The typical implementation process for B2W Estimate software involves several key steps designed to ensure a smooth transition and effective use of the software. The process includes:
Initial Consultation and Planning: Understanding the specific needs and requirements of the contractor.
Software Installation and Configuration: Setting up the software to align with the contractor's workflows and processes.
Data Migration: Transferring existing data into the B2W system.
Training: Providing comprehensive training to ensure users are proficient with the software.
Go-Live Support: Offering support during the initial phase of using the software in a live environment.
The implementation process's duration can vary depending on the complexity of the contractor's needs and the organization's size. However, B2W Software emphasizes that their applications are easy to deploy, suggesting a relatively quick implementation timeline.
B2W Estimate is highly customizable, allowing it to be tailored to fit specific business needs. Here are several data points highlighting its customization features:
B2W Estimate allows users to create detailed, customizable bid forms. These forms can be tailored with flexible grouping and subtotaling options, as well as advanced text formatting, enabling businesses to present their bids in a professional and organized manner. Additionally, the software supports customizable templates for cost structures, labor, materials, and equipment, which can be pre-populated and adjusted as needed.
The software includes the capability to generate custom reports. Users can define specific parameters and criteria for the reports, ensuring that they capture the exact data needed for analysis and decision-making. This feature is particularly useful for businesses that require detailed insights into their estimating and bidding processes.
B2W Estimate integrates seamlessly with various accounting, project management, and field tracking systems. This integration allows businesses to customize their workflows and ensure that data flows smoothly between different departments. The ability to synchronize data across multiple platforms enhances the overall efficiency and accuracy of the estimating process.
For field tracking and analysis, B2W Track, a component of the B2W Software ONE Platform, offers extensive customization through user-defined fields. Contractors can add custom properties to field logs, enabling them to capture highly specific data relevant to their operations. This feature allows for the creation of tailored fields such as weather conditions, delivery times, inspection results, and more, ensuring that all necessary information is recorded accurately and efficiently.
B2W Estimate supports simultaneous use by multiple estimators, which is beneficial for larger companies or those with multiple locations. Users can customize permissions and access levels, ensuring that team members have the appropriate level of access to the software’s features and data. This collaborative approach streamlines the estimating process and reduces the risk of errors.
The software includes mobile estimating capabilities, allowing users to work remotely and synchronize their data when reconnected to the office server. This flexibility ensures that estimators can access and update bids from any location, making it easier to manage projects and respond to changes in real time.
Setup Fees: None
Maintenance Fees: Annual fees (specific amount not disclosed)
Support Charges: Premium consulting and integration services, 24/7 support (specific costs not disclosed)
Training Costs: Additional charges for extra training and setup
Cloud Hosting: Additional costs for specialized cloud hosting services.
B2W Estimate software offers extensive training and support to new users:
World-Class Support: Users have access to fast, reliable support from industry experts and on-demand resources available 24/7.
Training Programs: Comprehensive training programs are provided to ensure users can effectively utilize the software. This includes initial training during the implementation phase and ongoing training as needed.
Comprehensive Security System
B2W Estimate includes a comprehensive security system to control access to each area of the product. Different permission levels can be assigned to specific user groups to control creation, modification and deletion of information throughout the software.
Data Encryption
The software allows you to "protect sensitive information with iron clad security", suggesting data encryption capabilities, although specifics are not provided.
Audit Trail
An audit trail feature records the date, time, user and previous values when any modifications are made to an estimate. This creates a detailed log for auditing purposes.
Cloud Hosting Option
B2W offers specialized cloud hosting options to minimize IT requirements and security concerns for contractors
Cloud hosting can provide enhanced security compared to on-premise deployments.
General Data Protection
B2W Software has a privacy policy detailing how they treat and protect personally identifiable information (PII) collected
B2W Estimate releases updates regularly, and these updates are managed to ensure continuous improvement and adaptation to user needs.
Regular Updates: Users have noted that B2W Estimate receives updates that consistently improve the software. For instance, one user mentioned that "the updates always seem to make the software better" and that they get better at using it every year due to these updates.
User Feedback Integration: The updates are often based on user feedback and needs. B2W Software is commended for its culture of always wanting to improve the product and basing those improvements on the needs and desires of their customers.
