The construction industry encompasses a broad range of activities involved in the planning, design, construction and maintenance of structures and infrastructures. At the same time, it is a sector that requires efficiency, effective management and collaboration between stakeholders as well as high levels of control and precision in its assets. In this regard, Quantity Takeoff (QTO) is a process developed to measure and calculate the quantities of materials, labor, and other resources required for a construction project and is proven to be vital throughout its duration.
While the principles of quantity takeoff have been applied for a long time in the construction sector, QTO software is a tool that has been developed during the past couple of decades. It is designed to automate and streamline the quantity takeoff process in construction estimation, allowing professionals to quantify and measure the various components in play for the realization of a project.
A true breakthrough for the construction industry, QTO software has played a pivotal role in improving its overall course. With accuracy being its bread and butter, QTO software reduces the likelihood of human errors in quantity calculation, thus ensuring the financial success and timely completion of construction projects. It is a powerful tool that sets up the foundation for informed decision-making, risk mitigation, and efficient resource utilization throughout the entire project lifecycle.
While accuracy is admittedly a crucial feature, QTO software has many additional benefits. It improves automation and consistency throughout the quantity takeoff process, delivering results that are standardized, easily replicated and time efficient. At the same time, many QTO software solutions enable collaboration amongst team members, where multiple users can work on the same project simultaneously as well as version control features that let them track their changes. Finally, most recent QTO software solutions can also be added to other construction management and estimation tools, creating a more cohesive and interconnected workflow. Particularly popular is the integration with Building Information Modeling (BIM) software, used extensively in the building industry, in order to address challenges that require innovative solutions and improved project management practices.
By utilizing all those advantages, QTO software makes it possible to effectively streamline construction estimation processes. Apart from allowing users to perform digital takeoffs and eliminating any need for manual measurements, the transition into the digital world makes it easy to handle complex information and more detailed drawings. In fact, QTO software often comes with a database of construction materials and their associated costs that almost fully automates the association of measurements with material quantities and cost reports.
There is no doubt that QTO software has been a key tool in the construction sector professionals’ arsenal since its inception. As the industry evolves, there is a growing emphasis on sustainability, digitalization, and efficiency, which can only be enhanced through the use of such tools, offering more conscious solutions, collaborative practices and fostering positive changes within the sector.
Do you want to find out more about Alconsoft’s QTO software, ExtrAXION?
