Software in the Construction Industry

             Since the turn of the century technology has been seeping into every sector of the economy, making nearly all industries more competitive and efficient. The computer and the corresponding software has revolutionized the way we do business, even in the most physical of industries. Take the construction industry for example; an industry characterized by hammers, nails, and hardhats that is now reliant on a variety of construction software. Construction estimating software has become an integral part of the industry at all stages of the building process. From the architect drawing up plans, to the estimator who reads them, and all the way through to building on the jobsite with the aid of GPS technology and automated machines, construction software makes incredible advances possible. From the beginning of the process, construction software has completely changed the way that the industry operates. Though it has eliminated the nostalgic image of the architect with his ruler and a big roll of blueprints, CAD software that architects use to generate their plans has greatly increased the accuracy and detail that plans can provide. This specific type of construction software has more in common with graphic design software, but it is a central part of the process, as it is where the whole building begins. 

               From the architect the plans are sent to a set of contractors so that they can bid on the project, each of them trying to outbid the other to win the job. For this task contractors use takeoff software that allows them to use their computers to read and measure the plans in order to create accurate estimates of how much material is needed to finish the job. With the help of construction software that calculates takeoff quantities, contractors are able to generate material estimates that they feed into the next step in the construction software chain: estimating. Estimating software creates matrices for contractors to input their takeoff quantities and then calculates the cost to finish the job. From that number, contractors provide a bid to the client and hope they are chosen for the project. With estimating and takeoff construction software there is an equal balance between accuracy and speed. Completing bids quickly allows construction companies to bid more jobs, thereby increasing their chances of winning more jobs. Accurate take-off allow contractors to build reputations as finishing their jobs on time with the promised cost, allowing them to win more jobs that way while also limiting waste and subsequent extra cost. A wealth of other types of construction software enters the equation on the tail end, from plan sharing to accounting software, construction estimating software has truly permeated the entire industry and looks to be here to stay.