#electrical estimating

[mccormicksystems]

Frequently Asked Questions About Electrical Contractor Estimating Software

What is electrical estimating software?

McCormick Systems estimating software for electrical contractors, or electrical bidding software, is a tool that saves you time and helps you estimate by automatically calculating labor and material costs, streamlining the process and increasing accuracy.

How accurate are the material calculations and pricing data?

Top-tier electrical estimation software leverages comprehensive material databases with up-to-date pricing information for consumables like wires, conduits, and fixtures. 

The automated takeoff features and powerful calculation engines ensure meticulous material quantity measurements and cost accuracy.

What integrations are available for my accounting/ERP systems?

Leading solutions connect to popular accounting platforms like Foundation Software and Quickbooks and ERP systems like Sage and Microsoft Dynamics. These seamless integrations enable real-time data exchange, eliminating redundant entry and enhancing operational efficiency.

Does it offer mobile capabilities for onsite measurements?  

Modern electrical estimation tools provide mobile apps and cloud-based access, allowing contractors to perform onsite takeoffs, capture field measurements, and update project information from virtually anywhere, enhancing collaboration and responsiveness.

Can I customize templates, reports, and workflows?

Electrical estimation software offers extensive customization capabilities, enabling contractors to tailor templates, reports, cost codes, and process workflows to align with their unique business requirements and preferences.

What training and technical support resources are provided?

Top vendors understand the importance of proper training and offer comprehensive learning resources, including, online tutorials, knowledge bases, and dedicated customer success teams for ongoing support and guidance.

What data security and backup measures are in place?

Leading platforms have high-level data security to safeguard sensitive project data. 

[raogbl]

Digital transformation has been less beneficial to the construction than to any other in the last two decades. Compared with all other industries, it has only seen an average labor productivity improvement of one percent per year in that period.

In order to understand why the construction industry lagged behind other industries, we need to understand what other industries can learn from those that have benefited so much from digital technology in the last two decades.

In the next ten years, digital technology will provide tremendous benefits to the construction industry. By 2026, construction companies could save $1.8 trillion by adopting technology.

The industry of construction can drastically change in the coming years in aspects in fields such as cost reduction, better collaboration higher levels of productivity, and the overall growth of the construction business with the incorporation of the digital construction technology.

Proper Utilization and Adoption of Digital Construction

Digital transformation cannot be achieved without the regular use of technology that generates significant returns on investment. Some technology solutions have been resistant to adoption by trade contractors in the past. This resistance has also been faced by every other industry.

Adoption Tips for new technology in construction

There is no such thing as an easy change. However, there are a few methods that can help ensure that the newly introduced technology is properly used and returns on investment due to how many industries and organizations have already begun their digital transformation.

1. Proper Communication

It is very important that the intended users are clearly informed before any new technology is adopted. Ensure that they clearly understand the purpose of using the tool as well as the goals you have for their usage.

Employees tend to push back, ignore, or work around technology when they are confronted with it without understanding why it is happening, especially when they do not know why. It is important to get everyone on the same page as soon as possible.

2. Experience of the user

The solutions you choose should be tailored to your users and your business type to ensure that they will be the most effective for you.

The majority of companies try to get their employees to use solutions that were designed for other types of companies or that were generically designed for a wide range of industries in order to boost productivity and efficiency.

Therefore, it is very difficult for employees to incorporate the technology into their daily work without being faced with many challenges on a regular basis as a result of this.

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[shallliveoninsong]

|| @maskednihilism plotted you BIH

"Another deal gone sour, huh Koski?" The General tutted as he looked over the disheveled thief.

Or at least that was what he instinctively guessed but perhaps it was something else for once. But Jing Yuan wouldn't push for details unless Sampo offered them up.

"Let me patch you up and then you can stay at my place for the night if you'd like. I'm sure Mimi would be happy to see you again."

[ecgekg]

not an ecg, these electrodes are passing a current from one bicep to the other resulting in a hypercontraction. The upper chest muscles are also contracting and the sensation will be intense

[rawro]

one time for school to teach us about electricity the teacher had us all stand in a circle and hold hands with a little machine in between two of us and then the teacher said okay push the button and all of us got shocked and most of us were upset and a couple people cried and maybe i did too and i don't know why the teacher thought that was a good idea

[darkest-depravity]

How would you feel about a sub that pushes back? One that pushes you away from her and curses at you when you try to pin her down? Or one that refuses to repeat the things you tell her to repeat?

