Tender estimating produces information that contractors may need to transfer into the system they use to manage materials, labour and project costs after a tender is awarded.
For contractors looking at how SimPRO pre-builds work for plumbing estimates, the process involves preparing estimating information in a structure that fits the contractor’s existing workflow. The contractor can then use quantities, material descriptions, labour allowances, and other cost information without rebuilding the tender from the original documentation.
Keep the Plumbing Estimate Data Structured
Organise the estimating information so contractors can identify quantities, materials, and labour clearly.
Use a consistent structure for material descriptions, quantities, labour allowances, and other relevant cost information. This becomes particularly useful on commercial projects where a tender can contain a large number of plumbing components across different areas.
The structure should also match how the contractor manages the project after award. If the estimating information differs from the contractor’s purchasing or project management structure, the business may need additional data entry.
Check Materials and Quantities Before the Handover
Check the information being transferred against the tender estimate and supporting documentation.
Material descriptions should match the products allowed in the tender. Review the quantities against the completed takeoff, particularly where drawing revisions or scope changes occurred during tender preparation.
Retain supplier information where it supports the contractor’s workflow. This gives the contractor a useful reference when purchasing materials or reviewing the basis of the tender.
These checks help prevent incorrect quantities or material information from entering the project management system.
Preparing a SimPRO Pre-Build
A SimPRO Pre-Build prepares estimating material information in the structure required for use within SimPRO.
The information can include material descriptions, quantities, costs and other estimating details required by the contractor. The exact structure depends on the contractor’s SimPRO configuration and the way the business manages its materials.
Preparing this information from the completed estimate can reduce the need to rebuild material details manually after the tender is awarded.
The pre-build should match the contractor’s existing material structure. This keeps the estimating information consistent with the way the business manages its projects.
Allow for Tender Changes
The information transferred after a tender may differ from the information originally prepared.
Client instructions, revised drawings, supplier changes, and scope adjustments can occur between tender submission and project commencement. Update the project information to reflect approved changes before the contractor uses it for purchasing, scheduling, or cost tracking.
Keep the original tender information identifiable so the contractor can compare changes against the basis of the original price.
Check the Information Before Project Use
Before using the information within the project management system, check the quantities, material descriptions and labour information against the tender documentation and any approved changes.
A structured handover reduces the need to re-enter or reinterpret plumbing estimating data that the contractor has already developed during tender preparation.
ePlumbing Estimators provides SimPRO Pre-Builds by preparing estimating material information in the structure required by contractors using SimPRO. Pre-Build support is also available for AroFlo and ASCORA where required.
