Getting Started with Automated Takeoff: A Step-by-Step Guide

When bidding jobs, efficiency isn't just an advantage—it's a necessity. Automated takeoff software has changed how takeoffs are done, revolutionizing the estimating process, saving time, enhancing accuracy, and streamlining communication. 

This guide will walk you through the implementation of automated takeoff software, helping you transform your bidding process and project management from the ground up.

Now that we've set the stage let's dive into the specific benefits that automated takeoff software brings to your operations.

Benefits of Automated Takeoff Software

Increased Accuracy

AI-powered automated takeoff software boasts a remarkable 98% accuracy rate in measurements, translating into more reliable estimates and bids. This high level of precision ensures that projects start on the right foot, with minimal discrepancies and adjustments down the line.

Also read: How BlueStar Landscape increased their estimate accuracy by 30% with Attentive.ai

Time Savings in the Estimating Process

Imagine reallocating 95% of the time typically spent on manual takeoffs to other critical aspects of your business. Automated takeoff software streamlines this time-intensive task, allowing you to focus on strategy, client engagement, and growth.

Also read: How Paved Assets Saved 90% of their Time on Site Takeoffs with Attentive.ai’s Property Measurement Software

Streamlined Communication with Suppliers and Subcontractors

The software generates easily shareable, color-coded outputs. These detailed visuals can be shared with suppliers and subcontractors to ensure everyone is on the same page, reducing errors and misunderstandings throughout the project lifecycle.

Understanding these benefits, you might wonder how exactly this software achieves such efficiency. Let's break down the specifics.

How Does Automated Takeoff Software Work? Step-by-step guide

For Site Measurements built on aerial imagery:

a) Enter the Property Address: Start by inputting the address of the site.

b) Confirm Lot Boundary: Verify and adjust the pre-mapped boundaries if necessary.

c) Proceed: Hit proceed.

For Takeoffs Built on Site Plans and Blueprints:

1. Upload Plans: Simply upload your construction plans into the system.

2. Define Scope of Work: Specify the particular areas or features that you want to measure, such as paving, electrical, concrete, or any other components.

3. Approve Takeoff: Review and confirm the automated takeoff results.

Also read: How to do takeoffs from blueprints

Now that you know how automated takeoff software functions, let's consider the essential features you should look for to ensure you choose the best tool for your needs.

Features to Look for in Automated Takeoff Software

End-to-end automation 

Your takeoff software should offer end-to-end automation. This means all you should be required to do is select the property and confirm the boundary instead of clicking and dragging to draw polygons and measure endlessly. This is a game-changer for field services companies, enabling instant takeoffs with just a few clicks. 

It simplifies the bidding process during the critical peak seasons, improving response time and bid accuracy.

Sitemaps Built On High-Resolution Aerial Imagery

High-definition interactive sitemaps derived from the latest aerial imagery not only enhance the accuracy of your bids but also visually differentiate your proposals from competitors, adding a professional touch that clients appreciate.

Comprehensive and Accurate Feature Measurement

With takeoffs built on the latest aerial imagery, you get all property features, be it a parking lot, driveway, gravel bed, trees, or anything else measured properly. This way, every detail is accounted for in your bid.

Ability to Manage Multi-Site Portfolios

For contractors managing extensive property portfolios, you no longer have to guesstimate your measurements. Takeoff software now allows you to send your list of properties and, in turn, automates all your site measurements. 

This way, you significantly reduce the cost and hours spent on turning around multi-sire portfolio bids while ensuring bid accuracy.

Also read: How to bid multi-site snow portfolios

How To Choose The Right Automated Takeoff Software?

Selecting the right software involves considering several factors in addition to the features highlighted above:

1. Ease of Use: Look for an intuitive interface that requires minimal training and offers an easy 3-4 step process.

2. Turnaround Time: The software should have a reasonable turnaround time for both small and large properties.

3. Collaboration Features: Ensure the software supports easy sharing of results in various formats, including JPEG, Excel, PDF, shareable link, and more facilitating effective communication across teams and with clients.

After identifying the right software, it's important to consider the economic impact. Let's delve into the potential return on investment that automated takeoff software offers.

Return on Investment through Increased Efficiency:

1. Save Time: Automate takeoffs and redirect your focus to strategic activities that drive business growth. Your sales teams can now spend more time doing what they do best- selling instead of measuring properties in front of a screen.

2. Bid More: With faster takeoffs, you can submit up to 50% more bids, increasing your chances of winning more projects.

3. Win More: Enhanced bid accuracy and presentation quality can significantly boost your revenue, with potential increases of $100K or more per business development executive.

Also read: How TexaScapes increased profit margins by 10% with Attentive.ai

Conclusion

Implementing automated takeoff software can bring about a transformative shift in how field services and construction businesses operate. With the ability to handle increased volume with greater precision and less effort, companies can scale operations, improve profitability, and exceed client expectations. 

Begin your journey with automated takeoff today and build a foundation for success in a competitive market.

Attentive.ai offers automated takeoff software for all your maintenance and construction needs. Learn more about Automeasure and sign up for a free trial today.

FAQs

What are the advantages of using automated takeoff software?

Automated takeoff software offers several compelling advantages for businesses, particularly in fields like construction and landscaping. Key benefits include:

1. Increased Accuracy: By leveraging AI and advanced algorithms, automated takeoff software achieves up to 98% accuracy in measurements, significantly reducing the risk of costly errors and discrepancies in project estimates.

2. Time Savings: Automating the takeoff process can save up to 95% of the time typically required for manual takeoffs. This efficiency allows teams to allocate more time to other critical business operations such as strategy development, client engagement, and growth initiatives.

3. Streamlined Communication: The software produces detailed, color-coded outputs that can be easily shared with stakeholders, including suppliers and subcontractors. This clarity and ease of sharing help ensure that all parties are aligned, reducing errors and misunderstandings throughout the project lifecycle.

How does automated takeoff software increase precision of takeoff measurements?

Automated takeoff software increases precision through several mechanisms:

1. AI-Powered Tools: Utilizing artificial intelligence, the software can accurately interpret and measure from aerial imagery or digital blueprints, capturing details that might be missed or misinterpreted by human estimators.

2. Consistency: Unlike manual methods that can vary depending on the individual, automated software provides consistent results, using the same criteria and methods for each takeoff, which standardizes the process across all projects.

3. Error Reduction: Automated systems minimize human errors such as miscalculations or oversight, which are more common in manual takeoffs, especially under tight deadlines or heavy workloads.

What types of takeoff measurements can be made using automated takeoff software?

Automated takeoff software can handle a wide range of measurement types, making it versatile for various industries. These include:

1. Area Measurements: Calculating the area for landscaping, paving, roofing, flooring, and other similar tasks.

2. Linear Measurements: Useful for items like fencing, cabling, and piping, where length is more critical than area

3. Volume Calculations: Essential for projects requiring bulk materials such as soil, gravel, or concrete, where volume is a crucial factor.

4. Counting: The software can automatically count occurrences of specific items, such as fixtures, fittings, or plants, which is invaluable for inventory and ordering processes.

Each type of measurement is crucial for creating accurate bids and ensuring that projects are planned effectively, keeping costs in line with budget expectations. Using automated takeoff software not only improves the accuracy of these measurements but also enhances the overall efficiency of the bidding and planning process.