“It’s the first software that is actually geared towards estimators in a meaningful way.”

Mason Carragher, Estimator, MSE

Background

MSE faced the challenge of time-consuming manual processes in structural steel estimation. Their team primarily bid on projects across Canada and the United States, with a focus on the East Coast and New England area.

Problem

The manual process of indexing and recording beam properties was tedious, time-consuming, and prone to errors. Existing software solutions lacked automation and comprehensive indexing capabilities, leading to inefficiencies and missed opportunities for bidding on more projects.

Solution

SketchDeck, an AI-powered takeoff tool built for estimators, changed their workflow. SketchDeck automates the process of reading and indexing beam properties from PDF drawings, significantly reducing manual effort and improving accuracy.

Implementation

Mason initially adopted SketchDeck to streamline beam takeoffs, gradually integrating it into his regular workflow. The rest of the estimating team picked it up without a long ramp-up.

Benefits

Time Savings

With SketchDeck, they estimated a reduction of up to 95% in the time spent on beam takeoffs for larger projects. What previously took hours now only requires minutes, leading to significant time savings.

Increased Efficiency

SketchDeck’s automation and indexing capabilities eliminated the need for manual indexing and reduced errors. They estimate an accuracy rate of 95% to 99%, ensuring precise data interpretation.

Expanded Opportunities

By freeing up time previously spent on tedious tasks, the MSE team could bid on more projects and explore new opportunities, ultimately increasing revenue potential.

Streamlined Collaboration

SketchDeck connected the team’s internal Excel sheets to the project drawings, which made collaboration and data management easier.

Results

Since adopting SketchDeck, MSE estimated a total time savings of approximately one work week per month. This has allowed the team to focus on high-value tasks and pursue additional project bids.