UK firm Sterling DCS has launched a tool designed to transform the estimating process for cost and carbon management within the construction industry.

Called Smart Builder, it lets users determine the best approach to suit their project needs by linking various project structures and employing an intuitive drag-and-drop interface. After years of grappling with the limitations of traditional estimating, the tool simplifies the creation of cost plans, bills of quantities and estimates.

“At Sterling, we believe that simplicity should drive performance,” said Steve Brunning, CEO of Sterling DCS. “Smart Builder embodies our commitment to providing powerful tools that enhance the estimator’s experience while maintaining the integrity of complex data. By avoiding the constant flipping between processes, users can now copy one, many or entire preferred structures seamlessly. The team has extended this functionality to allow for easy switching between structures and resources at any time, which will save a significant amount of time and reduce errors. This feature not only reduces friction in the estimating process but also empowers users to take control of their projects with confidence.”

Smart Builder lets users employ asset structures, such as buildings, and nest multiple breakdown structures beneath them. This capability brings clarity and organisation to the estimating process, allowing users to view their projects holistically while also drilling down into granular details as needed.

Features of Smart Builder include:

• Rapid cost plan formulation: The tool allows users to select their preferred structures quickly, enabling them to quantify and price at any level with efficiency. This rapid formulation of cost plans is critical in the fast-paced construction environment, where timely and accurate estimates are essential.
• Effortless validation: Users can easily drag and drop individual lines, groups or entire sections of NRM2 into their cost plans, complete with their IDs for validation against relevant rule sets. This feature not only simplifies the validation process but also enhances accuracy, reducing the potential for errors.
• Simplified resource selection: Smart Builder streamlines the selection of multiple resources and complex resource pricing, allowing users to accomplish these tasks in one straightforward process. This capability is particularly beneficial for estimators managing diverse resources across multiple projects.
• Transparency in merging cost estimates: With Smart Builder, users can establish the project structure at the top level, applying NRM1 for quantifying and pricing at any level. As project details evolve, users can integrate a comprehensive array of NRM2, SMM7 and, when appropriate, CESSM structures. This fosters transparency and consistency across the estimating process.
• Customisable reporting structures: Understanding that each project has unique reporting requirements, Smart Builder offers the ability to pivot estimates to preferred reporting formats. This ensures stakeholders can access data in the manner that best suits their needs, promoting informed decision-making.
• Intuitive design: Recognising the challenges that estimators face with existing options, Smart Builder has been designed to be intuitive. By eliminating the need for multiple windows or forms, this feature transforms a typically cumbersome task into a simple, efficient workflow, allowing estimators to focus on what matters – delivering accurate estimates that drive project success.

“We are delighted to launch Smart Builder,” said James Hunter, CTO of Sterling DCS. “Our goal was to bridge the gap between simplicity and powerful functionality. With Smart Builder, we are enabling our users to formulate accurate estimates efficiently, paving the way for more sustainable construction practices. The feedback we’ve received during the testing phase has been overwhelmingly positive, reinforcing our belief that Smart Builder will set a new standard in the industry.”

By leveraging technology and user-centric design, Smart Builder aims to address the challenges faced by estimators and project managers in the construction industry.

Sterling DCS (www.sterling-dcs.com) will also provide support and resources to help users improve their experience with Smart Builder. This includes training sessions and webinars to ensure all users can take advantage of the capabilities Smart Builder has to offer.

Sterling DCS provides a suite of tools for cost and carbon estimating, take-off, package management, and lifecycle management. The company is already integrated with several construction platforms, including the Autodesk Construction Cloud and Building Transparency’s EC3 tool.