The Future of Cost Estimating: Trends to Watch Out For

Cost estimating has become an integral part of many businesses today, as it helps to project and forecast future costs, manage budgets and increase profitability. As the business landscape continues to evolve, so does cost estimating. Technological advancements and changing market trends have brought about new developments in cost estimating, which businesses should be aware of to stay ahead of the curve. In this article, we will explore some of the latest trends in cost estimating and what they mean for the future of businesses.

 

Emphasis on Data Analytics and Machine Learning

 

The use of technology in the field of cost estimating is rapidly evolving, and data analytics and machine learning are playing an increasingly critical role. In this article, we will explore the growing significance of these technologies and how they can enhance the accuracy and efficiency of cost estimating. We will also highlight some successful examples of companies that have already implemented data analytics and machine learning in their cost estimating processes.

 

Data analytics and machine learning are becoming crucial in cost estimating as they help identify patterns, trends, and relationships within large data sets that are impossible for humans to detect. By analyzing data from past projects, these technologies can identify patterns in project cost drivers, such as labor, materials, and equipment, and use this information to make more accurate cost estimates for future projects. This process can significantly improve cost estimating accuracy, which is essential for companies to make informed business decisions and avoid cost overruns.

 

In addition, data analytics and machine learning can help streamline the cost estimating process, enabling professionals to generate more accurate estimates in less time. By automating repetitive tasks and performing complex calculations, these technologies can reduce the time and effort required to produce cost estimates, freeing up professionals to focus on higher-level analysis and decision-making.

 

One example of a company that has successfully implemented data analytics and machine learning in their cost estimating process is the global engineering firm, AECOM. AECOM uses machine learning algorithms to analyze past project data and identify cost drivers for future projects. This technology has helped the company increase the accuracy of their cost estimates and improve project outcomes.

 

Another example is the construction company, Skanska. Skanska uses data analytics to monitor project performance and identify areas where costs can be reduced. By analyzing data from multiple projects, the company can identify best practices and apply them across their projects, improving efficiency and reducing costs.

 

Increased Adoption of Cloud-Based SolutionsDiscuss the benefits of cloud-based solutions for cost estimating

 

The use of cloud-based solutions has been growing rapidly in various industries, and cost estimating is no exception. In today’s dynamic business environment, companies need to stay ahead of the competition by adopting innovative cost estimating solutions. Cloud-based solutions are one of the most promising trends in cost estimating that offer several benefits. In this article, we will discuss how cloud-based solutions can enhance collaboration, mobility, and scalability in cost estimating.

 

Collaboration

 

One of the primary benefits of cloud-based solutions for cost estimating is the ability to collaborate in real-time. In traditional cost estimating processes, teams work in silos, which can result in duplication of work, missed deadlines, and miscommunication. Cloud-based solutions enable teams to work collaboratively on the same project, regardless of their location. This means that teams can work together to ensure that the project is completed on time and within budget.

 

Mobility

 

Another benefit of cloud-based solutions is the ability to work remotely. In today’s global business environment, companies need to have the flexibility to work from anywhere. With cloud-based solutions, teams can work from their home, office, or any other location, as long as they have access to the internet. This can help to save time and reduce travel costs, as well as increase productivity.

 

Scalability

 

Cloud-based solutions are also scalable, which means that companies can increase or decrease their resources based on their needs. This allows companies to scale their cost estimating processes according to their business requirements. For example, during peak seasons, a company can scale up its resources to meet the demand, and during off-peak seasons, it can scale down to save costs. This flexibility can help companies to reduce their operating expenses and maximize their profits.

 

Successful Adoption

 

Many companies have already successfully adopted cloud-based solutions for cost estimating. For example, Skanska, a leading construction and development company, has implemented cloud-based solutions to manage their cost estimating processes. This has allowed the company to work collaboratively across teams and improve their efficiency in cost estimating. Another example is CostCOSMOS, a cloud-based cost estimating software that uses artificial intelligence to automate the cost estimating process. CostCOSMOS has helped companies to reduce their cost estimating time by up to 90%, while also improving the accuracy of their estimates.

 

Integration of Building Information Modeling (BIM)

 

The construction industry is constantly evolving, and the integration of technology has played a significant role in transforming various processes. One such process is cost estimating, which has witnessed significant changes in recent years. With the growing use of technology, there is a growing trend towards the integration of Building Information Modeling (BIM) in cost estimating for construction projects. In this article, we will explore how BIM can improve accuracy and efficiency in cost estimating and its growing adoption in the construction industry.

