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HCSS Heavy Bid Estimating Software
 | 4 Reviews (4.9/5) |
HCSS was designed for firms working in the heavy and highway, paving, utility contracting, and earthwork and excavating trades. As such it is a flexible solution for firms that work on infrastructure projects. The software is designed to handle estimating and job costing for companies in $1 million and up market. The flexibility in size means many companies are able to use the software even as they grow their business.
The software features two primary applications that are developed for the unique needs of contractors on heavy construction and infrastructure projects. The system has two applications developed especially for these trades - HeavyBid and HeavyJob. HeavyBid handles the pre-construction activities of more than 25,000 estimators. Contractors can import DOT bid histories into the system and match biditems with the historical database of previous DOT estimates. This streamlines the estimating process by automatically generating bids from past estimates with current pricing models.
Once a bid has been entered and accepted, HeavyBid sends detailed estimate information to HeavyJob for all project costs and budget information to be tracked and updated at will. HeavyJob allows for the input of key data such as time sheet tracking, potential time and materials costs, photograph entry and cost-coded labor and equipment hour inputs. All of this data can be updated either at the office or remotely with a PC or handheld device with Internet access. HeavyJob makes it easy to compare production goals versus cost estimates by producing alerts, reports, and data charts to analyze. This helps contractors spot trends and keep up to date with every project’s profitability.
4 Reviews of HCSS
Prior to HeavyBid, we were using spreadsheets written in Lotus and converted to Excel. We had used these particular spreadsheets since 1985. We began looking for an estimating software that would help us standardize our process and format while remaining flexible enough to handle the variety of work that we do.
We purchased HeavyBid in February of 2010 and have been using it since June 2010. The training and implementation that we received from HCSS has proved invaluable. We initially trained our two estimators, then six months later, we trained the rest of the project management staff. HeavyBid is easy to use, but it takes a little getting accustomed to. HCSS is a great resource. Their support staff is always available. If you forget how a certain function works, the person that answers the phone will be able to help you remember.
As far as benefits, we have been able to spend less time performing rote data entry and more time actually thinking critically about our estimates. In 2011, we were able to bid four major projects in two months time. Prior to us using HeavyBid, we would have been limited to only bidding one of them. There are many time-saving functions in HeavyBid, from the COPY routine, to the CODEBOOKS, that help Pipeline Utilities produce better, more detailed, estimates that are more quickly analyzed.
Their dedication to customer support is unmatched by anyone in the estimating software marketplace.
HCSS goes the extra mile for their customers, escpecially in listening to our desires for program enhancements through the annual user's group meeting.
Whenever we are asked by other contractors for our recommendation of an estimating program, our response is always two thumbs up for HCSS and their products.
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