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                  COMPUTERIZED COST ESTIMATING 

Computerized estimating has "come of age". The development of 
economical - and powerful - desktop PC's in the 1990's has meant 
that these machines have largely replaced the larger mini and mainframe 
computers in the preparation of cost estimates and tenders. 

New software packages have also brought enormous flexibility and 
speed to the estimating process. The 1990's have seen these 
economical systems on the desk of all professional estimators - 
completely replacing manual methods and spreadsheets in all but 
the smallest organizations. The days when estimators could use a 
computer on only a portion of the estimate - or on a particular 
type of estimate - have gone. 

Typical of the powerful and flexible PC based systems is PROBID - 
developed by the Australian software developer Procon 
Construction Systems. PROBID does much more than just assist the 
estimator in manipulating supplier and subcontractor prices. It 
allows any type of contractor, manufacturer or fabricator to 
define his own cost types and price his work in as much - or as 
little - detail as he wishes. An estimator can use many types of 
resource, combine resources into assemblies or crews to as many 
levels of aggregation as he wishes, and access resources, 
assemblies and subcontractors from flexible and intuitive "point 
and shoot" selection lists. He is able to control the way 
overheads are calculated and apportioned; can include "global" 
costs within the body of the tender; flexibly handle "write in" 
items, specified rates, nominated subcontractor items and any 
difference between tendered and actual quantities. 

PROBID's library facilities allow the user to create - and select 
from - a veritable "smorgasbord" of resources, assemblies, items, 
suppliers and subcontractors. The program's consistent and 
intuitive interface makes maximum use of "popup" selection lists, 
context sensitive prompts and help screens. Despite the wealth of 
features available to handle the many situations arising in 
complex tenders, the result is a system that is pleasantly easy 
to learn and use. A comprehensive tutorial leads the new user 
painlessly through PROBID allowing him to use it on his own 
estimates immediately. 

Using the latest in electronic digitizer technology, quantities 
may be taken directly from drawings or scaled sketches. Digitizer 
support is seamlessly integrated within PROBID's powerful 
arithmetic expression parser. No additional training or long 
learning curve is involved. In the quantity takeoff stage, a time 
saving of 70% can be achieved along with a significant reduction 
in takeoff errors. 

PROBID also shares data with PROCON's other software packages -  
PROBILL - a Contract Billing and variation control system and 
PROPLAN - a Project Scheduling system. 

Interested users can obtain an evaluation system - including a 
working copy of the program and the User Manual - at nominal 
cost.

Further details are available from 

   PROCON CONSTRUCTION SYSTEMS
   3/5-7 Victoria Parade
   MANLY   NSW 2095
   Tel: +61 2 9977.6863, Email: sales@procon.com.au
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