takeoff - FAQ

What can I estimate with takeoff™? takeoff™ can accurately estimate anything made of labor and materials. If you build or buy it, takeoff can include it in your estimate. takeoff is not only a cabinet estimating program, it will also create accurate estimates for custom millwork, windows/doors, stairs, molding/trims, glass/mirrors, store fixtures, shakes/shingles, countertops (of any size or shape), pre-manufactured products, etc.

Is takeoff spreadsheet based? No. Takeoff™ is a custom application using a database engine. This allows virtually limitless additions or catalog sizes not constrained to cells or pages.

Will takeoff eliminate estimators? Never. Takeoff™ will speed up the technical aspects of estimating but the art of bidding remains with the expertise of estimators. Thus it will free up their time to do a better job of closing projects and software will can't do that.

How does takeoff™ deal with changes? Changes can be implemented into the estimate quickly and efficiently at any time during the estimate. Thus last minute material pricing is no problem. Changes after bid closing can be made for quick re-pricing. These changes may affect a single line item or the entire project.

Do we need rocket scientists to operate takeoff™? No, only regular estimators. You will also need a part time technical person to do catalog maintenance and they need not be the one doing the estimates.

How long does takeoff implementation takeoff™? This time can be greatly reduced by using pre-built libraries and getting training early on. Thus using the WIC2 library and about three days training will make takeoff operational and within 2 weeks you should be ready. Remember that we are trying to customize a product to your business methods and no software package can handle that immediately.

Where would I get training? Training is available available onsite from plogic Solutions Ltd., a leader in millwork manufacturing solutions. They understand woodwork.

Delegating - By introducing a reliable system for estimating the owner/estimator can avoid the repetitive nature of the estimate building process and will gain more time to manage the business more effectively.

“What if” scenarios - By having your data in an easily readable and accessible form, more time can be spent finalizing the bid and running what if scenarios, so you can see where savings can be made. Before the bid is submitted you can review, refine and approve your companies’ submission.

Purchasing - With the detailed material reports generated by the estimate, these reports can go directly to your purchasing department. Eliminating the duplication of job functions immediately saves time and money.

Project Management - The project manager requires a complete understanding of the job and if your company is to make money he needs to keep a tight rein on the project. The detailed reports provided by takeoff and his ability to access this information directly in the software program keep him informed of the logic and assumptions that were made by the estimator to ensure he keeps the job on track.

Change Orders - All change orders can be logged onto the estimate and with this new information the new labor times and material lists for purchasing will be generated. With all of the information going with the job, through to its completion, all departments are kept in the loop.

Schedule Labor - The shop foreman will be keenly interested in what jobs are coming his way. The detailed labor report generated by takeoff will allow him to schedule his shop labor most effectively and give him the information necessary to head off potential bottlenecks and problems before he gets buried in the middle of them.