Quantity Takeoff software has drastically transformed the construction takeoff process. What was once a somewhat tedious, manual task, became efficient and automated, thus aiding the overall management, communication and timeframe of a project. Minimizing errors, improving the speed and efficiency in which tasks are done and setting up predefined rules and methods for calculating quantities, significantly outperforms the traditional measuring methods. Still, acquiring and implementing QTO software practices is an important step as well as investment. So, what are the key features of a QTO software that a professional should consider?
Usability and functionality, collaboration and accessibility and finally, customer support. These are the three pillars of every successful QTO software tool. To begin with, an intuitive and user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate and understand can accelerate the user’s learning curve and boost productivity. At the same time, a QTO software that is compatible with other popular construction management tools on the market and standard file formats such as DWG, DWF and PDF delivers a seamless and integrated workflow.
Naturally, having the ability to measure lengths, areas, volumes, and counts directly from digital drawings is a given. However, highly developed QTO software often includes auto-count and assembly features that can speed up the takeoff process and reduce errors by using predefined criteria. In fact, there is frequently an option where the measurement units, formulas, and templates can be customized, adapting to the different construction projects and their requirements. Finally, many QTO programs are able to handle variable cost components such as fluctuating material costs and labor rates, providing accurate and up-to-date cost estimates.
Similarly to construction projects requiring team effort, takeoff processes also involve high levels of cooperation. Working simultaneously on drawing measurements and exchanging project data as well as having cloud-based accessibility are crucial QTO software features that enhance both on-site and off-site collaborations; especially for modern construction projects, where teams and supply stakeholders are often internationally distributed. Revision and change management features are also important assets in a QTO program, enabling users to swiftly track certain changes that are taking place in a construction project, coordinate in-between drawings as well as refer back to previous versions if needed.
Although QTO programs are able to gather, group as well as breakdown large amounts of information, the capacity to turn this data into comprehensive reports is critical. Whether it is a blueprint, a work breakdown structure (WBS) or a cost table, the program should support the export of data in various formats and generate clear and detailed reports that can be easily shared with project stakeholders. Finally, training resources and support availability is imperative for any existing software. Regular updates, tutorial demos and responsive customer support help the user address any issues or questions that may arise.
Choosing the right QTO software might be a daunting task. However, by carefully considering these key features, construction professionals can select software that meets their specific needs, improves efficiency and contributes to more accurate and reliable project estimates. ExtrAXION is a program tailored to accommodate the challenges of any construction project. Its simple, user-friendly interface turns measuring into a fun and enjoyable task, while its open and modular design makes it easily adaptable to different regional requirements, providing fast and reliable results.
But don’t take our word for it. Read through Alconsoft’s testimonials to independently explore the perspectives of other construction professionals and ascertain their experiences and insights.
