We use SEC estimating software. This is a proprietary made software used by
over 3000 M&E contractor UK wide. The software allows print outs in excel,
word TIF or PDF. The software can be imported and manipulated by the M&E
contractor if they have SEC software. It can't be imported into;
Barnes
Barnes extreme
Estimation
Software tool case
Luckins
These use a different file format.
SEC estimating software allows 1000 cost heads to be created. When prime
costs are inputted the costhead is selected which allows the M&E contractor
to easily model their tender.
The estimator sets up the M&E estimate section as per the tender documentation,
occasionally rationalising it. The estimator then selects items from the database,
items on the database have a labour rate allocated (based on the ETS labour
manual) the M&E contractors discounts are applied to the prime cost which
creates a net material cost, the labour time is multiplied by the prime cost
of labour (£15 per hour) is used , but the M&E contractor may calculate
their own prime cost based on the ECA/RICS (Electrical contractors association/Royal
institutes of charted surveyors) prime cost calculation sheet or the HVCA/RICS
(Heating and ventilation contractor association/Royal institute of charted
surveyors).
SEC estimating software allows the estimator to model and print off 100’s
of different reports from mechanical or electrical schedule of rates to final
tender summary sheet. The estimator can easily add or remove main contractor’s
discount. The cost head reports can be used to set up better buy (anticipated
future discounts) and of great benefit is SEC target tender facility where
the software calculates the estimate mark up to produce the final tender price.
This is useful where the main contractor has undertakes a Dutch auction.
Post tender the software can produce schedule of rates or allow pricing
of variations. It's also very easy to establish trust if the client wants
to open book negotiate the tender. All prime costs can be printed off forming
the basis of a negotiated contract.