Project costing within the construction and architecture industries can be extremely complex, particularly because every project has different requirements, different material needs and other complicated overheads. Often estimating and calculating these costs involves hours working through different spreadsheets, where there is a lot of room for human error. Comparing multiple spreadsheets and documents is time consuming, particularly when values do not correlate correctly, or the layout is not intuitive and easy to analyse. Project management software with job costing functionality will allow you to manage the process of estimating, resourcing and billing project costs on one consistent platform.
Some of the benefits of using a project costing system include: Budget Planning
Fee Plan by grade and utilise workstage templates for quick planning. Ideally the software should integrate workstage level probability factors and standard construction fee structures, for instance ‘fixed fee’ and ‘percentage of construction’. Budget planning tools should include provisions for labour, expenses, sub consultants and fees. Depending on the project this might be worked in stages in either months or weeks, providing all the tools necessary to plan your project accurately.
Expenses Adding expenses should always be integrated with your accounts package to ensure no expense is overlooked, and a simple internal approval system should be a part of this. Recharge and non-recharge options ensure you accurately account for all project related expenses Billing Integration with your accounts system means there is no need to re-enter data, saving you time and removing human error. A simple invoice approval process minimises complications and gets the Invoice to the client faster, whilst the ability to generate invoices from detailed fee forecasts is an efficient alternative to manually calculating them. Avoid Conflict The level of accuracy that a project costing system provides can ensure disputes with customers are avoided, whilst easy-to-understand, detailed invoices will give customers peace of mind that costings are calculated fairly.
Mobile If your staff are often working remotely, having a system which is mobile means that construction consultants and other on-site staff can save time by creating business development notes on the go, update timesheets and capture expenses and search for contacts, projects and staff. This not only saves time (and therefore money) but also enables accurate and up to date information in your system at all times. Realistic Profit Margins Job costing software makes it easy to add your markup and calculate your margin – so you stay competitive but profitable. Whilst creating a fee plan Rapport3 allows you view similar projects you have done in the past.
Job Costing with Rapport3
We realise how difficult it can be to keep on top of job costings, so our project management system, Rapport3 encompasses everything that is necessary to calculate every aspect of even the most complex project down to the penny. The time wasted on spreadsheets and inconsistent systems can really add up, draining your resources and negatively affecting morale. Rapport3 is designed to be intuitive to use, save time and ensure everybody, including your colleagues and clients, are on the same page.
Intuitive, accurate and comprehensive, Rapport3 is the job costing system that could transform your processes, streamlining them to ensure your business is as efficient as possible. Get in touch
on +44 (0)208 390 1240 or drop us a message at info@cubic-interactive.com
to discuss how Rapport3 could help your business.
Website design by Digity