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Vision InfoSoft
США
Добавлен 24 авг 2015
Vision InfoSoft offers the industry-leading electrical estimating software, Electrical Bid Manager. We also offer EPIC Pricing software and data service subscription to keep your electrical material pricing updated. Visit www.visioninfosoft.com to learn more.
#electricalestimating #electricalestimatingsoftware #electricalestimator
#electricalestimating #electricalestimatingsoftware #electricalestimator
Видео
How to Estimate Electrical Projects with Electrical Estimating Software | EBM Product Tour
Просмотров 7 тыс.2 года назад
How to Estimate Electrical Projects with Electrical Estimating Software | EBM Product Tour
Branch Circuit Wiring Takeoff | Shortcuts for Electrical Estimators
Просмотров 11 тыс.2 года назад
Branch Circuit Wiring Takeoff | Shortcuts for Electrical Estimators
5 Best Markup Strategies for Electrical Estimators - Maximize Profit!
Просмотров 5 тыс.2 года назад
5 Best Markup Strategies for Electrical Estimators - Maximize Profit!
8 Electrical Estimating Mistakes that are Costing You Big Time
Просмотров 4 тыс.2 года назад
8 Electrical Estimating Mistakes that are Costing You Big Time
How to Analyze Electrical Bids Like a Pro
Просмотров 1,9 тыс.2 года назад
How to Analyze Electrical Bids Like a Pro
5 Material Pricing Strategies for Electrical Contractors
Просмотров 1,3 тыс.2 года назад
5 Material Pricing Strategies for Electrical Contractors
Why Every Electrical Contractor should add Service Work to its Roster
Просмотров 2,6 тыс.2 года назад
Why Every Electrical Contractor should add Service Work to its Roster
Understanding Electrical Distribution Takeoff
Просмотров 2,6 тыс.2 года назад
Understanding Electrical Distribution Takeoff
How to Create Custom Electrical Job Templates in EBM
Просмотров 1,3 тыс.2 года назад
How to Create Custom Electrical Job Templates in EBM
7 Habits of an Effective Electrical Estimator
Просмотров 17 тыс.2 года назад
7 Habits of an Effective Electrical Estimator
Should You Upgrade to Electrical Bid Manager PRO
Просмотров 4623 года назад
Should You Upgrade to Electrical Bid Manager PRO
How to Do an Electrical Estimate Right
Просмотров 55 тыс.3 года назад
How to Do an Electrical Estimate Right
7 Pitfalls of Using QuickBooks for Construction Accounting Software
Просмотров 1,1 тыс.3 года назад
7 Pitfalls of Using QuickBooks for Construction Accounting Software
Top 7 Strategies to Maximize Profit on Electrical Jobs
Просмотров 3 тыс.3 года назад
Top 7 Strategies to Maximize Profit on Electrical Jobs
EBM 11.7 - Feature Tour - Opt-out for refreshing counts from PlanSwift
Просмотров 3003 года назад
EBM 11.7 - Feature Tour - Opt-out for refreshing counts from PlanSwift
EBM 11.7 - Feature Tour - Quoted pricing input grid; TAB and ENTER keys now behave like Excel
Просмотров 1783 года назад
EBM 11.7 - Feature Tour - Quoted pricing input grid; TAB and ENTER keys now behave like Excel
EBM 11.7 - Feature Tour - Update multiple assemblies in audit trail.
Просмотров 2313 года назад
EBM 11.7 - Feature Tour - Update multiple assemblies in audit trail.
EBM 11.7 - Feature Tour - Job List Speed!
Просмотров 1623 года назад
EBM 11.7 - Feature Tour - Job List Speed!
