SOFTWARE APPLICATION FOR QUANTITY

SURVEYING
CSC60603
NG CHUAN KAI 0323738
TAN VIN NIE 0323706
TAN JIT KIM 0323854
LOH WEN JUN 0323551
TEY CHENG FERN 0323912
YEOH SIN YUEN 0323737
VIVIAN TAY HUEY SHUEN 0323869
What is Building Information
Modeling (BIM)?

BIM is a process that allows members of the project

team to collaborate on the design elements of a 3D
architectural model via a computer virtual platform.

Architects, engineers, planners and the construction team

have to analyze the digital model and provide their
technical expertise with a goal of conforming their inputs
in relation to the model, specifications, regulations and
other fields of expertise

BIM allows incompatible elements across the model to

be rectified before building commences, thus saving the
client a lot of money and reducing disputes which
normally arise during the construction phase.
Quantity surveyors are
part of the project
team.
They are responsible to the cost of the project.

The virtual software will complete the

measurement automatically, through
automatic take-off of the project 3D Model
geometrics. However, when a quantifying
function or auto-measurement capability is
not included on BIM software, quantity
surveyors have to look for construction
quantity takeoff software that allows
integration with BIM.
 Nowadays, there are numerous BIM Quantity Takeoff software that can find on
the market because BIM is a new concept that is gradually gaining momentum in
the construction industry.

Types of Measurement Software Available in Market:

CostOS
Master bill software was established in 1981, the number from the practice of
investigation, a Master bill always set construction software should be a judgment
standard.

Master bill in recent years has become the market based on the evaluation, to make their
customer service quantity measurement and construction company, which in turn led to the
development including CAD survey, combined with field measurement and modeling work.

2005 of Master bill again have the opportunity to go beyond product launch Master bill elite
to provide complete solution through the planning and the feasibility of the BQ production
cost final account in a product with a database.
COST PLANNING

Mastell Bill enables the user to create accurate Cost Plans

faster by using the following historical cost data:

• Cost Analyses
• Budget Estimates
• Cost Plans
• Bills of Quantities and Tendered Rates
• Post Contract

Function
It saves hours by simply copying relevant parts of
previous projects and adapting them to suit the of
MasterBill
current project.
Fast BQ production

Mastell Bill has provided numerous of function for BQ

production for more efficiency without changing the way of
the work. The functions provided as shown below:

• A Flexible Project Structure

• A range of Standard Libraries
• Full Measurement Facilitiies
• Flexible Page Layouts

Function
• Freeform Bills
• Comprehensive Pricing Facilities

of
• Powerful Analysis Tools
• Full eTendering Compatibility

MasterBill
Pricing/Estimating

Price matching characteristics provides the opportunity to

choose another gentle before a project using the current
estimated as the basis of pricing. Master Bill includes
powerful pricing and estimating features including:

• Storage of Multiple Tenders

• Basic Pricing
• Detailed Pricing

Function
• Sub Contract Packaging routines
• Find Prices facility

of
• Match Prices facility
• Tender Comparison and Analysis
• Resource Reports

MasterBill
• Price adjustment facilities
 Costly
Master Bill software isn’t cheap, so the
company got to be prepared to invest in the
technology. It is not very popular in Malaysia as
it focus more on production of BQ.

Limitation of
MasterBill It takes time and
patience
It takes time to learn and familiar with this
software as it provides quite a lot of functions
and services. Getting the team on-board with
the software will also take some time. Expert in
this software is required to assist and train the
team so that they can operate the software.
Buildsoft is an Australian company with its head office in Sydney. Buildsoft was
established in 1985 to develop and market computer software for the building and
construction industry.

is a take-off and estimating software developed by Buildsoft. The software helps

trace over digital drawings on the computer, so that quantity surveyor can generate quantities
instantly.