Support and Training: B2W provides support and training to help users adapt to new updates. This includes Best Practices sessions and training with a trainer to discuss "tips and tricks" and ensure users can utilize the software to its fullest potential.
Change Management: The software allows for easy updates to cost databases and other critical data, ensuring that estimators can quickly adapt to changes in costs and other variables. This is crucial for maintaining accuracy and efficiency in bidding and estimating processes.
Data Ownership: B2W Estimate ensures that operational data lives in a single SQL database, which allows for real-time updates and information sharing across various applications within the B2W platform. This centralized approach helps maintain a single source of truth for all data, ensuring that users have consistent and accurate information.
Portability: B2W Software offers flexibility in terms of deployment and purchasing options. Contractors can choose between monthly subscription pricing or in-perpetuity license ownership, and they can deploy B2W applications either in the Cloud or on on-premise servers. This flexibility allows users to select the best option that meets their unique requirements and ensures that their data can be managed in a way that suits their operational needs.
Integration and Interoperability: B2W Software emphasizes the integration of its solutions with other systems, particularly those from Trimble, which acquired B2W Software in September 2022. This integration includes financial and project management, takeoff, modeling and design, and machine control, which enhances the portability and usability of data across different platforms and applications.
Commitment to Customer Success: B2W Software is committed to ensuring that the deployment of its applications delivers rapid ROI and long-term success. This includes a mutual investment in converting data, aligning processes, training users, and customizing deployment to meet specific needs, which further supports data portability and effective use.
B2W Estimate offers flexible terms for scaling up or down as organizational needs change, particularly through its deployment options and integration capabilities:
Deployment Flexibility: B2W Estimate can be deployed either in the Cloud or on-premises, providing organizations with the flexibility to choose the best option for their needs. This flexibility allows for easy scaling as business requirements evolve.
Subscription and Licensing Options: B2W Software offers both monthly subscription pricing and in-perpetuity license ownership. This allows organizations to select a pricing model that best fits their financial and operational strategies, making it easier to scale up or down as needed.
Integration with Other Systems: B2W Estimate integrates with various accounting/ERP platforms, DOT electronic bidding systems, and other B2W applications like B2W Track for performance tracking and B2W Schedule for resource scheduling. This integration helps streamline operations and supports scalability by reducing redundant data entry and errors.
Cloud Hosting: For those opting for Cloud deployment, B2W offers specialized Cloud hosting that eliminates in-house IT requirements, reduces costs, and enhances security. This option supports scalability by allowing organizations to easily adjust their usage and resources based on current needs.
Real-Time Data and Centralized Database: B2W Estimate uses a single SQL database for all operational data, which supports real-time updates and information sharing across applications. This centralized approach ensures that scaling up or down does not disrupt data consistency and accuracy.
B2W Estimate's Software Subscription Agreement outlines the terms and conditions for contract renewal and cancellation. Renewals involve signing a new agreement after the previous contract expires, allowing both parties to renegotiate terms and conditions. Automatic renewals may occur if a deadline is missed, but it is recommended to review contracts and negotiate more favorable terms before the renewal date.
Contract cancellations involve a defined subscription term, which can be terminated if the terms are violated. Termination for breach can result in liability for damages and subscription termination. B2W Software reserves the right to audit software usage to ensure compliance with subscription terms. Confidentiality and security are essential, and breach of these terms can lead to termination.
Additional considerations include support services, which are only available for the latest major release of the software, and customization and integration, which may require separate agreements.
B2W Estimate is a software suite that aids contractors in managing safety regulations and certifications. It tracks employee licenses, certifications, and training, reducing legal and safety risks. The software integrates with compliance systems, such as B2W Maintain, to ensure industry standards. It prioritizes data security, with a centralized database and real-time data updates. B2W Estimate supports the creation of detailed audit trails and reports, demonstrating compliance with regulatory requirements. The software also adheres to industry standards for data integration and interoperability, such as B2W Maintain, which integrates telematics data following AEMP standards. The software also supports environmental and safety compliance by tracking and managing project-related data, ensuring all activities meet the required standards.
B2W Estimate
By B2W Software
