The Ultimate Guide to Evaluating Electrical Estimating Software

Electrical estimating software starts with the drawing, get that information right and you’re good to go. With electrical work booming with new construction and remodels, accurate and timely estimates can make the difference between riding that wave and crashing out.

Everyone’s in a hurry these days, and can you blame them? We live in a world where instant messaging is taken for granted, and we tap our feet if we have to wait to hear back.

With responsive electrical estimating software, adjusted and calibrated to deliver real-time updates on-site and online, your business can lead the field.

Whether you are a new start-up, an existing, but growing team, or part of a larger organization, let’s get into why electrical estimating software is right for your business right now.

What is Electrical Estimating Software?

Electrical estimating software is your key to saving time on estimates for all kinds of electrical work, from remodels, to new construction projects. When installed on a laptop or tablet, it can be used to collaborate with others, and rapidly deliver accurate costs, overhead and profit margins, when estimating new work.

[fs-toc-omit]Definition and Basic Features

Upload a client’s drawings to get an instant material take-off and create electrical diagrams, wiring plans and layouts with an app’s user-friendly interface.

Electrical cost estimating software should have a way to build a comprehensive library of standard electrical symbols that you can use to populate plans and material lists.

Plans, estimates and schedules should be shareable such that collaborative working can be optimized, with real-time efficiencies in communication built-in.

Scalability should be built in so that as a business or team grows, the software can still handle whatever comes its way.

What are the Benefits of Using Estimating Software?

Electrical contractors are usually required to deliver a greater level of detail due to the safety-critical nature of their work. Estimating software that has the correct detailed assemblies in its database, from cabling requirements to receptacles, won’t be able to cut corners.

[fs-toc-omit]Speed and Efficiency

That said, electrical cost estimating software is only as good as the information it receives. While it can provide excellent, accurate numbers it is important to get the data right at the start.

Having populated the app with the correct assemblies it can then rapidly deliver reliable error-free estimates that you can have confidence in, allowing contractors to focus on other value areas of their offer, such as innovation in design.

[fs-toc-omit]Problem-Solving with Electrical Estimating Software

An estimate should consist of these three basics: labor costs, material costs and project duration. Your software product must be able to synthesize all three accurately and highlight any areas that might be anomalous, or problematic.

Human error and miscommunication are the most common and often most costly issues that arise in construction. Using an electrical estimating software product can reduce the incidence of human error and improve communication through shareability across teams.

Who Needs It?

Fast and reliable estimating software is a timesaving tool for every professional contractor dealing with large volumes of enquiries from current and potential clients.

Estimating software is a great way to manage the expectations of potential clients, who may have an idea of what they want, but no clue as to how achievable it is. The contractor’s job is basically to translate this vision into the art of the possible.

[fs-toc-omit]The Independent Contractor

Electrical contractors know too well how many plates they have to keep spinning to keep all their responsibilities going. If you are a start-up, everyone in a small team will have multiple responsibilities and ownership of numerous projects, so will need as much support as is available.

Using a best-in-class electrical estimating product that can produce accurate, instant summaries of a project’s requirements will go a long way toward easing some of the pressure that new businesses and sole traders find themselves under day-to-day.

Contractors dealing with domestic clients on a remodel, or extension, know only too well how the customer’s expectations can fall foul of what is actually possible. Using mobile device-enabled software to manage expectations is a great way to develop confidence on the job.

[fs-toc-omit]The Project Manager

Estimating software is beneficial to construction project managers too, the people who are charged with managing change on any job site. Using electrical estimating software makes it easier to manage that change, quantifying the issues and developing solutions to unforeseen problems.

A client may want any number of services but have a limited budget or a short time frame for the work. With an app on a mobile device, a contractor can switch up the specification, alter the measurements, and modify an estimate to deliver a sensible, and accurate way forward.

With in-app change monitoring, and the ability to share instantly across contract and client teams, instructions can be resolved quickly and efficiently thereby minimizing any potential downtime on a construction project. 

[fs-toc-omit]The Major Projects Estimating Team

Sometimes it can be difficult to see every possible issue in a larger project. Oftentimes there are complexities that even the best BIM modelling doesn’t highlight.

By engaging with estimating software, issues can be teased out into the open. If the uploaded plans have delivered a far higher cabling or containment requirement than anticipated, this can be immediately shared to a risk register or raised as a question for clarification.

Estimating teams working closely with designers can check in real-time for potential project savings to make their bid or tender more attractive to the client team.

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What are the Key Features to Look For?

