Skype vs TeamViewer
I was recently preparing for a conference call/screen sharing training with a new client. Although not ideal for training, the screen sharing/conference call was enough to cover some basics and answer any of their specific questions about HeavyBid. As I was setting up for the…
Print Estimate Structure
HCSS is slowly integrating the Plus report format. If you use parent-child relationships and especially when there are more than two levels this report gives a good visual of the bid item structure. HCSS even allows a short cut from the Tree View to print…
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…
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
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.
