In terms of estimating software, there are generic types of software
like Microsoft's Excel that can be used in its spreadsheet format. This
software is very commonly used in many businesses and for many different
purposes. It is by no means industry specific.
For industry specific software, you would have to look at a software
product like Timberline Office. Timberline Office software is actually a
suite of products that handle everything from estimating to project
managing to client and vendor lists to accounting and job costing. Each
module can link to the others making the complete package just that - a
complete construction management package. This product is one of the
Sage Group's business management products. A somewhat 'lighter' version
of the Timberline software is the Peachtree by Sage Premium Accounting
for Construction software.
To design
prefab metal building kits, many of the pre-engineered metal
building manufacturers like Butler and Robertson have their own
proprietary software. In some cases, this software is made available to
the manufacturer's dealers, distributors or contractors. Some of this
software is very powerful. Custom designed prefabricated metal buildings
are no problem for the pre-eng software. With very little data input,
this type of software can design a building and provide the contractor
with pricing details and even structural drawings. This software is of
course kept well guarded by many of the manufacturers.
For the metal stud panelizing industry there is light gauge steel
framing design software available. This software works in conjunction
with AutoCAD. For example, the footprint of a building is in-put into
AutoCAD along with some parameters that are set by the user. The
software provides a detailed panel layout and list, material cut list,
material order list and even a cutting pattern. This information can be
used in your estimating software to produce an accurate quotation.
There are numerous CAD based design software programs for residential
buildings as well. Some are very complex while others are quite easy to
use. One new
concept in home design uses an online interface where the home owner or
professional can construct and manipulate a 3D model of their home or
room. Plan3D is easy enough for the homeowner yet powerful enough for
the construction professional.
Home & Landscaping Design: Design your home & yard online. Visit us & try it today for Free! www.Plan3D.com
Related Articles
One of the most complete and powerful construction software packages that I am aware of is the suite of Timberline Software. Timberline construction software is a complete powerhouse of tools.... See Timberline Software for the complete article.
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