It designed primarily for use by commercial building contractors and professional quantity
surveyors. It is also including features which allow it to be used in other industries where estimating
is required.
Create and update estimates
more efficiently
• To price the quantities, user can import pricing data from
suppliers, which can be saved as a template that is natively
connected to the estimate.

• Just by updating the prices in the template, the changes will

be automatically translated to your cost estimate, generating
new figures each time.

• It helps to control how the company prices jobs, ensuring Function

of
accuracy and maximal profitability.

Buildsoft
Comprehensive, Integrated
Solution and package
• Buildsoft supports DWF files and it’s not restricted to working in
3D alone as it offers 2D models with 3D BIM and can integrate
these directly with rate libraries and workbooks.

• This makes for a seamless service when working through

modelling and estimates and it helps a lot that importing and
exporting files is so easy to execute. Function
of
Buildsoft
 Easily view and edit plan
changes
• Quantity surveyor can do revisions to plans that are
overlaid on an existing plan they have taken off. They
can also edit plans as part of the revision process.

• Quantities can be measure from BIM files (DWFx) as

well as CAD, PDF including JPEG and PNG.
Function
of
Buildsoft
 Have the power to build
various professional
reports
• Integration with BIM is possible with Cubit Basic and Cubit Pro.

• The Pro version has all the features, including Bills of Quantities,
Custom Report and BIM Reader. Cubit has the ability to generate

Function
and print a range of professional reports including trade, markup,
rate, takeoff, and Bills of Quantities.

• Customizable reporting can quickly hide and show various items,

making it easy to share different elements of your estimate with a of
Buildsoft
range of people.
 Lack of upgrades and
changes

Buildsoft makes very few changes or

upgrades over years. Some softwares have
been overtake it as they offer large
amount of services and resources

Limitation of
Buildsoft Delete the existing file after
doing amendment

The job file that had been created in

Buildsoft will be permanently deleted
when doing amendment on the existing
data. The file will deleted or crashed after
the user have done the amendment.
TakeOff Plus

• Suitable to project management.

• As a complete solution comes with project
management and estimating figures in a single
system.
• Can be a stand-alone product or integrated with
others program.
• Help customers estimate lump sum, stick or unit
price of the project.
• Target customer size : 1 – 50.
Uses both Imperial and
Metric system

• As different countries use different measuring systems, it aims cater to

the needs of the public.

Fast and easy setup

• No need of long learning curve, can easily operate the software.

Features
of
TakeOff Plus
Converts draft takeoff
plans into a clean and
accurate estimating
reports

• Enable clients have a better understanding.

Features
of
TakeOff Plus
 Benefits
• Provides 24/7 knowledge base and
webinars
• Users can have online lectures
that save their time and cost and
they can report the problem
immediately when they are using
software.
• Save time, money and space
• Helps company reduce paperwork
needed per month and the need
for expensive digitizers.
Limitations
• It doesn’t offer much document
management features.
• When preparing estimating, users
have to use lots of relevant
document such as contract
drawings and workbooks,
software with poor document
management features might not
be their first choice.
CostOS
• It developed by Nomitech and designed to cover all
kings of estimates which makes the tool beneficial
for concept screening, feasibility study and others
purpose.
• Applicable to use by Contractors, Consultants,
Investors and Designers.
• Target customer size : 1 – 1000+.
Seamless
functionality
• Strong and powerful database allows users collect and store
historical data easily.
• The sophisticated models can automate the complete
production of BQ table which allow estimators for pre-design
optimization.

Embedded BIM
technology Features
• 3D models can work on directly which makes possible visual
approach on estimating. of
CostOS
 Benefits
• Key in data can be more accurate and
have an efficient work.
• Multiples estimators can work on
same time and experience true
collaborations.
• Strong Security
• Users can store their data in Cloud
computing and if they lost their
laptops, they still able to get back
their data and even completely
wipe data from the lost laptops.
Limitations
• Cost used to purchase softwares
• Estimating software isn’t cheap
and can cost from few hundred
dollars to few thousand dollars or
even more.
• Out of date.
• Some provides will offer upgrades
or updates of the software, some
may not which means software
may redundant over time.
Autodesk, Inc. is an American multinational software corporation that makes
software for the architecture, engineering, construction, manufacturing, media, and
entertainment industries.

