2 minute read
Simplify Preconstruction with STACK
SSTACK Construction Technologies, Cincinnati, Ohio, is a cloudbased preconstruction platform that allows asphalt contractors to perform takeoffs, create estimates and generate bidready proposals, as well as collaborate with their teams in real-time anywhere, from any device.
“The ability to create takeoffs, estimates, and proposals in a single platform streamlines the preconstruction process, reduces rework, and increases accuracy,” said Phil Ogilby, CEO and founder of STACK Construction Technologies. “The cloud-based platform means information is available at the entire crew’s fingertips, and they can work from any device: whether in the office, at home or on the job site.”
Most of STACK’s asphalt customers previously relied on a mix of manual processes and outdated software for takeoffs and Excel for estimates. “STACK is up to 10 times faster than doing takeoffs by hand on paper plans,” Ogilby said, and it eliminates the need for on-premise desktop software that may be complex to use and tie staff to a single location.
STACK IN ACTION
To use STACK, asphalt contractors can set the scale and measure out the project, including arcs, with a few clicks. “Contractors are able to attach items and assemblies to their takeoffs as well, for an extremely accurate count of materials required for the job,” Ogilby said. “By eliminating manual data entry from takeoffs to estimates to proposals, the potential for human error is also reduced.”
STACK offers flexible measurement types so users can adjust the takeoff type for cubic yards, linear feet and more. It also has integrated labor costs and allows users to utilize a library of pre-built materials or add custom materials as needed.
“If you know the number of crew members and hours it takes to install a certain amount of materials, you can include those labor hours in a unit cost estimate and build the labor costs directly into your takeoff,” Ogilby said. Users can also add separate line items for labor in their estimates.
Because STACK is cloud-based, users can confirm job details, add notations, mark change details, and more, while everyone on the team has access to the latest documents, whether they’re in the office, at home, or on the job site.
INTEGRATE WITH EASE
Earlier this year, the company announced that it would integrate its STACK takeoff and estimating tool with other preconstruction products to allow companies to move data seamlessly among various software platforms.
STACK’s partner landscape integrates with a variety of plan rooms, invitation-to-bid tools and project management platforms. This includes tools such as ProCore, PlanHub, eSub and Foundation, among others.
Integration often improves overall efficiency, Ogilby said, by replacing time consuming manual operations. “No longer do teams have to export data from one solution, reformat it and then import it into another,” he said.
Integration also minimizes data re-entry and ensures data is transferred between solutions automatically. “Without an automated integration it becomes easy to forget to move data between systems creating out of sync data,” Ogilby said.
STACK also recently acquired SmartUse, a software solution that powers document viewing, markup and collaboration in the field.
“With this acquisition, STACK extends the reach of our platform to include additional critical phases of the construction process, specifically field operations for general contractors and subcontractors, as well as project turnover for the benefit of owners,” Ogilby said. “With these two bestin-class tools combined into a single platform, ...the transition from preconstruction to the construction phase becomes uninterrupted and transparent.”
