Benefits of a spreadsheet:

• Spreadsheets have a familiar user interface - if you're already a spreadsheet user.
• Simple calculations are easily defined
• Spreadsheets are extremely flexible - both in computation and presentation

Problems of a spreadsheet:

• A spreadsheet is only available to a single user at one time.
• It's very easy to introduce computational errors when modifying a spreadsheet:
  • Computed values can be accidentally overwritten with specific numbers
  • Inserting rows requires the user to carefully copy or re-enter formulas
  • Inserting rows and columns can easily corrupt totals and other calculated values.
  • There's no easy way to test a modified spreadsheet
• Complex calculations, such as bonding calculation tables or crews used in multiple tasks are difficult to define and to maintain reliably.
• Occasionally used items must either be added manually or deleted from the many estimates where they're not used.
• It's very problematic to display the information in a spreadsheet in different ways. Modifying the spreadsheet destroys the original view. Copying the information, then reformatting it is time consuming, error prone and beyond the abilities of the casual spreadsheet user.
• It's difficult to segment certain materials or labor entries with the purpose of applying cost adjustments to just those items.
• Digitizers provide fast, accurate dimensions during takeoff. But the interface between digitizers and spreadsheets is limited.
• It's difficult to compare multiple estimates contained in individual spreadsheets.
• It is difficult to extract information from spreadsheets for use in other applications such as scheduling and job cost accounting.
• Price updates must be made manually to each estimate or estimate template.

Benefits of eCaliper as compared with spreadsheets:

• Multi-User Functionality
  • Efficiency - On bid day, it is more efficient to have multiple estimators working on the same estimate at the same time.
  • Scalability - Grow estimating capabilities by adding estimators and sharing file systems.
  • Collaboration - On complex estimates, have many estimators easily share and collaborate on key information in a timely manner.
  • Standardization - Provide for standardization of processes and uniformity of data entry and retrieval.
• Database Design
  • Reliable Calculations - Calculations are defined once, then applied consistently. They don't have to be copied or re-entered into each line. And there's no danger of them being overwritten.
  • Assemblies, Sub-Assemblies and Crews are mathematically linked. These complex calculations are built into the software and don't have to be programmed by the user.
  • Occasionally used items are stored in a database. They are easily accessible when needed but they don't clutter up estimates where they're not used.
  • Once entered, the estimate information is easily viewed in many different ways.
  • Price updates can be entered once, and then applied to multiple estimates or databases.
  • Assemblies and other tools allow the best practices of the company to be built into the estimating system.
• Integration with other Systems
  • A no-nonsense Digitizer user interface provides both speed and accuracy. Digitized drawings can be saved for future reference.
  • Update scheduling data based upon activity codes within eCaliper.
  • Transfer project costs by phase code to a job cost accounting system. Establish initial project budgets to compare with actual operating statistics.
  • Use Job History information in the future for bidding similar projects. Avoid making the same mistake twice.
• Implementation
  • Training Tools for eCaliper are designed specially for Contactors
  • eCaliper Web-Based Education and Support is available from our construction-industry experienced service professionals.
  • Custom-fit the eCaliper solution to your business practices and maintain the important preferences your estimators demand.
• Customer Service
  • Create forms and other client documents in a manner consistent with their needs.
  • Extensive reporting is available for analysis of estimating Information.
  • Estimates are easy to update at the last minute in response to client changes.
  • Integration of all related documents is easy with eCaliper.
  • The checklists created by the eCaliper database system helps the estimator make sure he doesn't miss something critical to a client.

		Spreadsheet Comparison Summary With a Spreadsheet, there are risks with formulas, overwriting saved files, sorting and analyzing groups of data and performing the related calculations common during the takeoff process. The objective of using technology in estimating is to optimize all estimating functions. Spreadsheets accomplish only a part of this objective, while dedicated estimating software can increase the speed of takeoffs, contribute to standardized processes, leverage the seasoned estimator's knowledge, enhance accuracy in all regards and allow for integration with other related information technologies. Estimators remain a key ingredient in the success of any construction firm. Providing them with the best tools to do their jobs is what eCaliper delivers.