Software that enables the effective quantification of design data for use in estimating
construction costs, enabling you to collect and synchronize design data and streamline cost-
estimation processes.
Takeoff in Minutes
Automatically
• Provides a platform to perform a takeoff on an entire building information model
in a short time, as with more traditional methods through integration of 2D and
3D design data.

More Efficient Manual

Takeoff
Function
• Effective manual takeoff capabilities that support the takeoff of JPG, TIF, PDF, and
other image formats.
• Multiple line segments, arcs, or a combination of line and arc segments when of
AutoDesk
tracing geometry on a floor plan.
• Rapidly perform area calculations, linear measurements, and counts.

Quantity TakeOff
Share, Query, and Clarify
• Automatically generates quantities linked to specific objects, enabling faster,
more efficient navigation and takeoff.

Greater Flexibility
• It can perform intuitive, interactive examination of models to gain a better
understanding of the model for estimating purposes.
• Object visibility and transparency are adjustable according to building section or
component type.

Dynamic Counting Function

• Unlimited component subassemblies enable easier categorization and of
AutoDesk
quantification of materials that make up individual building components.

Quantity TakeOff
 Lack of First-Hand Software
Expert

Professionals lack first-hand or expert

Limitation knowledge on the concept of their making

and therefore knowledge of applicability

of
could be deemed average.

AutoDesk Project Information

Discouragement
Quantity TakeOff The issue of data standards not being
compatible with all application could be a
factor that leads to discouragement in
project information sharing especially
when data are imported into a different
file format.
Comparison
Briefing stage
BIM,CAD, Manual Measurement
Building Information Modelling

Benefits
1. Visualization makes decision making faster
 Keep the information up to date and also easy accessibility

2. Visual access to Building Information Modelling

 Understanding to the rough concept of the project

3. Clear Accountability
 Ability to manage the collaborative process by setting model ownership. The specific accountability built into the
system makes it easier for teams to collaborate without interfering with each other's work
Building Information Modelling
Constraints
1. Cost of software
 Requires substantial investment in new technology

2. Lack of expertise and training required for software

 Limited numbers of the specialists working in this field.
 Additional training and education required

3. Lack of standardization and not flexible construction cost variation

 No industry standard link between the model and cost estimates.
 BIM estimates the total expected construction cost by providing the cost to complete a project but it does
not take into account of possible price variation
Computer-Aided Design (CAD)

Benefits

1. Increase the productivity of the designer

 Allow the designer to produce a design using the computer-generated tools in the software.

2. Reduce the overtime of design

 Designer can prepare a brief design of overall building in a shorter time.

3. Improve the quality of design

 Software can produce a more accurate dimensions of the building and produce a design analysis of the design and
can all easily modify it which save time and reduce error.
Computer-Aided Design (CAD)
Constraints

1. The software is initially expensive, however there are free packages available to download
through.

2. To operate the software, designer will need to learn how to operate the software smoothly, which
the time required is another issue.

3. This software can only be operated in a computer and therefore a computer with high spec is
required for this software to run smoothly.
Manual Measurement

Benefit
1. Cost effective
 Cheaper compare to the BIM and CAD due to the software is need to be purchased
 Manual measurement would only cost for the printing

2. No training required
 Most of the fresh graduate QS are most get used to manual measurement as they are pay more attention
to learn doing measurement manually in their institution as compared to using BIM or CAD software.
Therefore, for the firm which are using BIM or CAD may have to send their employees for further training
Manual Measurement
Constraints
1. Cost Preparation
 QS may require to advise the client in term of the budgets and variations on particular project. However, QS may
require cost dare to create the cost plan. Most of the time, there wouldn’t be a problem for a senior or experienced QS
as they are experts based on their past experience but the problem arise when comes to young QS

2. Risk of error
 The risk of errors for manual measurement are greater compared to BIM or CAD

3. Quality Output
 Inconsistent and designed improperly
 Handwritten records may be hard to identify
 poorly presented information may fail to communicate key points.

