Reader participation is starting to make this blog a lot more fun and interesting.

Recently I heard from Ken Carman, an estimator who has a real passion for efficiency. While working for a large door and hardware distributor back in 2000, Ken was handling bids for large commercials jobs, many of which would top a thousand openings (i.e. doors). Determining accurate counts while relating materials, sizes, types, and hardware was an overwhelming and error prone process.

Ken ended up creating his own Microsoft Access program in order to quickly transfer the door schedule information into his computer, where it could be counted automatically. By implementing a series of "defaults" he was able reduce his time spent by 75%. For example, by setting the application to default to wood doors, his system would automatically enter each new opening as a wood door, unless he entered a change for a metal door. Then, queries and reports that Ken created, instantly and automatically count all of the items listed, breaking them down by each relevant category.

He also found that his application was good at identifying discrepancies in the schedule. If an opening appeared to have inconsistencies, it would be flagged for him to request clarification. That saved on returned materials and project delays.

Ken has become somewhat of an evangelist for making the takeoff process more efficient. His ultimate goal is to promote the release of door schedules in electronic formats, such as Excel. When an Excel schedule is imported into a program like his, not only are the quantities of all items provided instantly, there is little to no chance for the counts to be wrong (relative to the schedule provided). Ken believes that if Internet plan rooms were to utilize a program like his, they could accurately provide door schedule counts to bidders, saving several hours (or days) per job.

Ken makes another interesting point. If the takeoff process were made more efficient and accurate, firms could bid on more jobs. Time and money saved would allow contractors to spend additional time and money on the more important portions of the bid such as concrete, while distributors could bid jobs that they otherwise would have had to pass on. This creates a more competitive marketplace and everybody wins.

For the fun of it, Ken is looking for the ultimate challenge — a door schedule for a project with several hundred to a thousand openings. If he can receive the data in Excel, he'll process the schedule in less than one hour and return an accurate door, frame, and hardware set count. We'll also write up a review of the whole process at RiverGuide for Construction Software.

Shoot me an email if you want to take on Ken's challenge.

March 7, 2007

I would like to wish Ken the best of luck. I think there are too many "pop-in and pop-out" schedule/take-off programs that are either too product specific or too outrageously priced. It seems as if the market for such applications is saturated with half complete attempts. I hope we see an end product that makes our world a better place. GO GET'EM KEN!

E. Hunt

February 28, 2007

Excellent ideas on streamlining and efficiencies in estimating. I am also interested in seeing how this turns out. I was never a door guy, primarily mechanical and civil. I can see numerous applications in every field tho. Best wishes with your project.

Peter McMillin

February 23, 2007

Unfortunately I don't have the type of project Ken is looking for. I am very interested in the outcome of the exercise. Keep us aprised of the progress - success or failure.

Jim Maddox, AHC

February 23, 2007

I've been working in the architectural field for over fifteen years using AutoCAD. I'm currently working on some AutoLISP macro to make the process of creating door schedule easier. I would like to talk to Ken to discuss how I can make my door schedule work with his data base. Your assistance will be much appericated. You can reach me by email at paulmon@sympatico.ca or by phone at 416-726-3318.

Paul Mon