Electrical Estimating - Crunching the Final Bid Numbers
Просмотров 1,2 тыс.3 года назад
Electrical Estimating - Crunching the Final Bid Numbers
Electrical Estimating - Feeder Takeoff
Просмотров 1,2 тыс.3 года назад
Electrical Estimating - Feeder Takeoff
Electrical Estimating - Fixture Takeoff
Просмотров 1 тыс.3 года назад
Electrical Estimating - Fixture Takeoff
Part 3 of 3 - Getting Started Bidding on Larger Jobs - Electrical Bid Manager
Просмотров 8134 года назад
Part 3 of 3 - Getting Started Bidding on Larger Jobs - Electrical Bid Manager
Part 2 of 3 - Getting Started Bidding on Larger Jobs - Electrical Bid Manager
Просмотров 1,7 тыс.4 года назад
Part 2 of 3 - Getting Started Bidding on Larger Jobs - Electrical Bid Manager
Part 1 of 3 - Getting Started Bidding on Larger Jobs - Electrical Bid Manager
Просмотров 2,5 тыс.4 года назад
Part 1 of 3 - Getting Started Bidding on Larger Jobs - Electrical Bid Manager
Switchboards and Panels Section Limit Set to 999
Просмотров 1354 года назад
Switchboards and Panels Section Limit Set to 999
Job File Window - new columns of data - 11.5-03.06.20
Просмотров 1864 года назад
Job File Window - new columns of data - 11.5-03.06.20
Advanced Features & Shortcuts with Electrical Bid Manager
Просмотров 3,5 тыс.4 года назад
Advanced Features & Shortcuts with Electrical Bid Manager
How to speed up the most time-consuming part of a takeoff (and improve accuracy!)
Просмотров 1,3 тыс.4 года назад
How to speed up the most time-consuming part of a takeoff (and improve accuracy!)
This is great for fresh jobs, thank you! I just acquired planswift, If I already have a takeoff in EBM, and I want to now digitize everything in the audit trail to link up with planswift...how is that accomplished? When I try to edit to source on a entry item, there doesnt seem to be any button to allow integration? The scenario is I have three jobs for the same chain store, but its 3 different locations. So I was copying the audit trail from one job, making a new job in EBM with that, making a new planswift file for this job number, and was going to edit quantities for the different set of pdfs for the different location. Im hoping I dont have to do a completely new take off for each location just to integrate with planswift
I urge you to create a Support Case using this webpage: visioninfosoft.com/support/ You can copy a job like you have done, integrate the job with PlanSwift, and do additional takeoff from a plan. I believe our support department would tell you that you'll have do the the other takeoff again and recommend using the previous bid takeoff entries as a guide to help speed the process. There is currently no way for the plan to know what and where your counts and measurements are that you previously manually input into Electrical Bid Manager (EBM). I do not know how different the 3 job's plans are, but you might be able to use PlanSwift's plan comparison tool to highlight the difference and that may help speed the process.
Ok so what is the advantage of having TIF files compared to PDFs? And what is Planswift electrical estimating software like, are there enough assemblies? Great channel guys and thanks for posting these types of videos.
PlanSwift integrates with Electrical Bid Manager (EBM). EBM has 1,000's of electrical items and assemblies that you use in your takeoff. You initiate the takeoff in EBM which then pops you over to PlanSwift to do the counting and measuring for the item/assembly you chose. EBM with PlanSwift harnesses the custom takeoff modules of EBM with the power of using electrical plan counting of PlanSwift. Most plans come in PDF format. Some plan takeoff software auto-converts your PDFs into TIF/BMP format for software efficiency. All plan takeoff software, including PlanSwift, will take PDF format plans. Thank you for the support! Like and subscribe! 🙂
@Visioninfosoft yep already subscribed, thanks again for the information
Is this video the latest update of planswift?
No. There is a newer version of PlanSwift. However, the functionality Electrical Bid Manager uses in PlanSwift is the same. Many of our users are continue to use PlanSwift version 10.x. Most of the improvements in PlanSwift 11.x are meant for users that only use PlanSwift (e.g. roofers, drywallers, painters, cement work, etc) This training video is still very relevant as of July 2024. However, we will look at updating it to cover any added functionality to Electrical Bid Manager that should be addressed. Cheers!