 

Explanation of BIM and Its Benefits in Cost Estimating

 

BIM is a digital representation of a building that incorporates various data and information related to the construction process. It provides a collaborative platform for all stakeholders involved in the construction process, including architects, engineers, contractors, and project managers. BIM allows for the creation of a virtual model of the building, which includes detailed information about the materials, dimensions, and components used in the construction process.

 

BIM can significantly improve accuracy and efficiency in cost estimating for construction projects. With the use of BIM, cost estimators can accurately calculate the quantities of materials required for the construction process. BIM allows for the creation of a detailed and accurate model of the building, which enables cost estimators to identify potential cost savings and efficiencies in the construction process. BIM can also reduce the risk of errors and omissions in the cost estimating process, thereby improving the overall accuracy of the estimates.

 

Growing Use of BIM in Construction Projects for Cost Estimating

 

The adoption of BIM in the construction industry has been steadily growing in recent years, with many construction companies using BIM to improve various processes, including cost estimating. According to a report by Allied Market Research, the global BIM market is expected to reach $15.06 billion by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 21.6% from 2018 to 2025.

 

Many construction companies have successfully integrated BIM in their cost estimating process. For example, the construction company Turner Construction implemented BIM in its cost estimating process for the construction of a hospital project. The use of BIM allowed Turner Construction to accurately estimate the quantities of materials required for the construction process, identify potential cost savings, and improve the overall accuracy of the estimates.

 

Use of Virtual and Augmented Reality

 

The use of virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) technologies is rapidly expanding in various industries, including cost estimating. These technologies have the potential to revolutionize the way we estimate costs, providing more accurate and immersive cost estimating experiences. In this article, we will explore the use of VR/AR in cost estimating and its benefits.

 

Explanation of How Virtual and Augmented Reality Can be Used for Cost Estimating

 

Virtual reality creates a fully immersive experience that allows users to enter and interact with a simulated environment. Augmented reality, on the other hand, overlays digital information onto the real world. Both VR and AR can be used for cost estimating in various ways, such as:

 

• Virtual Site Inspections: VR technology can be used to conduct virtual site inspections, providing a detailed and immersive experience of a construction site. This can help cost estimators to identify potential issues and make accurate estimates.

 

• AR-Based Cost Estimation: AR technology can be used to overlay digital cost information onto real-world objects, making it easier for cost estimators to visualize and estimate project costs.

 

• VR-Based 3D Modeling: VR technology can be used to create detailed 3D models of construction projects. This can help cost estimators to visualize the project and make accurate estimates.

 

Benefits of Using Virtual and Augmented Reality for Cost Estimating

 

The use of VR/AR technologies in cost estimating offers several benefits, such as:

 

• Increased Accuracy: VR/AR technologies can provide more accurate cost estimates by creating a more immersive and interactive experience for cost estimators.

 

• Better Visualization: VR/AR technologies can help cost estimators to visualize the project and make more informed decisions about cost estimates.

 

• Improved Collaboration: VR/AR technologies can enhance collaboration among cost estimators and other stakeholders, improving communication and reducing errors.

 

• Examples of Companies that have Successfully Implemented Virtual and Augmented Reality in Cost Estimating

 

Several companies have successfully implemented VR/AR technologies in cost estimating, including:

 

• Trimble: Trimble offers a range of VR/AR solutions for construction projects, including virtual site inspections and AR-based cost estimation.

 

• Autodesk: Autodesk has developed BIM 360, a cloud-based platform that includes AR/VR capabilities for construction projects.

 

• HoloBuilder: HoloBuilder provides a VR/AR platform for construction projects that allows cost estimators to conduct virtual site inspections and create 3D models.

 

The bottom line

 

In conclusion, the future of cost estimating looks promising with the emergence of new technologies and tools that are set to revolutionize the industry. Data analytics and machine learning, cloud-based solutions, building information modeling, and virtual and augmented reality are just a few of the trends to watch out for. These advancements have the potential to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of cost estimating, leading to better decision-making, improved project management, and increased profitability. It’s important for companies to keep up with these trends and adopt them in their cost estimating processes to stay competitive and stay ahead of the game.