Money, time, and resources — these are all things that trade businesses struggle to balance. This is especially true for businesses that still use traditional methods for takeoffs and estimating. And while some of these traditional processes might still work for certain businesses, there are heaps of benefits and improvements that you can take advantage of by switching to digital.
Switching to takeoff software can seem daunting, especially if you’re already winning jobs or don’t consider yourself a very “techy” type of person. But the rewards are sure to outweigh any qualms you may have about going digital.
Making the switch to digital isn't just a step forward. It's a leap towards a more efficient, and accurate future.
Why go digital?
Many trade businesses today are still wrestling with pen, paper, and highlighters to finish takeoffs, and are spending money every month on print jobs. Digitising the process saves you time, money, and the hassle of making trips to and from the print shop. With just a few clicks, you can ditch the pen and paper and experience an easier, more efficient way of completing your takeoffs.
The time and cost advantage
Software increases the accuracy of your takeoffs because it takes away the room for human error, which saves time and money. By eliminating the need to print plans and manually measure each detail, you're not just saving money and resources — you're saving precious hours that could be better spent elsewhere. Imagine being able to complete a task that used to take hours in just minutes. By digitising the process, this turns from a possibility to a reality.
Using takeoff software, you can finish half the job in the amount of time it would take to print a plan alone. You’ll no longer have to worry about spending the entire evening doing paperwork, or about having to rely on an admin to check the accuracy of your plan. Takeoff software also allows you to provide multiple users with access to a plan. Your team members can receive real-time updates and access the plan from anywhere with an internet connection.
Improved accuracy leads to less mistakes
One of the biggest headaches of manual estimation is the margin for error. A miscalculation here or a missed detail there can spell disaster down the line. Using a software like Groundplan takes the guesswork out of the equation, providing precise measurements and ensuring that every detail is accounted for.
Reducing the possibility for costly mistakes gives you confidence in your estimates — and ultimately the peace of mind you need in knowing your plans are mistake-free.
Design flexibility
Construction isn't just about numbers; it's also about aesthetics and functionality. Let’s face it — a professional design branded with your company details, logo, and clearly labelled parts will give you a competitive edge over other bidders. By using software to do the process for you, you have the power to personalise and professionalise your plans. Need to add outlets, light switches, or other elements? No problem. Using a takeoff software with intuitive design tools lets you tailor your plans to meet your exact specifications, ensuring that every project reflects your vision.
Takeoff software offers seamless integration and collaboration
Collaboration is key in the trade industry. Cloud-based platforms allow for seamless teamwork, real-time collaboration, and communication among project team members. Whether you're in the office, on-site, or on the go, you can access your projects and data from any device with an internet connection.
Integration is another massive benefit of going digital. Need to integrate your takeoffs with a job management tool, or give your accountant access to your plan’s costs and estimates? Going digital allows you to seamlessly integrate with other commonly used tools in the construction industry, including accounting software, CRM systems, and job management software.
With Groundplan's intuitive click-and-drag interface, quantifying becomes a breeze. With easy export options for your takeoff estimates, the software allows you to export your figures directly to Excel, ensuring that your numbers are always accurate. So whether you're ready to bid farewell to spreadsheets or prefer to integrate them into your workflow, Groundplan has you covered. By using a software solution like Groundplan, you can completely eliminate the time-consuming and tedious process of manually filling in spreadsheets. Once you complete your takeoff, you can export your Bill of Quantities directly to Excel or seamlessly integrate it with other software solutions.
Support and training
Making the switch to digital can be daunting, but one of the best parts of making the switch is that you have support every step of the way. From free one-on-one training sessions to dedicated customer support, we're committed to ensuring that you have the knowledge and resources you need to succeed. Our team will work with you to understand your workflow and personalise your plan to meet your specific needs.
With a support and training team dedicated to providing personalised, one-on-one training and support, we help users leverage our software so they can get the job done quickly and efficiently.
How do I get started?
To get started, all you have to do is sign up for a free trial. One of our experienced sales reps will contact you for a one-on-one training session and answer any questions you might have about how Groundplan works. After signing up, you’ll start a 14 day free trial with unrestricted access to all of Ground Plans features.
By harnessing the power of technology, you can revolutionise your estimation process, save time and money, and ultimately take your projects to new heights. Don't let outdated methods hold you back. Sign up for a free trial with Groundplan today.