Can you explain a little more about using the network version? Does this require each user to remote into the server or does the program on my machine just reach out to the server program for data?
The network version typically functions on a physical LAN interconnecting Windows computers with ethernet cable and wifi. There is a Windows Server computer that typically runs the Windows Server operating system to maximize uptime and stability. Electrical Bid Manager (EBM) is installed as a server application on the Windows Server. EBM is installed as a Workstation application on each Windows computer you wish to use EBM. The Workstation computers all share the data housed on the Windows Server. This can also be done in the cloud using Windows Terminal Server setup by your IT company or a service like v2cloud.com.
Thank you for that. I’m trying to implement this for our office and would like to make sure I get it right. I’m also planning on using planswift and all your other bells and Whistles. Does planswift need a network version also? I’m sorry for all the questions but I need this kinda chewed up for me. Lol
TLDR: Using proper construction accounting software designed for contractors is essential for accurate bidding, cost tracking, and project management, as QuickBooks lacks the necessary features and capabilities for the construction industry. 00:00 💡 QuickBooks for construction accounting lacks detailed job cost reporting, making it difficult to know if a job is profitable until it's over, so using proper software designed for contractors is essential for accurate bidding and cost tracking. 03:53 ⚠ Efficient construction accounting software is crucial for managing change orders, tracking committed costs in real time, and streamlining material ordering and tracking. 07:15 🚧 QuickBooks is not suitable for construction accounting due to its limitations in generating contracts, handling payroll for multiple jobs and states, and lack of integrated features for mobile timekeeping and job costing. 12:59 🚧 QuickBooks lacks electronic document management for construction documents, but using progress billing can improve payment management and project completion. 16:39 💡 QuickBooks is not suitable for construction accounting due to its limitations, but using construction accounting software can automate billing and streamline processes, with programs like Vision InfoSoft's billing manager and Job Power offering deep integration and construction-oriented features. 20:36 🚧 Consider scheduling a demo and seeking help to avoid pitfalls when using QuickBooks for construction accounting, and explore the benefits of using Job Power for contractors. 25:47 🚧 QuickBooks for construction accounting software is designed for small to medium-sized contractors, with limitations such as user access and storage options, but it offers payroll and remote time keeping features. 30:09 🚧 QuickBooks lacks project scheduling, but the speaker values everyone's time and will provide more info via email.
How u do the take off of the electrical wiring ?
You can use our software to measure wire/conduit/cable runs on your electrical plans. Or, you can use our Site, Feeders, Motor Hookups, Branch Circuits, and Cable takeoff modules that help guide you through each wire takeoff.
What is the name of the program you are using
Electrical Bid Manager (EBM). We have more videos on our RUclips channel that cover EBM in more detail. You can also learn more here: www.visioninfosoft.com/electrical-estimating-software/ or email us direct at sales@visioninfosoft.com
Thanks a lot for your info..
This is good information. Looking into your EBM software for electrical small business. How fast do you think someone who has no experience in electrical estimating can understand it?
I'd like to agree that the electrical estimator should have field experience but not a deal killer. A person that does not have that experience can't possibly know what the field person knows which could result in leaving out crucial materials and hours. Besides that, I would like to open a question with many answers and opinions I hope. I have been estimating more than 25 years and in the trade for 35 years and have never been taught anything regarding estimating. I have been pretty successful through out the years with the way I do things and of course it has come with a lot of trial and error and a few costly mistakes. But believe it or not, sometimes that is what makes you better at what you do. I have done it by hand and also using software. I used "Estimation" many years ago and now I use McCormick for the past 10 years and now is all on screen take off these days. These videos are very well done and educational and also factual. However every educational video i have ever seen and book I have ever read seems to leave out some very crucial information that Even I would like to know. When you do the takeoff the numbers that make it into "Extend" and "Bid summary" are not the ideal numbers to use. Mainly the "hours" I speak of. This is when experience really comes in. You need to know when to add more hours at the end and really how many should be added. Such as non working time or "non productive" etc. It's not left out completely but very vague. Lets say after a complete take/off I get 4000 hours on a job but the truth is it will most likely be around 6000 +/-. The hours that are in the software really are installation hours without the reality of how jobs really go. Whenever I am done I look at the job and just know those will either work or not work and that becomes the difficult part. I learned this the hard way many years ago when a project doubled the hours and it would have been a huge loss if it weren't for many change orders. I also notice that I have won projects when I am 200k low and still go in and make 25% plus on that project. But if I worry too much about the other guys I won't land anything. It is also very important to know how good your employees are and how productive because the Industry standard hours are not always the way to go. As far as software goes I can't speak for them but what I can say is that I am always open to better. Hours really are an art of this trade and should be taken serious especially on bigger jobs. It's a good Idea to actually spend time on a project and watch how long it takes for people to do things. And remember they will never do it as efficient as you will. Thank you.
