Version 2018 HeavyBid – New Archive Estimate Feature
I love this new tool. Most of the users probably like me were probably not looking for the feature but once introduced it is like “where was this all my life?” But you have to determine how best to use it. Plan how you are…
HeavyBid Cheat Sheet
Long ago when you purchase HeavyBid you received a box. In it was the program disk (or disks depending how long ago it was), VHS tapes on how to install HeavyBid and some tutorials and a laminated tri-fold cheat sheet. This is my version of…
Creating a Conformed Estimate
What is “conforming” an estimate? You might not be familiar with the term. A “conformed” estimate is just an estimate copied from the original and modified after the project has been awarded. Here is the workflow model. First you estimate the project. At the conclusion…
Estimating Mistakes Using HeavyBid that I See
I am usually in one or two contractors offices a week. I see some using HeavyBid very well and others not so much. The worst cases are the ones I just hear about because the company doesn’t train their estimators on best practices of HeavyBid. Here…
Options-Quote Folders Must Do
Be sure to activate the option in quote folders to show the additive quantity in the information grid so you don’t have to look at the bottom of the screen to see the quantity. There is plenty of room, so be sure all of your…
Foundation Software College – Accounting Training
Why did I attend a course for an accounting software I don’t use? While I train companies on how to setup and use HeavyBid, it is rare for me to see the accounting side of the equation. Foundation Software let me attend their college in…
Revise the Equipment EOE Factors to Current Market Costs
If your estimate’s Equipment EOE cost is calculating on fuel usage per hour be sure to update fuel rates in your master and current estimates. Sometimes estimators start using this feature, but don’t change the default gallon price when HeavyBid was installed or update the…
Why setting up the workers comp option in HeavyBid is important
Where do you have the workers comp percentage? I find some companies put the workers comp percentage as part of the labor taxes in the labor setup. Not that this is incorrect, but they might not be aware of the cost ramifications to this setup….
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….
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.
