Estimation Group has launched a free software concept for small contractors and sole traders that aims to increase their productivity.

Estimation Express aims to bring the benefits of software to small firms working in the fields of electrical installation, heating, plumbing, air conditioning and ventilation.

Aimed at sole traders and small contractors, it comprises a set of free software productivity tools that work with a library of up-to-date trade prices to speed up routine administration tasks. Estimation Express uses standard packages such as Word and Excel. Built-in templates that can be customised to suit the contractor are used to carry out administrative tasks such as submitting quotes, acknowledging orders and raising sales invoices or purchase orders.

The software is supplied complete with trade-specific materials libraries so that the pricing information for quotes is immediately available. These prices can be discounted to the price the user would expect to pay at a wholesaler based on their specific terms. The pricing library also includes sample installation times for different types of jobs.

Estimation Express includes intelligent web searching, which means the user can go straight from the materials library to the manufacturer's web site.

Two versions of the software are available: Express and Express Plus. The standard Express package is free of charge. When registered it automatically loads the latest product prices for the chosen Trade Data Set; subsequent price updates require a subscription to Express Plus. For a fee of £18/month, this includes additional productivity templates and an Internet-based LiveUpdate service to ensure pricing and catalogue data is kept current.

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Electrical and Mechanical Contractor