How much is this system
Our estimating software is very affordable to get started and you can grow into more advanced add-ons as needed. Reach out to us at sales@visioninfosoft.com or call 760-579-0334 and dial into Sales to get all your questions answered.
How do I access Default Settings if it is grayed out? I can see it in EBM, but if I click on it, nothing happens.
Ethan, I see you have reached out to our support department yesterday and got helped. I also wanted to share the answer here. -- You need to be logged in as SUPERVISOR or a user with Admin access to EBM. For expedited support, create a support case at visioninfosoft.com/support
Poor quality video, it can barely be seen
Look great . I need this .
Thanks Luis! Let us know how we can help.
This is great
Thank you! We are glad you found it useful.
We had a great time today! Thanks for having us on. We really enjoyed it.
Thanks so much for having Brent and I on the Live today and all the great support you guys give Electrical Enlightenment!
You had mentioned a spreadsheet in the video for estimating. Is there a link for that spreadsheet to download ?
We'll look into this. I see we link to a Prebid Evaluation Form in the video's description. We also have this Columnar Takeoff Sheet: drive.google.com/file/d/1Ca5_4ovmiGvMwSVSKa9n4StQnv2pQydS/view?usp=sharing
this help a lot, thank you
Can you please send us sample of ebm take offs
Subscribe, like the video, give us a call at (800) 258-7752 to discuss your Electrical Estimating and Takeoff options or visit www.visioninfosoft.com to learn more. #electricalestimating #electricalestimatingsoftware #electricalestimator
Subscribe, like the video, give us a call at (800) 258-7752 to discuss your Electrical Estimating and Takeoff options or visit www.visioninfosoft.com to learn more. #electricalestimating #electricalestimatingsoftware #electricalestimator
Vision InfoSoft offers the industry-leading electrical estimating software, Electrical Bid Manager. We also offer EPIC Pricing software and data service subscription to keep your electrical material pricing updated. Give us a call at (800) 258-7752 to discuss your Electrical Estimating and Takeoff options or visit www.visioninfosoft.com to learn more. #electricalestimating #electricalestimatingsoftware #electricalestimator
Much informative, Thanks.
What's the price on your Vision Software.
We have a few different options that meet a range of needs for companies getting started to more advanced estimating teams. Currently, a basic entry point is $890 a year to get started. Call us at 800-258-7752 or email sales@visioninfosoft.com
I bid jobs $1,000,000, to $12,000,000 and up , I carry material tax on the total materials and 10 & 15% markup you think thats good
Subscribe, like the video, give us a call at (800) 258-7752 to discuss your Electrical Estimating and Takeoff options or visit www.visioninfosoft.com to learn more. #electricalestimating #electricalestimatingsoftware #electricalestimator
How much is the program
Are there assemblies for firewalls?
Subscribe, like the video, give us a call at (800) 258-7752 to discuss your Electrical Estimating and Takeoff options or visit www.visioninfosoft.com to learn more. #electricalestimating #electricalestimatingsoftware #electricalestimator
Subscribe, like the video, give us a call at (800) 258-7752 to discuss your Electrical Estimating and Takeoff options or visit www.visioninfosoft.com to learn more. #electricalestimating #electricalestimatingsoftware #electricalestimator
Great Video guys!
