What Is Plumbing Estimating Software and How Do I Use It?
To make a profitable bid on a plumbing project, it is essential to make an accurate estimation of your time, the materials you will require, and the constraints of the job. An error with any of these could end up costing you. Unfortunately, it is all too common to make errors when you try to factor in all the details using paper or a digital spreadsheet. You might make a wrong entry or miss a key detail while switching windows to look up the relevant information. However, you can avoid such pitfalls by using plumbing estimating software.
What is Plumbing Estimating Software?
Plumbing estimating software is a specialized software created specifically for plumbing professionals. Many companies produce different variations of this software at different price points. The software, mainly, helps to increase your productivity by making quick and accurate estimations. It also offers you the convenience of accessing work plans and other relevant data on your mobile device and sharing it seamlessly with co-workers, contractors, and clients.
The Benefits of Plumbing Estimating Software
If you are considered digitizing your plumbing business, here are some of the benefits you can gain from using plumbing estimating software:
• You can import your existing plans into the software program, or you can create digital plans with the software.
• With the digital plans, you can quickly figure out which materials you will need for your project and in what quantity, and how many hours you are likely to require to complete the work.
• You can also look up the right prices from pricing databases that the software company updates in real-time. So, there will be no question of losing money on account of getting the prices from an outdated list.
• Another important benefit of using plumbing estimating software is that you can keep all the information on the same page. You won’t need to switch windows to record your measurements and item counts, and that reduces the risk of making entry errors.
• The software program protects the calculation formulas, so you don’t have to worry about inadvertently altering them and getting the wrong estimate results.
• Also, digitizing your plumbing business gives you the advantage of being able to access your project plans and data on the go. You don’t need to head back to the office every time you need to look up anything. Furthermore, if you are working with a large team, you can share data, assign tasks, and discuss project issues in real-time, without resorting to separate emails, messages, phone calls, or meetings.
• Additionally, if you need to make changes in the plans or update certain information, you can do so quickly.
• You can align plumbing estimating software with accounting software for direct price transfer.
• You can create and send automated marketing emails to existing and potential clients.
• You can find and bid for plumbing jobs that are right for your professional experience.
Using the Plumbing Estimating Software Subscription Model
Earlier versions of plumbing estimating software required separate licenses for different computers, and that could push up the price significantly. Most companies now follow the subscription model with more affordable fees, and, generally, offer a 30-day free trial to let you sample the software before you decide to purchase a subscription. Furthermore, depending on your requirements, you can select a monthly or annual subscription plan.
The software is easy to install, and you can access it on your desktop computer, laptop, smartphone, or tablet. It isn’t necessary to buy different subscriptions for each. You only need to purchase different subscriptions for different users. When the company issues periodic software updates, you can download them to keep your system functioning well. As a result, with the subscription model, there will be fewer compatibility issues with browsers or other software programs.
Digitization is now so integral to most of our business activities that incorporating plumbing estimation software is more of a necessity than an option for plumbing professionals. Along with facilitating the way you run your business and enabling you to bid on new projects, it will help you to keep up with industry developments and pricing changes. Moreover, it will save you time and increase your productivity. As such, it is an excellent investment.