As the scale of construction activity increases and projects become more complex, the sheer processing power of construction estimating software becomes more apparent and visible in dealing with complicated calculations and functionality. And, that is where dedicated software solutions, like CCS, come into play.

Construction Computer Software, better known as CCS, has been developed by contractors, for contractors, to provide specialist software solutions to the construction industry. With over 35 years of experience, and a global presence of nine offices in eight countries, the company boasts of an extensive network of distributors and call centres worldwide, over 900 contracting companies and 15,000 users serviced and supported on a daily basis.

Users, from small and medium construction companies to some of the largest construction entities in the world, have implemented CCS solutions on some of the biggest and most prestigious projects on the planet. Having spent many years in construction, CCS has defined and refined a computerised construction management solution that allows construction organisations to evaluate, monitor and control their spend in real time – effectively integrating their cost management and reporting with their books of account.

The solution makes use of the web to allow for the accumulation of daily costing data, from remote locations to a central server. The information gathered is used to compare with budgeting information prepared during the bid phase of the project. The distinguishing factor separating the CCS system from others is the fact that the software has been produced by construction professionals, written specifically for the industry, and addresses all the budgeting and cost elements in the course of the construction phase of projects.


As an experienced construction estimator, the decision to move away from the ‘old school’ use of spreadsheets to bespoke software is one you have probably asked yourself many times over. Let us discuss the four most compelling arguments to take the leap into the future.

Am I Right?
Getting it right first time not only saves time but can be the defining factor in winning the job. Winning the job with the right numbers is also critical in making a profit, which, let’s face it, is the reason for wanting to win the job in the first place.
Construction estimating software was designed for estimators and automatically carries out calculations for elements such as insurance, bonds, taxes, margin, labour, equipment, materials and all other associated expenses. This all but removes the margin for human error. The major downfall with spreadsheets relates to the need to play with the formulas being used and that these can be deliberately or accidentally changed.
As the software was designed for the construction industry, it allows you to review, report or summarize by any level, including, for example, by cost type, labour, or materials, or even by project phase or location. Business intelligence at this level is becoming increasingly more critical in project management at all stages.

Too big for your boots
Over time, most businesses reach a point where spreadsheets are no longer able to cope with the scale and complexity of the task. With a team of estimators, standard process and procedures are likely to be far more beneficial than individual flair. When we move into more complex projects, the sheer processing power of construction estimating software becomes more apparent and visible in dealing with complicated calculations and functionality.
The cost-in-time and efficiency taken by setting up the spreadsheets and error checking compared with utilizing the bespoke software is incomparable and, as already mentioned, the software will also show further efficiency as it won’t require manual inputting of any of the data to other functions that are integrated.

No man is an island
Unless you are, of course, a self-employed one man band where you can argue the other way, most construction estimating professionals will be part of a wider team whose work is pivotal in the bigger picture of bidding and project cost management. On a small-scale project, it may be less obvious to identify the shortfalls in using spreadsheets – they are commonly available, relatively simple to use, after all!
The pitfalls start to emerge as business booms and integration becomes important:
-  Your spreadsheets are not designed to populate other core systems (accounting or scheduling, for example).
-  Construction calculations are only getting more complicated as projects, sub-contractors and variations emerge.
-  Does your spreadsheet have limitless sharing functionality when you are working as part of a larger team?
Bespoke user designed spreadsheets across multiple users are full of individuality. That is the positive spin on pointing out that they are non-standard, something that will create issues in a growing business. The ability to transfer the right data into scheduling, costing and project management systems becomes an issue where it is either too sparse or, even, too detailed which can result in over complicated or, at its worst, wrong calculations being carried out.
Construction estimating software is specifically designed to work with other functions of the business. This removes the need to carry out manual calculations or data entry at ‘the back end’ and will automatically transfer the right data into areas such as costing.

Who’s got your back?
As with all areas of business and industry, having the right team behind you is the key. Your software provider will have a team of eminently qualified developers and designers supporting your product and, as it is designed specifically for the construction industry, will be able to offer any help or assistance at any stage, not to mention providing updates and enhancements to keep pace with developments in the construction industry as a whole, keeping you fully up-to-date. This same team will also be able to assist you in the embedding of your new software with dedicated training and customer service to alleviate the potential hurdle of exporting your old data onto the new platform.




The train is leaving the station
Times, they aren’t just changing, they already have. Young innovative companies have a tendency to embrace new technologies and get the maximum benefit from the enhanced efficiency and growth they support. Fail to adapt and evolve at your peril. The romantic notion of being ‘old fashioned’ or ‘traditional’ carries little weight in the competitive and financially driven construction market and winning bids and making a profit are of the utmost importance for a business to survive.
Speak to professionals who understand how this software can impact your business and take their guidance on what will work best for you. Invest in your progress and development and set yourself apart from the old school and embrace the future. It is going to happen with or without you. So, you might as well stay on board for the ride.

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Young innovative companies have a tendency to embrace new technologies and get the maximum benefit from the enhanced efficiency and growth they support. Fail to adapt and evolve at your peril.