Union Facility Service Electric
Hey Junior. Let us know if there is anything we can help you with.
I am 90 years old but try to stay sharp. It is always helpful to learn new methods. I actually have a laminated graph that is based on the same calculations. I believe it was included by Estimatic Company of Colorado with their estimating course that I took many years ago. I think the company is now long gone.
@@butterworthchapman6075 No hurry. It is great to have a chat with you. - Derrick @ Vision InfoSoft.
@@butterworthchapman6075 I'd be interested to learn your method.
Where can I find a course for ebm?
Check out our website for all our training options. We host monthly online classroom training that you may want to check out. www.visioninfosoft.com/training/online-classroom-training/
Do you have spanish class ?
@@chavezlife3608 Unfortunately, we do not at this time. Maybe an interpreter could be hired?
Thanks for the shoutout! Looking forward to our webinar, and for anyone that sees this comment we have been using EBM software for the past 23 years and love it. 😊
Every person should watch for a contractor that makes money from change orders, it is the first red flag to never, ever hire that type of contractor...at the end will be a very dishonest and untrusty person, who will get into a contract with the intention of screwing you.
We agree but there is more to consider. It goes unsaid that nearly every contracting business is a for-profit business. Change orders, standard jobs, service work, etc, are all going to have a percentage of profit figured into the quote/costs. When managing change orders, it is important to consider the unique overhead costs that come into play when considering mobilizing a team for the change order, time ordering extra materials and getting them to the job site, material cost increases due to smaller orders or price changes, etc. A change order won't have all the economies of scale that the actual job will enjoy when it comes to spreading costs. In support of your comment - we agree that there are some contractors that will look at a job and know there will be change orders if they keep their mouth shut and don't offer advice upfront to help the project run smoothly. Unfortunately, it is often difficult to identify this until you are knee deep into the project.
Disagree that the estimator doesn’t need to be an electrician As someone who has built jobs, and dealt with this idea of a material man doing takeoffs. Often times they overlook things they aren’t aware of. -conduit for low voltage subs comes to mind -AV-FA-Security-Data cabling Mechanical spaces-hard lid ceiling all require conduit This is always missed And I get blamed for going over on cost How about time to build out the electrical room. We will be non productive in those areas We will take time to build out those rooms Check clearances and install will be to a premium in those areas No time is given when using those “assemblies” Digging underground how about when we do the work to stub up electrical rooms. This work is achieved with a lot of layout-sand-unistrut that Never makes the bids I think it’s hubris to say they don’t need to have experience to know our true costs.
@shanetempleman452, Brian Hoffelder here. Thank you very much for your input, thoughts and critique! I agree that the perspective of a field electrician is insightful and valuable for all of the mistakes/missed parts of the takeoff/job (e.g. conduit for low voltage subs comes to mind -AV-FA-Security-Data cabling). But I don't see any reason that a non-electrician can't learn to include the costs. Ditto for understanding that mechanical spaces with hard lids require conduit. All of the other issues you raise, which a non-electrician might miss or not fully comprehend, are also valid. And again, this can be learned from getting "eyes on" exposure to the job site and getting input from the field employees. My experience over the many years and literally thousands of estimators I have trained and worked with is that some of the best electricians don't necessarily make great estimators; at least not without some training and coaching. Two things are typical. Most really good electricians are very detailed, to the point where they get overly bogged down in the detail when estimating. This takes additional estimating time and often results in overcompensating labor and material requirements. But the opposite also happens. The really good electricians tend to think in terms of how long any task should take, how long it would take them or one of their best electricians to perform a task. In this case, the electrician/estimator needs to learn and be trained to think in terms of the average journeyman and/or apprentice and to also include realistic allowances for the other non-productive factors you mention. The balance between detailed analyses and realistic allowances is essential to accurate and competitive estimates. Also, if you, as the estimator, are getting blamed for going over budget when you don't include some of these non-productive factors, then it is important that all involved understand how important these issues are. Thanks for your thoughts and input!! - Brian Hoffelder
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I see you make final adjustments for average branch circuits to account for vertical distances, but you don't make the same consideration for home runs. It seems like that short-cut for home runs would only be taking into consideration horizontal distances. Can you explain the rationale to not adding vertical distances to the home run calculation?