4. Difficult to make adjustment

 For instance if a manual documents which contain error or require updating, most of the time it is necessary to
recreate the whole documents rather than just a new version of document being updated with the relevant details.
 Design Stage
BIM,CAD, Manual Measurement
Building Information Modelling
Benefits

1. Better Visualization of Building

• Create a complete 3D model with 360-degree rotation model
• Clearer picture of building design

2. Enhanced detail
• Quality of the information
• BIM models gives specific details of information on exact model, specifications, quantities and materials that
used in construction
• Reduce the cost and material usage
Building Information Modelling
3. Improve Collaboration
• Sharing and collaborating with models is easier than drawing sets
• Tools for different disciplines used to share their complex project models and coordinate integration with
peers
• Enhances efficiency of the project
Building Information Modelling
Constraints

1. Incompatibility with partners

• BIM is not yet universally used among construction professionals
• Some of them may not use BIM which not familiar with your model

2. Adoption of the software against time

• Transition from drafting to modelling require more time allocated for someone who is new to the software
• Delay of progress to the project
Building Information Modelling
3. Loose Security of Information
• Collaborative BIM tool also have the drawback of BIM system.
• Due to some companies misuse access given to BIM model to widespread decisive information and data of
project
• In this situation, security of data in BIM Model has to be shared among QS as well

4. Transition from drafting to modelling

• These tasks require a high skilled designer who has understanding of project and the materials used.
• The costs for training and maintaining skilled designer are higher than those draftsman with no knowledge of
the trade
Computer-Aided Design (CAD)
Benefits

1. Features
• During design, allows designer to use several features such as erasing & redrawing, zoom, edit and etc.

2. Drawing tools
• CAD also provide several drawing tools such as lines, points, curves and etc to create a design.

3. Auto measurements
• CAD consist several methods to obtain exact dimensions such as locate points by snapping to an interval on a
rectangular grid or specify exact coordinates by indicating a point along an X and Y axis
 Computer-Aided Design (CAD)
Constraint

1. Operating skills
• Inexperience designer with lack of knowledge in operating the software can affect the design process while
producing the design.

2. No back-ups
• Information of the design can be lost instantly if a computer hangs or a problem occurs, there is no back-up
for the software.
Manual measurement
Benefits
1. No operating skills required
• Do not require any skills to operate as no software is required, manual measurements can be done on the
drawing papers.

2. Only basic tools

• With manual measurement, only few drawing tools are required such as pencils, scale rulers, eraser and etc.

3. Allocation of mistakes
Doing measurement manually mistakes can be identified easily
Besides, users need to have ability to operate software efficiently in order to check for mistakes since the
measurement is auto-generated by the software
Manual measurement
Constraints

1. Editing done manually

• Repetitive drawing and editing of the design must be done manually.

2. Easily make mistakes

• Increase chances of creating human errors, such as dimensions and measurements of design could not be
accurate sometimes and mistakes could occur.

3. Longer time
• Manual measurement would take longer time as scale ruler is required to accurately measure the dimensions
of each design
PRE-CONSTRUCTION STAGE
BIM, CAD, AND MANUAL ENTRY
Benefits of BIM
Promotes better understanding of
designs
• By creating a visual environment for everyone involved in
the construction industry.
• Provides a platform for efficient collaboration, review and
feedback

Save calculation time

• By making it easier to measure a building.

• BIM software has auto-scale function.
• Finding dimensions of an element will be easy and fast
• Get to plan and schedule our time, speed up our
development process.
Benefits of BIM
Reduces cost
 Use BIM to design and calculate cost
 Find out whether the project is worth investing in.
 Reduces project failure cost.
 Reduces change orders and cost issues.

