination. For example for excavating, load and haul you can have a crew for…
Process Owner for your HeavyBid System
This is a new term for me. I learned it while in a technical session at HCSS’ office in Sugarland. True not much in the software development world is applicable to the construction industry but this can ported over with little effort. In any office with…
Single Users Version for Multiple Users
When I am estimating I sometimes use my own single user seat of HeavyBid. I am HCSS Customer No. 81 so I have been using it a long time. So when I am in my office I move my current estimate to my desktop to…
Deleting Resources and Crews
In a training the other day the question was asked how to delete crews in the estimate setup. You can delete any resource as long as it is not in the estimate. In the Crew Setup there is an option tab that is very handy…
Setting up HeavyBid for New Users
New HCSS customers who are setting up HeavyBid are many times overwhelmed on what to do first. So here is a sequence that I recommend: Labor, Equipment, Crews – this should get the highest piority. Initially you might for equipment just get the codes and…
Checking Automated Backup Settings
The automated backup feature can be a lifesaver. For a company using HeavyBid at least one estimator should be familiar where the autobackup is stored (hopefully not on the server) and they should know how to restore an estimate. One setting that you should check…
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.
