Selecting Estimating Software: Perspectives from the Construction Industry
- Conference
- Location
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Salt Lake City, Utah
- Publication Date
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June 23, 2018
- Start Date
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June 23, 2018
- End Date
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July 27, 2018
- Conference Session
- Tagged Division
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Engineering Technology
- Page Count
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12
- DOI
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10.18260/1-2--30955
- Permanent URL
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https://peer.asee.org/30955
- Download Count
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686
Paper Authors
Charles McIntyre Indiana University-Purdue University of Indianapolis
Charles McIntyre is a Professor and Program Director of the Construction Engineering Management Technology Program at Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI). He received a Ph.D. from Penn State in 1996. Prior to joining IUPUI, he was a faculty member and former chair in the Department of Construction Management and Engineering at North Dakota State University in Fargo.
Dr. McIntyre’s current research includes sustainable construction, green building, and industry-academic collaborations. He is an active member of the American Society for Engineering Education and the American Council for Construction Education. Dr. McIntyre has served on the ASEE Board of Directors and is an ASEE Fellow.
Sanjeev Adhikari Indiana University-Purdue University of Indianapolis
Veto Matthew Ray Indiana University-Purdue University of Indianapolis
Mr. Matt Ray is the director for the Facilities Management Technology graduate program as well as a lecturer for the Construction Engineering Management Technology Program offered through the Purdue School of Engineering and Technology at Indian University Purdue University Indianapolis. He currently provides instruction for Facilities Planning and Management, Introduction to Facilities Engineering Systems, Financial Aspects of Facilities Management and Construction Cost and Bidding. He is a graduate of Purdue School of Engineering and Technology receiving degrees in Construction Technology, Architectural Technology and a Masters in Facility Management. His field experience includes residential and light commercial construction. He has been an architectural designer as well as superintendent for single and multi-family residential construction projects. Mr. Ray worked as an engineering design manager in the Building Components Manufacturing Industry for over fifteen years.
James W. White Indiana University-Purdue University of Indianapolis
J. William White AIA is a senior lecturer with the Construction Engineering Management Technology program
within the Purdue School of Engineering and Technology in Indianapolis. He is a registered architect
who has more than 25 years of varied construction industry experience. Mr. White has undergraduate
degrees from Indiana University and Ball State University and a masters degree from Purdue University
Indianapolis. He is an active member of the American Institute of Architects and the Construction Specifi-
cations Institute.
Abstract
Virtually all architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) companies use some form of estimating software to complete quantity take-offs and estimate costs. The array of available estimating software is quite extensive. The selection of a software program (or programs) that is appropriate for a give AEC firm is based on many variables. AEC firms often select estimating software based on cost, features, functions, reviews, and recommendations, as well as compatibility with their current computer operating system. But, how many stop to consider if this new software will fit in with their current estimating procedures?
The methodology used in this research involves an electronic survey of AEC firms that are on the Construction Engineering Management Technology Industry Advisory Board (IAB) at Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis. The survey was designed to not only determine the type of estimating software systems used by the IAB, but to ask fundament concerns associated software selection. Such questions include: 1.) were the estimating requirement analyzed prior to shopping?; 2.) were the capabilities of the estimating software systems examined in depth?; 3.) were the benefits and functionality analyzed; was pricing the major factor?; and 4.) did you take a test run before purchasing the software? This paper documents the results of the research conducted to answer these fundamental questions.
McIntyre, C., & Adhikari, S., & Ray, V. M., & White, J. W. (2018, June), Selecting Estimating Software: Perspectives from the Construction Industry Paper presented at 2018 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition , Salt Lake City, Utah. 10.18260/1-2--30955
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