Project Management & Business Management Software
Project Management & Business Management SoftwareA good estimate
The importance of correct estimating is obvious. Under-estimating may result in the client getting an unpleasant shock when bids are opened and drastically modifying or abandoning the work at that stage. Over-estimating may lose the prospect, or in any case, his confidence.
“The sign industry’s desire to estimate quickly and effectively is more important today because of growing competition,” says Terry Miller, President of Activity Software. “Automated software lets you create quotes and email or fax them immediately in a professional style, not just handwritten notes.”
An estimate is a calculation of the quantities of various items of work, and the expenses likely to be incurred. The total of these probable expenses to be incurred on the work is known as ‘estimated cost’ of the work. The estimated cost of a work is a close approximation of its actual cost.
The agreement of the estimated cost with the actual cost will depend on accurate use of estimating methods and correct visualization of the work, as it will be done. Automating the process not only eliminates the need to pour in hours of time completing an estimate, but also takes out the worry that you may have miscalculated your figures.
When making your decision about whether or not to purchase estimating software for your sign business, keep in mind that your competition may already be using one. To remain competitive and achieve a professional quality in your presentation documents, do your homework and select a product that will suit your needs now and for the future.
The right sign estimating software gives you faster estimates, fewer errors, synchronizes with your job cost accounting, and enhances your ability to communicate with clients, suppliers and contractors. The learning curve for using an estimating software program will be greater or lesser depending upon your computer skills and your familiarity with estimating. Many user-friendly, affordable options are available for small businesses.
A good tracker
When it comes to the functionality you’ll find in today’s estimating software programs, estimating is just the tip of the iceberg. Available in some programs is the ability to take advantage of such features as built-in calculators and conversion programs, report and printed form generation, drawing tools, tracking workflow, scheduling, and more.
An estimating program can work for you when it comes to tasks not only related to organizing bids, but also keeping track of the books, tracking projects in production and costs, presenting documents to clients, writing contracts and preparing order forms and reports. These and other organization tools will allow you to achieve the same professional touch as many of the larger contractors. The more tasks you delegate to your software, the faster it will pay for its keep.
One complete sign company management system that assists sign businesses in managing the sign process from start to finish is the SignTracker management software. This headache-reducing, time-freeing, jewel of a tool is helping sign shops, large and small, estimate more accurately, track jobs more efficiently, and provide clarity to the bottom line.
SignTracker was created by Joe Arenella and Robert McDonald of Sign Tech International. “We have been in the sign industry as a sign manufacturer for over 10 years and now close to $10 million in sales,” says Arenella. “We really know the business.” SignTracker was developed over that 10-year period and has been selling like hotcakes since it hit the market two years ago.
SignTracker is an organizational system that helps with many aspects of what your company needs. It comes with over 500 creative sign designs and standardized sign templates, but the estimating, sales tracking, and project management are probably the most used functions of the system. The system cost is under $2,000 for all modules and multi-users and there are no annual dues or other fees associated.
One of the greatest challenges for sign business owners today is keeping all of the paperwork organized. “Each project has unique parts, even if you are manufacturing the sign over and over again,” says Arenella. “Different installation conditions, city codes, shipping, and hiring subcontractors are just a few of the unique challenges in each project.
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