Also opinion on shock collars?

Sounds exciting. I love brats just as much as I love doormats ;) A big hobby of mine is powerlifting, and I relish any opportunity to physically overpower a willful submissive. If she wants me to earn my dominance, all the better. She'll just have to pay the price for her behavior once I win.

I do want to say, though, that any particular power dynamic can have both (as well as many other) elements during separate scenes. In a single kink relationship, a sub can be a brat in one scene and a doormat in the next. You can switch up it up every time if you want. Or, maybe a sub is ordinarily a doormat in the day-to-day life of their relationship but would like to try out being a brat for a particular scene, or vice versa. One way to go about this is through role play, something that I'm a big fan of incorporating into kink. The possibilities are endless, honestly, and I'd urge you not to get too locked into any one particular way of expressing your role, as it could preclude you from trying new things that you might really like :) As always, though, if you're trying something brand new make sure to discuss it beforehand with your partner(s), establish any new relevant limits, and talk afterward about what did/didn't work. As far as shock collars go, although the idea is incredibly hot, I must urge you to PLEASE DO NOT DO IT. I'll probably do a longer post on electric play sometime, but the short answer is that there's no way to effectively manage risk with regard to an electrical signal applied anywhere around the neck. There are just far too many vulnerable areas that can easily be permanently damaged by an electrical current.

Here's an article containing a very thorough explanation from a neuromusculoskeletal specialist of why shock collars are a terrible, terrible risk.

A fun alternative could be to place electrodes on nipples instead. Although, there are risks involved with this as well (don't use unipolar electrodes close to the heart) and several factors (including but not limited to: nipple piercings, epilepsy, and heart conditions) which make this unviable as well.

Basically, electrical play is a high-risk activity no matter how you slice it, and you must be very careful and very well-informed before attempting it. IT IS NOT A BEGINNER FORM OF PLAY AND YOU SHOULD ABSOLUTELY BE SURE YOU DO YOUR READING BEFORE ATTEMPTING IT.

[bittersweetblasphemy]

boy do i love living in an area where the local energy company hold a complete monopoly and can charge just whatever the fuck they want

[abawaterheater]

ABA Water Heater

ABA Water Heater supplies an extensive choice of water heaters made to meet your specific requirements. We have the ideal solution for you, whether you're searching for a contemporary tankless water heater that heats water on demand or an old-fashioned storage tank water heater that can store and heat a large amount of water.

[cptnbeefheart]

haven’t had power in 3 days now

[mccormicksystems]

Best Electrical Estimating Software

The best electrical estimating software plays a crucial role in streamlining the bidding process for electrical contractors. 

These software solutions enable efficient and competitive bidding by providing:

accurate cost estimates,

identifying potential expenses,

generating detailed material lists

assessing labor requirements

Accurate estimating is paramount in the electrical industry because it impacts every aspect of a project. 

However, manual estimating can be an incredibly time-consuming and error-prone process. Finding ways to simplify and automate the estimating workflow can significantly improve efficiency, save time and money, and enhance overall profitability.

Here are four strategies electrical contractors can employ to simplify their estimating processes:

Utilize Standardized Templates and Databases: Standardized templates and up-to-date databases can significantly streamline data entry and enable faster, more accurate calculations. Consistent templates and processes make it easier for electrical estimators to transfer information from one project to another, reducing redundant work and enhancing repeatability. 

Leverage Historical Data: Electrical contractors should continuously collect and analyze project data to identify patterns, trends, and areas for improvement. Estimators can better understand cost drivers, risks, and common challenges by studying relevant metrics and lessons learned from past projects. 

Foster Effective Collaboration and Communication: Simplifying the estimating process necessitates clear roles, responsibilities, and communication channels for all team members involved. Establishing a centralized platform for tracking change orders, communicating project updates, and delegating tasks can significantly improve workflow efficiency.

Invest in Trade-Specific Estimating Software: Electrical estimating software can revolutionize estimating by digitally measuring and calculating quantities, assigning pricing, and automating cost calculations. These software solutions significantly reduce errors and inaccuracies by generating detailed reports, offering data analysis capabilities, determining comprehensive costs, and providing estimators with a clear overall picture.

