A Closer Look at AI-Assisted Takeoff Solutions

How can synthetic intelligence (AI) assist skilled estimators?

This fall, members of The American Society of Skilled Estimators (ASPE) will collect in ConstructConnect’s hometown of Cincinnati, Ohio, for the ASPE Summit 2024. A short take a look at the schedule of occasions for this yr’s Summit, held from September 12-14, exhibits that questions concerning the affect of AI on the business will seemingly be a subject of curiosity.

Originating as a workshop tailor-made for estimators to refine their abilities, the Summit has advanced right into a complete convention catering to estimators in any respect profession levels. It presents immersive coaching, seminars, and demonstrations led by a spread of business leaders, together with ConstructConnect.

We spoke with ConstructConnect’s Chief Product Officer Jennifer Johnson prematurely of Summit 2024, the place she’s going to lead an indication highlighting “Advancements In AI-Assisted Takeoff” on Saturday, September 14. She shared her ideas on the rising significance of AI-assisted takeoff options for the estimating neighborhood, and the way ConstructConnect is approaching the usage of proprietary AI in its takeoff options.

To kick issues off, what would you most like contractors and estimators to grasp about the advantages of options that incorporate AI?

Jennifer Johnson: I believe it’s most vital for the estimating neighborhood to grasp that AI-assisted software program options is not going to be changing jobs. As a substitute, we consider AI can provide automation that frees estimating professionals from repetitive duties to concentrate on extra sophisticated challenges.

How can takeoff and estimating instruments that incorporate AI profit skilled professionals?

Jennifer Johnson: For superior estimators, the aim of incorporating AI in our options – comparable to our premier takeoff software, On-Screen Takeoff®, which incorporates ConstructConnect’s Takeoff Increase™ characteristic pushed by proprietary AI – is to extend productiveness. These options can doubtlessly help you qualify tasks extra rapidly and spend extra time on the roles you may have the perfect likelihood of profitable.

Will AI enhancements additionally assist these new to the estimating occupation?

Jennifer Johnson: We all know that one in 5 development professionals is 55 years of age or older. Whereas we’re lucky to have such a wealth of expertise within the business, that won’t final perpetually. Confronted with the following technology coming into the workforce, it’s crucial to discover a solution to ramp up new estimators extra rapidly. AI can assist with that course of by creating alternatives for these new to the business to audit and modify estimates versus ranging from scratch.

Given the advantages to estimators of all expertise ranges, what’s ConstructConnect’s imaginative and prescient for incorporating AI in its options?

Jennifer Johnson: Our choice is to deeply concentrate on totally assembly the wants of our consumer phase earlier than increasing into different purposes. We’re initially focusing our efforts on drywall, interiors, and conceptual estimating for normal contractors, however then will transfer into adjoining house like ceilings and flooring. We predict there may be larger worth to our clients in having the ability to have a excessive diploma of confidence in our options and, consequently, having to carry out minimal checks.

What can attendees plan to be taught throughout your demonstration at ASPE?

Jennifer Johnson: At ASPE, I plan to share how ConstructConnect is enhancing the accuracy of fashions, together with dealing with particular curved areas, door thresholds, and wall varieties. Attendees may see how ConstructConnect’s redesigned Auto Identify instrument inside On-Display Takeoff eliminates the necessity for patrons with an lively upkeep subscription to manually rename paperwork. Plus, attendees will be taught extra about our ongoing work to make use of AI to assist estimators be extra environment friendly within the undertaking setup course of earlier than they even get to performing a takeoff.

What can clients anticipate sooner or later?

Jennifer Johnson: Estimating is a sophisticated course of. We all know from our clients that simply establishing tasks takes plenty of time and entails repetitive duties that should be carried out for each undertaking. This consists of duties that happen even earlier than takeoffs are carried out – comparable to naming paperwork, setting scales, and linking paperwork. Our clients can search for enhancements in these areas coming quickly. On the finish of the day, it’s about empowering contractors and estimators to avoid wasting beneficial money and time. I’m excited to share extra about what we are able to do collectively.

Wish to be taught extra? Be a part of us at ASPE Summit 2024 and go to us at Sales space #3 within the Exhibit Corridor for an indication on AI-assisted takeoff, or explore our takeoff and estimating solutions on our website.