TXDOT – 2024 Codes
For all you TXDOT contractors out there you are probably aware of the new code structure TXDOT issued. Not all the codes changed. This file that can be downloaded below has two levels (1 and 2) and organizes the new codes for importing into HeavyBid….
Activity Codebook Course
HCSS Academy has a new course out that was done by Gary Kercher, one of the HeavyBid trainers. Gary does an excellent job addressing a difficult subject as he guides the viewer on how to develop an activity codebook. If you have ever had Gary…
Job Costing and Activity Codes
If there is anything that is more frustrating to a construction company it is job costing. I enjoy going through the many articles that Foundation Software has online. This article entitled “So You Think Your’re Job Costing” is worth reading. Another goal that is mentioned in…
Copying from Other Estimates – A Discussion
This is not a blog on how to copy from other estimates but one that asks why are you copying from other estimates? I see many HeavyBid customers whose workflow is this. Create all the Activities (or Biditems) by going out to previous estimates and…
How to streamline your codebook workflow in HeavyBid – Video
In this video I detail how to best save time and improve efficiency in an estimate. These tips aren’t revolutionary but they can take time to implement. I recommend pulling your estimating department aside, taking the time, and carefully going through this setup. Let EWKS…
Securing Your HeavyBid Setup
Goal: Protect the System Wide Codebooks and Setting from accidental modification but the secondary goal can be to also protect the Master Estimate(s). The problem with passwording the Master Estimate is that every estimate created from that Master will require a password to access it….
Video- System Wide Files
The number one misunderstanding for HeavyBid users is the difference between System Wide and Local files. It is critical for an estimator to understand how the local and system wide material databases interact. It is not uncommon for me to meet estimators who have used…
Bid Item Codebook – Why aren’t you using it?
If there is one underused or ignored feature in HeavyBid it is the Biditem Codebook. Of course if you are a DOT type contractor this is a huge time saver but it also is valuable for county, city and even private work. Typically if a…
Adding Activities From An Estimate to the Activity Codebook
Once an Activity Codebook is in place there are usually activities that have to be added. One method is to go ahead and make it on the fly in the estimate and then add it later to the Activity Codebook. This also holds true for…
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.