Simplify Your Electrical Estimating Process With McCormick Systems

Electrical contractors can ensure accurate and competitive bids by leveraging software tailored to their trade.

McCormick is a single-platform estimating and digital takeoff solution with all these features. In addition to being an all-in-one solution, McCormick prides itself on offering industry-leading customer service and unlimited tech support so users can optimize their system and win more profitable jobs.

Want to see how our electrical estimating software can help your electrical contractor business?

Check us out online and schedule a demo today!

[wa-associate-and-builder]

[ecgekg]

Not all electrodes are painless ECG's. Some will shock you

[jynxeddraca]

Well, I had a fun week last week. I had to fire my general contractor. He got BIG FUCKING mad about it too.

Long story short: I put my foot down about a basic requirement expected from him for insurance purposes and in response, he told me I was being played by insurance and perhaps I should find a different contractor if I wasn't going to listen to him. To which I said something to the effect of: "Yeah, okay. I'm just going to do that. Have a nice day" and hung up on him. 51 nasty text messages later I have dodged a bullet, walked away with hard-learned life lessons, and now have to find a new contractor.

My grief is your learning. Here are some red flags:

They show up the morning of a disaster, and they show up really fucking early.

Bonus if they are not even local.

Double bonus if they show up with contracts or try to talk to you while you're on the phone with other emergency contractors.

They keep talking up how great their services are.

Bonus if they bring up really expensive projects or projects for important people they've done work for.

They talk constantly about fighting insurance for you because insurance will "screw you over" and "play games" with you.

They give your contact information to previous clients so they can tell you about how they think the contractor is because the contractor thinks that you're doubtful of them.

They insist on helping you with things you didn't ask for their help on in the first place.

Bonus if they don't actually show up to help when they say they will.

Double bonus if they give you wrong information about something they agreed to help you with and you have to locate the correct information to send them.

At any point you feel like you are being talked down to or lectured.

They claim insurance isn't talking to them but insurance says they have. Especially if insurance says the contractor is calling every line they have as often as - oh, say a random, pulled from the air example - 6+ calls a day.

Now for some good practices:

Get at least three estimates before you pick anyone. If someone is being really pushy about being hired - they are not the one, ditch em.

Get as much in writing as you can. Even if you don't think it's important, get it in writing where possible.

If something is not in writing, say for phone calls, keep a running record of who did you talk to, when did you talk to them, and what did you talk about. Again, even if you don't think it's important, write it down.

Keep receipts. All of them. Same thing with all emails, text messages, etc. Do not delete them. Back them up or at least put them in an email/physical folder that you can look through later and hold on to it.

If someone is resisting giving a written estimate even after examining and taking measurements, they are not the one and you should ditch em.

Be clear if you haven't used an contractor before because sometimes how they like to do things aren't obvious and they won't necessarily just tell you that you've "broken contract". Example: Part of their job is scheduling trades to show up and even if they have given you the number of someone they're subcontracting, and have told you to call them previously, they may be upsetti-spaghetti that you scheduled someone they gave you contact information for. Ask me how I now know this :]

Do not sign ANYTHING without taking the appropriate amount of time to fully look over and understand it. Do not cave to stress telling you something is urgent - it may be urgent, but it's more important you sign something with as clear a head as possible and with as much understanding as possible. If they try to rush you, they are not the one.

Contracts can be amended, any changes you make you initial and date next to the change and let the other person know.

Someone threatening legal action?:

Do note: I am not a lawyer and the following bullets are my opinions. For actual legal advice, please talk to a lawyer.

The moment someone brings up anything about legal action against you, you shut the fuck up and communicate ONLY in writing as necessary from that point on. Save everything. Screenshot if you must. Do not accept calls.

It would not go amiss to immediately get a lawyer as well.

I don't care how much they blow up your phone, email, TikTok, whatever, with insults, complaints, rants, if they're insulting you or other people: Do not engage unless you absolutely have to.

If you have to engage without a lawyer, keep all comments neutral, short, and to the point of why the communication is necessary. Otherwise, if possible, communicate through a lawyer.

Example for necessary communication: a statement like "I have sent 'x' as agreed upon, here is the tracking number" but then you shut up and do not engage in casual conversation or swap insults no matter how you feel.

Again, even if they are throwing insults, let them and do not respond to anything they say. The more heated they get, the worst it will look for them if something does go to court.

[nextgengroupservices]