Collaborative construction cost estimating provides guidance to organizations seeking improved cost visibility and transparency for repair, renovation, maintains and new build projects as well as overall facilities and physical infrastructure management.
In order to provide current, actionable information and best support associated decision-making, construction cost estimating and cost analysis must be a collaborative process using a common data environment. Integration with planning, procurement, and project delivery professionals and domains is equally critical.
Project Definition – Understanding a customer request in sufficient detail in order to create a detailed line item construction cost estimate is step one. All program participants and stakeholders should be involved in the definition and approval of these requirements as defined in a detailed scope of work (SOW).
Common Data Environment – Using industry standard common terms and definitions, presented in plain English, without the use of confusing acronyms or abbreviations, a standard data architecture (example: Construction Specifications Institute MasterFormat), and locally researched detailed construction cost data maximize the communication, transparency, and potential reuse of cost information. A locally researched cost database, also referred to as a unit price book (UPB), describes the technical aspects of construction tasks (required labor, crew composition, productivity, material, and equipment) as well as associated granular cost data.
Program Approach – Collaborative construction cost estimating, like all related phases such as planning, procurement, and delivery, is best leveraged via a program approach versus a project mentality. In other words, robust, LEAN process takes precedence for all associated projects. This assures robust fundamental rules and workflows are always applied, while recognition that each individual project has its own unique aspects still applies. Both integrated project delivery (IPD) and LEAN job order contracting support collaboration across planning, procurement, and project delivery phases. Workflows, forms, sign offs, etc. are all defined and supported within these collaborative environments with written operations manuals and/or execution guides, as part of multi-party, long-term contracts, and enabling technology.
Enabling Technology – While technology should not be considered a “driver” with respect to either collaborative construction cost estimating or construction program management, is an enabler. The role of technology is to embed robust processes, lower the cost deployment, aid in the consistency of task and project execution, and provide collaborative access to actionable information for all parties. Technology should be capable of the following in order to support construction cost estimating with LEAN collaborative programmatic environments: – Program Management – Contract Management – Project Management – Proposal and Estimate Management – Work Order Management – Workflow Management – Forms and Document Management – Issues/Task Management – BIM Information Viewing and Access.
Collaborative construction cost estimating drives major benefits for all repair, renovation, maintenance, and new build participants and stakeholders.
via www.4bt.us