As we head into the next decade, technology continues to be a vital part of the construction industry. This includes all aspects of the HVAC and mechanical contracting trades and the estimating facet that goes with it. Estimating software is an important piece of many contractors’ bidding strategies, and FastEST, Inc., one of the industry leaders in mechanical estimating software, continues to hone and improve upon its already reliable suite of programs: FastDUCT® for estimating HVAC ductwork and sheet metal, FastPIPE® for estimating mechanical, plumbing, and other types of piping, and FastWRAP™ for estimating mechanical insulation.
Below are just a few examples of the exciting improvements that FastEST’s software development team is working on and plans to release sometime in the near future.
Adaptable Takeoff Interface Options
One of FastEST’s most popular program features is the intuitive and easy-to-use on-screen digitizer interface. Users can import digital plans right into the software and perform takeoffs right on the computer screen. Buttons for takeoff – in the example of FastDUCT®, there’s ductwork, fittings, dampers and other specialties, and equipment, to name a few – are conveniently laid out along the edge of a user’s screen, while the plan window is large and easy to access in the middle of the screen.
A feature currently under development will allow users to utilize a customized palette of items that can be moved to any location in the takeoff screen, which will allow for even faster and more efficient project takeoffs, and also allows for further user customization.
Improved Search Functions
Another helpful inclusion coming soon to FastEST’s programs are various search bars that will be located throughout the programs. From being able to search within a company’s existing estimate list, to being able to search within the programs’ comprehensive material and labour database (for certain items, like a particular ball valve or a specific material), the addition of new search bars will continue to help users to their common end-goal—completion of project estimates in a faster amount of time, yet still allowing for the accuracy and detail that FastEST users have come to expect.
Additions to Already Comprehensive Program Catalogues
As always, FastEST is constantly trying to build upon the above-mentioned wide-ranging databases, which include several hundred thousand items between the three programs. If a new product is released into the market, FastEST will try its best to get it added to the database with labour values and material list pricing (if available) included. That way, customers can have the newest and most cutting-edge materials available at their fingertips to include in their estimates. (One example of a recent addition to the FastPIPE® catalogue is Apollo®’s Powerpress product, which is a new line of carbon steel press fittings and valves.)
FastEST offers some of the most affordable and easy-to-use mechanical, HVAC, and insulation estimating software products in the marketplace today. To find out more about FastEST and how it has helped thousands of HVAC and mechanical contractors improve their estimating process, visit fastest-inc.com. Watch videos of FastEST’s latest and greatest program versions in action. Contact FastEST at 800-828-7108 or by email at mike@fastest-inc.com. ■
