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Estimation MEP: the estimating tool for small MEP contractors

Construction is a busy industry and not everyone has time to tune into a 45-minute webinar (although we’d highly recommend) so we’ve condensed some of the key points from our Estimation MEP overview webinar

 

The idea behind Estimation MEP was that it should be intuitive and work in the way that smaller estimators naturally work. Everything from purchasing to the setup and through to the ongoing support is structured in such a way that makes sense for small MEP contractors. We’ll talk you through some of the key features, benefits, and more. 



What is Estimation MEP?

Estimation MEP is all about saying goodbye to spreadsheets and moving towards cloud-based estimating. It is Trimble's secure, cloud-based estimating solution designed specifically for the electrical contracting industry. It is a wholly native cloud solution, meaning it is accessed online and doesn't require any desktop installations. 



Who is Estimation MEP for?

Estimation MEP is primarily for small to mid-size electrical contractors. The solution is designed to meet the specific needs of this industry and particularly those who are currently using manual methods and spreadsheets for estimating.



What features does Estimation MEP have?

2D graphical takeoff

Classic takeoff methods have gotten a digital makeover with the inclusion of a fully integrated 2D graphical takeoff tool that allows users to takeoff directly from digital drawings. 

Luckins integration

Luckins provides an extensive library of up to date manufacturer costings and specifications. This means no more chasing suppliers, instead contractors have live, up to the minute estimates they can share with the client. This allows for quicker decisions on materials, negotiate better deals with suppliers, and gain a competitive edge. 

Assemblies

These are pre-built groups of items that are commonly used together in electrical fixtures, acting like building blocks that you can easily drop into your estimates. Create custom count-based assemblies and save them in your personal library to create a database of assemblies beyond what is already included out-of-the-box.

Autocount

This feature is able to identify and quantify items on drawings. It’s a huge time saver compared to manual counting and significantly reduces the chance of human error. This allows the estimator to spend less time counting hundreds of tiny, duplicated components on a complex drawing and more time focusing on more strategic tasks such as analysing bids and assessing risks.

Project organisation

When in Estimation MEP, you will have the option to organise your estimates into projects. When creating a new project, you can fill in all of the details of the project, including start and end dates, as well as invite other stakeholders to the project. This means they’ll be able to work on the project simultaneously within the solution. 

If you use Trimble Connect on your projects, it’s worth noting that any files you upload to Estimation MEP can automatically be uploaded to Trimble Connect – and vice versa. This means all parties get live updates of new document uploads, changes, or estimates.



What are the benefits of Estimation MEP?

Time-savings

Something that underlines every other benefit is time-savings. The amount of automation that Estimation MEP brings to the table means that rather than getting bogged down in the every day administrative tasks, it allows estimators to work on the strategic elements of their job. 

Increased project accuracy

If you’re working with outdated information or a single miscalculation, the repercussions down the line will end up causing crucial time to be wasted.

When costings data is live and up-to-date, your estimates reflect the most accurate data available and can be submitted in a timely manner and with confidence. Less back and forth with suppliers trying to find the most recent pricing information and having to make amends should yours on file be outdated. 

Competitive edge

It’s all well and good having a software solution that makes your working life easier, but if it doesn’t translate into tangible benefits beyond that, it isn’t worth the paper it’s written on. Ultimately, making all of these marginal gains throughout the estimate are going to give you an advantage over your competitors. You can get estimates submitted quicker, with more detail, and quicker back and forth should there be any amends. In fact, customer Shane Mechanical Ltd predicted they’re saving around 50% time taken per estimate since using Estimation MEP. 



How easy is Estimation MEP to use? 

Introducing new technology is always a challenge, especially in an industry used to doing processes a certain way for so long. Estimation MEP’s focus on intuitive design and self-paced learning makes it incredibly easy to pick up and start integrating into your everyday processes.

 

The in-app help tools in the knowledge bot are designed for users to guide themselves through their first estimate and manage their first project in Estimation MEP. It should take 1-2 hours to learn how to use Estimation MEP, so the downtime is minimal. 



How do I find out more?

To find out more about Estimation MEP, you can explore more product resources, from detailed blogs to overview webinars. Alternatively, book in a quick call to see how Estimation MEP could look for your estimating team.