When you are selecting your electrical estimating software some key features are absolutely necessary for full functionality and adaptability to your business.

Cost certainty is a key priority for clients, and electrical cost estimating software can deliver that, not just for customers, but for contractors too. Consistency is a key factor in building confidence between contractors and clients.

Drawing Tools for Floor Plans and Site Layouts

Ultimately, you need to create a scope of work that includes what materials need to be installed, and how much you need. For electrical work, most of the tedious work is figuring out linear amounts of conduit and wire. To best illustrate this, you can start with an existing floor plan drawing. If you don't have one, the ability to easily draw one is key to scoping out the work accurately.

As an example, ArcSite offers a tool you can you at the job site to quickly sketch out a floor plan on a mobile tablet like an iPad. Even though it's a mobile device, the speed and accuracy is impressive, especially pairing it with a Bluetooth laser measure.

Once your have a floor plan, you can overlay your controls, receptacles, lights, and map out the runs. By setting up products and materials, you can both easily generate your takeoffs and estimates.

Take advantage of ArcSite's digital drawing tools to measure rooms to calculate lamp required for desired room lumens, find run lengths to determine wire size, voltage drops, and summarize materials needed to get ordered.

[fs-toc-omit]General Accuracy and Automation of Estimation Software

• Make sure the software can automate calculations for materials, labor, overhead and margin.
• Check that it is compatible with the Bosch laser tape or equivalent compatible devices.
• Check that the software can integrate information from a Moasure Area measuring device, or equivalent tool.
• Check that the level of accuracy attainable is at least as good as ArcSite at 1/64”, an ideal marker when running copper.

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[fs-toc-omit]Creating Assemblies to Save Time

• Electrical works are always a collection of items to make up a receptacle, or a lighting installation. Make sure that the software can handle assemblies, and groups of items, to build in efficiency.
•  Assemblies save time, allowing contractors to work out costs by simple linear or area measurements.
• For every receptacle, as an example, you can include cable/conduit, box, fittings, straps, ring, receptacle, and plate.
• Setup a library of products for every application such as indoor vs outdoor, or residential vs commercial, so you can quickly apply products and see pricing updates.

[fs-toc-omit]Collaboration and Sharing Estimates

• Make sure your software allows for multiple modes of sharing.
• When working with a close-knit team you are going to want to make comments, input, discussions, and alterations easy.
• Across a broader team, cooperating with clients, sub-contractors, and partners.

[fs-toc-omit]Getting the Data

• Is the electrical estimating software able to help develop and distribute questionnaires, custom forms and surveys to refine scope and iron out details?
• Can drawings be marked up, annotated and commented upon by clients and advisors?
• Are you able to add photographs from surveys or site visits to highlight problems or successful areas?

ArcSite provides flexible ways to collect site data, whether it be a first-time visit, or something you do as a routine. There are customizable surveys you can build for every type of site visit or inspection. You can also capture photos and relate it to the site drawing to capture key notes.

[fs-toc-omit]Providing Choices in Electrical Estimates

• There is always more than one way to carry out a project. What you need to know is whether your electrical estimating software can accurately deliver practical choices to the client.
• Check that you can generate full proposals, ready for customer approval.
• Can your software deliver tiered estimates, highlighting different specification levels?

ArcSite embraces the customer-first mantra, and supports that with estimating features that allow for a Good-Better-Best approach when needed. Along with automated estimates and proposals after drawings are completed, the documents are ready for eSigning.

[fs-toc-omit]Closing the Deal

• Winning work and the confidence of a client is a great feeling, so you will likely want a product that gives you the ability to collect a signature and take secure payments.
• Check that your app will be able to help offer customer financing options to close the deal and get things moving.
• The best software can be integrated with apps like Quickbooks, Jobber, or Salesforce to service your CRM (Customer Relationship Management) portals.

ArcSite partners with dozens of best-in-class services from measuring tools to job and financial management platform. Explore ArcSite integrations from the Features menu.

[fs-toc-omit]Delivering on the Day

Many iterations of electrical cost estimating software work really well in the office, on a PC or laptop, but most of the time you can’t take these with you out to a client’s home or business.

• Can the app operate reliably on a tablet?
•  Does the software deliver via Wi-Fi exactly as it would when used on a networked system?
• Is the functionality of the estimating software unimpaired by being mobile, and out on site?

