There is a great comparison of estimating software at SoftwareAdvice.com
I have used Digital Canal at my company for a year now and find it really easy to use.
There are numerous programs for estimating costs. One of the more popular is sold at http://www.cprsoft.com/. For roofers there's www.roofcalculator.com/ which sells a specialized program. Any time I need to compare the various types of software, online services, etc, I always go to toptenreviews.com. I found they also have a page reviewing the top ten construction estimating software: http://construction-estimating-software-review.toptenreviews.com/
You can download for free a HVAC estimating software at these links- http://www.topshareware.com/free-hvac-estimating-software/downloads/1.htm; http://www.hvacestimatingsoftware.com/;These sites have more than one program which are offered as Free trial.
Nathan S. Erlbaum has written: 'Procedures for estimating energy consumption in transportation projects' -- subject(s): Design and construction, Energy consumption, Maintenance and repair, OPGAS1 (Computer program), Roads, TGASCON (Computer program)
Free estimating software for auto repair can be found as a standalone program and also as an excel spreadsheet. A collection of these programs can be found here: http://www.filebuzz.com/findsoftware/Free_Auto_Repair_Estimating/1.html
For construction companies today, it is all about the bottom line. There is much competition out on the open market, so those companies who want to retain their profitability will have to find a way to cut costs. Being able to do a great job at a great price makes a huge difference. So how can construction companies make sure that this happens? One way is to choose a great estimating software. In today’s construction world, this is something that just has to be done. It will save money, time, and make life easier on those running the business.The many functions of estimating softwareOne thing that makes estimating software a must is that it has many functions. In the business, there are plenty of things you have to do. From insurance estimation to small remodeling projects to large scale residential building, the estimation work can be time consuming. It makes no sense to spend your time doing those things when you could, instead, pawn it off on a computer program. If you spend a little bit of money up front on good estimating software, you can save yourself money and time on the back end.The client management elementThe best estimating software programs go above and beyond just cost estimation. In addition to that, they provide construction managers with a great tool for managing projects and the needs of various customers. You can use the forms to track orders, make quick changes, and not the preferences of certain customers. The construction world is becoming a client-driven business, so if you want to keep up, you have to be willing to take a look at new technologies. Estimating software with these capabilities can keep you on top of your game and give you the power to maintain great relationships with valued clients.It just makes sense to go to bat with the best software that is out there. If you don’t have good estimating software, then you can bet that your competitors do. They will use that to their advantage, offering more accurate bids, developing better client relationships, and taking the jobs that should belong to your firm.
Chief Architect Software offers an easy to use program to help visualize and design your home. This program has floor and space planning section, along with a cost estimating materials list.
These courses are designed for construction managers and owners, ... Construction Management and Construction Estimating Information Session button Learn more at a free information session. ... A construction manager must be in charge of the overall planning and control of a ... The table contains the required courses for the Certificate Program in Construction Management, as well as the .....
Someone construction job software programs are AutoCad and Matlab. AutoCad is a design program where building and materials can be shown clearly. Matlab is used for calculations.
A 3D home architect program can be used to plan home construction projects and landscaping projects. It can also be used simply for experimenting with design ideas.
Estimating software is used by businesses that work on blue collar projects. Estimating software helps businesses plan costs and spending relating to a project. It also helps businesses report on key metrics involved in the project management aspect of any given job.Estimating software allows the user to break down a construction project into phases. The user can input certain information into the correct fields to provide the necessary information needed to calculate costs for a specific phase. Information on materials, dimensions of supplies used, labor and other costs are typically added into phases set up by the estimating software. The phases help the user create a detailed estimate for a customer if requested.Managing the resources associated with a project is another important function in the estimating software. All of the resources are tracked by the user. The person can track the amount of supplies required for the project. The number of labor hours used for a particular aspect of a project can also be tracked within the estimating software. The project management features help the company make sure that the project will be completed on time and within a certain budget.Quotes can also be generated in a more accurate manner through the use of an estimation software program. Many companies frequently submit bids that are too low, and as a result, they struggle to break even throughout the project. The quote software’s ability to calculate all of the components required for completion of a project ensures that no important components of a project are left out. Accurate quotes can protect the user from biding too low on a project.Reporting options are also available to the business. Productivity on all phases of a project is possible. Labor costs and other expenses can also be tracked by the type of project, and specific job can be reported on. The quotes most likely to help a business to secure a bid can be studied through the use of the reporting features available in some of the estimating software.The estimating software helps a business quote competitively and accurately, which makes for a more professional quote.
If a software design is not a program (and it isn't), then what is it?
Software and program is exactly the same. The most common is software but some people like to use the term, program.