Safer
 Designs are safer
 more well-planned, coordinated and has minimal re-
work.
 Reduce risk.
Constraints of BIM
Incompatibility between partners.
 Not all companies have this software
 Designs cannot be shared through BIM.

Costly and relatively new software.

 Must use it till its maximum capacity to reduce loss
 Use it for its many function such as auto-scale,
planning and scheduling function
Benefits of CAD
Increase designer's productivity.
 Allows designers to design projects at a faster rate
 To create high quality building at a lower cost.

Enhances accuracy while minimizing errors.

 Reduces errors in dimensioning and measurement, transferring data errors
 Up-to-date data and shortening the time taken to make changes.
 Additional contractors or engineers are not required.

Speed up processes.
 Ensure drawings, reports, specification and bill of materials to be done easier and
faster.
 Helps the designers to send the product drawings and specifications at a faster speed
to the contractor and engineers.
Constraints of CAD
High initial cost
 Not be suitable for small companies which have lower budget.
 Must allocate training cost.

Work might be disrupted

 Due to virus or computer malfunction.
 Data will be lost suddenly, have to redo everything
 Slows down the project as well as lower the productivity of the designers.

Unemployment rate may increase

 Using CAD, less professionals are needed to complete a certain design on a project.
 Help companies to save money while still getting the job done effectively.
Benefits of Manual Measurement
Cheaper than BIM and CAD
 Require little to no start-up cost.
 Take-off quantities from drawings and produce the BQ.

Relatively easier
 Just need our knowledge on measurement calculations and experience in the
field to measure any structural or architectural drawings.

Additional training fee is not required

 Manual measurement is the simplest form of measurement
 Unlike BIM or CAD that needs proper training to know the software
Constraints of Manual Measurement
Slower progress
 Need more time to measure and design manually.
 Need more time to check and correct potential errors.

High printing cost

 Relies mostly on hard copy drawings.
 Need to produce many copies of the drawing for the professionals.
 Postage fee would also be high.

Need to hire more workers

 Due to the slower progress of work in manual measurement
 Hire more professionals to speed up the process of work
 Require higher cost in terms of more salary.
CONSTRUCTION STAGE
BIM, CAD, AND MANUAL ENTRY
Benefits of BIM

 Undertaking management
• can take out issues with respect to the plan of a building, spending control and
work execution easier
 Speed of development (Construction)
• evaluate the changes, glitches and issues in the drawings for correction
 High precision prompting waste lessening
• amounts extricated are sufficiently precise to think of a moreeffective
requesting process and limit the waste and storage room on-site.
Constraints of BIM
 Outer parameters
• does not mull over the external components during construction
 Progress from drafting to modeling
• required expertise work force with top to bottom comprehension of the
undertaking and the materials utilized
 Institutionalization system
• there may be conflicts between parties engaged with the undertaking, for
example, correspondence breakdown
 Benefits and Contraints of CAD
 Enhances communication
process by means of clearness
• diminishes misinterpretations and
vulnerability in understanding the
designs.
• Getting reconsidered and refreshed
plans to the teams is more easier.
 Institutionalization technique
and procedure
• CAD frameworks help for
standardizing the design, drafting
and documentation methodology
 Constrained measurements
• extra efforts are required to carry
on the measurements (volume)
while continuing for 3D illustrations
 Working expenses on-site
• utilization of CAD at construction
sites may strife organization
monetary administration policies.
• charge PC assets for project
overhead
Benefits and Constraints of Manual
Measurement
 Cost Effective
• the cost is primarily on the printing  Longer time consuming
of the archive • manual recalculation is required if
 No Training Required there any changes in construction
• technique and procedures of  Dimensional limitation
measurement are standardized and • doesn't offer the 2D, 3D, 4D or 5D
done physically amid their tertiary administrations of software
education
• firms who are utilizing programming
need to send crisp graduates for a
training program for preparation