Great thinking and you can add these in when taking averages, Thank you for the input.
Hi thanks for the videos, quick question how do you estimate the amount of wire need it for a given number of fixture and a given number of receptacles?
In most commercial applications, you would use an average of 20 feet per fixture and/or device. But, that does not include homeruns. Otherwise, you would use the actual measured lengths.
Also, if I accidently create an Item, with intention of making it a category, how do I either move the item to a Category, or delete it?
I can think of two locations this can be done. Saved Assemblies windows you access from all the Takeoff Modules or the main database view window. In the main Database (top-menu: Database | Edit/View/Print), you can right-click on item and choose Cut. Navigate to the Category folder, right-click and choose Paste. The Saved Assemblies window currently does now allow for cut/paste. Both of these locations have a Delete button on the right side.
One thing I cannot find in any video's, is how you can move with what looks like your mouse, items on screen. For instance in the Assemblies column, if I want to move something on the bottom of the list, up to the top?
How can we check about other contractors bidding at same projects from plan hub?
This was great. Thanks. I am a learning contractor myself, and even though I don't have jobs that require this amount of resources, this is still good information.
1500 dollars for 25 outlets ! Youre hired
Hey Frankie, looks like we should update this intro video. Pricing has definitely been on the move.
I feel that using this method is a bit inaccurate but hey if it's still going to be profitable on the contractor's end then its all good. I personally use AutoCAD which I have tailored with additional lsp files, Microsoft Excel and Python for quick and accurate estimates.
Patrick, what type of jobs are you estimating? We'd love to hear more detail of your strategies. Most of our customers get their electrical plans as PDF files. No AutoCAD. However, there are situations where AutoCAD comes into play. Using AutoCAD lisp files and Python are advanced methods for creating estimates in some industries and specialized types of jobs. Our software excels at helping electrical contractors bid on commercial electrical jobs.
@@Visioninfosoft I mainly estimate mid- high rise building installations but there were times when I needed to estimate some residential ones. I import pdf files into CAD then convert it into DWG. Using AutoCAD is still the old school way but it allows you to simply draw lines for where you run conduit going into the panels and with lisp files you can add up the total length for all the lines you drew. There are also lisp files that allow you to detect how many elements of a specific drawing there is so you can count the amount of fixtures, switches and similar things easily. I made myself an app from python with GUI that has data for market price of each electrical component and for automating addition of lengths for conduit, wire (for every outlet and switch), amount of fittings, clamps and pull boxes, etc. Residential building estimates take about an hour or two and mid-high rise buildings take about a whole day or two.
@@The_Herniator Wow, that sounds pretty resourceful! We wish our customers had access to the engineer/designer's original AutoCAD file so that we could integrate our bidding software with a meta-data-rich file. But, what you are doing is pretty interesting. Our Electrical Bid Manager software integrates directly with PlanSwift. This combination gives you a built-in database of electrical assemblies and items that you use to measure conduit/wire runs, count fixtures/switches/etc, and automatically calculate labor and pricing with a direct connection to your local supplier. PlanSwift also allows you to do basic design/build work on the plan if needed. It is a valuable tool for electrical estimators. Thank you for sharing your bidding process.
Patrick, I'm curious about your process. How are you able to convert a 2d PDF file into a 3D CAD without the architect's original files?
@@earcher0 Everything here in the Philippines is done with AutoCAD 2D making the conversion process of PDF into DWG much easier. It's just simple PDFattach and PDFimport on AutoCAD.