The performance of the ArcSite app is predicated upon its use in the field, where the action is, either at a client’s home, or development site. Many widely used platforms offers a estimating features built to run on large PCs or laptops, leveraging big screens and desktop peripherals. ArcSite offers an easy-to-use touchscreen interface you can take with you anywhere.

[fs-toc-omit]Vendor Support and Training

Once you have decided to go for a particular app it’s good to know that you’ll not be left high and dry to get on with it. Without a top level of customer support to help you integrate the new software into your devices and network it will be hard to get optimum performance.

Onboarding and training programs are essential. You need to be confident that the software developer is taking a long-term view in light of expected updates, training and partnering. This is where you will find the real value in a product, one that can pair up with you on a profitable career path.

ArcSite offers best in class support, a wealth of knowledge in the help center, and plenty of real humans to work with to get you up and running to growth your business.

Evaluating Software Providers

Whenever you purchase something today, pretty soon there will be an email request for a review. Often it is the most engaged clients that reply, and by reading the responses from past customers you can get a good view of how well the vendor serves its client community.

While new startups can look great on paper, with exciting products and testimonials, it’s always worth considering a provider’s consistency, longevity, depth, and history in the marketplace.

ArcSite, for many years, has helped nurture and grow thousands of customers in various trades, transforming workflows to reach higher goals.

[fs-toc-omit]Can You Have a Meaningful Trial?

Free trials and demos are great, and it is very important that you test the software before you commit, after all this will be a long-term relationship, and it has to work for you.

Along with the tips laid out above focus on ease of use, how simple is it to set up, and how quickly can you begin generating estimates.

[fs-toc-omit]Cost vs. Value

There’s more than one way to pay, with monthly and annual subscriptions, or one-time payments for lifetime access. The value comes from the additional tiers, the support required, and the potential savings made from delivering accurate estimates with greater efficiency. 

[fs-toc-omit]Security and Compliance

Data security is important, especially when taking customer payments. You need to know that your data and the information given by your clients is secure.

Also, any software needs to meet industry standards for compliance in construction and electrical estimating.

Estimates for electrical work are required to follow the US International Building Code, which is one of the most stringent construction regulatory frameworks in the world. Whatever the final numbers, the client must be confident that the contractor complies with all legal requirements.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing Estimating Software

The first question to ask yourself is can I use this software independently of the office? Can I use it on-site, in my vehicle, or customer’s premises? If you can, then you are likely already thinking of ways to be faster and more efficient at estimating and ways to win more work.

• Making a choice based solely on price point misses the value that a good piece of software can bring to your business. It’s not an expense, it’s an investment.  
• If the software is standalone, and you cannot integrate it makes it almost useless in today’s connected marketplace.
• Software vendors that provide ongoing training and support are in it for the long haul, as are you, so be sure to purchase a package that supplies the required expertise.
• Software that looks great, but you need a master’s degree in computing to operate doesn’t belong in the real world of construction, so beware of over-complexity.
• Disregarding the impact a software change will have on a team that has multiple disciplines and many levels of competency will delay the full implementation of the best new products. Prepare your team and put processes in place, a learning curve is coming.
• Underestimating the importance of mobility on the job. A rapid response time and a fast follow-up to client queries count for a lot in today’s business environment.

Getting the balance right between software that does too much and one that doesn’t quite deliver everything you need is tricky. A good vendor will be able to quickly identify your needs and suggest practical solutions.

[fs-toc-omit]Steps to Successfully Implement Estimating Software

There are a few common-sense guidelines when managing any form of change either as a small contractor or the director of a team! Get everyone on your team on board early. Managing their expectations for a fully integrated electrical estimating offer will help to implement new processes.

What does good look like? Set clear goals such as time saved, better work-winning outcomes, and higher profitability.

Ensure there is comprehensive training and onboarding available at every level for yourself and your team. Be sure to establish ongoing training and support so that the team can benefit from ongoing training and development.

Regularly review the performance of the software to make sure it is still delivering what the business requires.

Check for updates to improve efficiencies and deliver the best value for the team, the customer, and your business. Communicate problems and troubleshoot with the vendor to promote a strong partnership.

Final Thoughts

Electrical cost estimating software that can deliver accurate estimates out on site, at a client’s home or business premises, and updating the bottom line in real-time can give any contractor an edge.

However, you need the right software to improve accuracy, efficiency, and business profitability.

Get a demo of ArcSite today for your free trial and discover how we can support your electrical estimating workflow and help you develop your business.

 See other related electrical estimating articles:

• Top 4 Electrical Estimating Software Platforms
• Electrical Takeoff for Contractors

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