Apr 20 2010
Trimble (Nasdaq: TRMB) introduced today Trimble® Business Center-Heavy Construction Edition (HCE) version 2.0 with new Data Preparation and Takeoff Modules. This latest software version offers specialized tools for professionals involved in quantities takeoff, bid preparation and estimation; data preparation; and transfer of data to and from field crews and machine control systems. With Trimble Business Center office software, contractors can now use the same design data throughout the entire lifecycle of a construction project, saving time and cost over using multiple software packages. Plus, with more accurate volume and material costs calculated upfront, contractors can feel more confident of their bid accuracy and potentially win more business.
The announcement was made today at Bauma 2010, the world's largest construction equipment exposition.
Using Trimble Business Center - HCE, there is no interruption of the data workflow. Contractors can complete the initial estimation, data prep, and planning phases of the project faster and proceed quicker to the actual construction site work where they make money. Trimble Business Center – HCE version 2.0 automates the tasks associated with estimation and takeoff, while improving estimation accuracy and eliminating manual calculation errors.
Software Designed for the Realities of Construction
Trimble Business Center-HCE was designed specifically for heavy construction applications and incorporates the required geodetic parameters to successfully implement GNSS-based machine control and site positioning systems. The software uses real world construction objects such as surfaces, subgrades, materials and site improvements with associated material costs and attributes. This functionality is especially useful for estimating material expansion and compaction or computing loose haulage volumes and material shrinkage due to compaction.
Trimble Business Center - HCE also benefits from a tight integration with construction site positioning, surveying and machine control systems from Trimble. The workflows and databases are designed specifically for contractors and engineers — making it more intuitive and delivering more intelligent data for construction operations than traditional CAD-based products.
New Data Preparation Module - Automating the Tedious and Repetitive Tasks of Data Prep
The new Data Preparation Module for site and road modeling facilitates the creation of design models from imported digital data, CAD files, manually entered information or digitized plans. The same highly accurate design models created in the early project phases can then serve as the basis for work-in-progress volume calculations, stakeout activities, and later earthworks.
Takeoff Module
Fast and accurate estimation and takeoff can give contractors the competitive edge in today's tough construction market, potentially helping them win more bids and make more money.
The new Takeoff Module addresses mass earthworks, topsoil handling, existing in-ground site improvement demolition, and proposed site improvement construction. The Takeoff Module computes volumes, areas, lengths, and material counts, allowing contractors to accurately quantify site improvements and needed materials. It also considers material procurement and installation costs in arriving at the total bid unit cost and can often eliminate overage costs that result from miscalculation during the estimation process.
Detailed takeoff reports can be printed, saved as a PDF file, or exported to Microsoft Excel for incorporation into the overall bid package. Estimators can determine bank cut/fill and hauling bulkage volumes, considering subsurface strata and their individual properties, and compute similar volumes for topsoil stripping and replacement. Areas, volumes, and weights for asphalt, concrete, base, and other materials can be calculated.
The Trimble Business Center – Heavy Construction Edition core product remains mass distributable at no charge. Contractors can download the software and use it on as many computers as needed. Add-on functionality such as the new Data Preparation and Takeoff Modules require a seat license.
Trimble Business Center – HCE version 2.0 is expected to be available in the second quarter of 2010 through Trimble's worldwide Heavy and Highway Construction Distribution Channel.
Source: http://www.trimble.com/