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How can artificial intelligence (AI) help professional estimators?
This fall, members of The American Society of Professional Estimators (ASPE) will gather in ConstructConnect’s hometown of Cincinnati, Ohio, for the ASPE Summit 2024. A brief look at the schedule of events for this year’s Summit, held from September 12-14, shows that questions about the impact of AI on the industry will likely be a topic of interest.
Originating as a workshop tailored for estimators to refine their skills, the Summit has evolved into a comprehensive conference catering to estimators at all career stages. It offers immersive training, seminars, and demonstrations led by a range of industry leaders, including ConstructConnect.
We spoke with ConstructConnect’s Chief Product Officer Jennifer Johnson in advance of Summit 2024, where she will lead a demonstration highlighting “Advancements In AI-Assisted Takeoff” on Saturday, September 14. She shared her thoughts on the growing importance of AI-assisted takeoff solutions for the estimating community, and how ConstructConnect is approaching the use of proprietary AI in its takeoff solutions.
To kick things off, what would you most like contractors and estimators to understand about the benefits of solutions that incorporate AI?
Jennifer Johnson: I think it’s most important for the estimating community to understand that AI-assisted software solutions will not be replacing jobs. Instead, we believe AI can offer automation that frees estimating professionals from repetitive tasks to focus on more complicated challenges.
How can takeoff and estimating tools that incorporate AI benefit experienced professionals?
Jennifer Johnson: For advanced estimators, the goal of incorporating AI in our solutions – such as our premier takeoff application, On-Screen Takeoff®, which includes ConstructConnect’s Takeoff Boost™ feature driven by proprietary AI – is to increase productivity. These solutions can potentially allow you to qualify projects more quickly and spend more time on the jobs you have the best chance of winning.
Will AI enhancements also help those new to the estimating profession?
Jennifer Johnson: We know that one in five construction professionals is 55 years of age or older. While we are fortunate to have such a wealth of experience in the industry, that will not last forever. Faced with the next generation entering the workforce, it is imperative to find a way to ramp up new estimators more quickly. AI can help with that process by creating opportunities for those new to the industry to audit and modify estimates as opposed to starting from scratch.
Given the benefits to estimators of all experience levels, what is ConstructConnect’s vision for incorporating AI in its solutions?
Jennifer Johnson: Our preference is to deeply focus on fully meeting the needs of our user segment before expanding into other applications. We are initially focusing our efforts on drywall, interiors, and conceptual estimating for general contractors, but then will move into adjacent space like ceilings and floors. We think there is greater value to our customers in being able to have a high degree of confidence in our solutions and, as a result, having to perform minimal checks.
What can attendees plan to learn during your demonstration at ASPE?
Jennifer Johnson: At ASPE, I plan to share how ConstructConnect is improving the accuracy of models, including handling special curved areas, door thresholds, and wall types. Attendees can also see how ConstructConnect’s redesigned Auto Name tool within On-Screen Takeoff eliminates the need for customers with an active maintenance subscription to manually rename documents. Plus, attendees will learn more about our ongoing work to use AI to help estimators be more efficient in the project setup process before they even get to performing a takeoff.
What can customers expect in the future?
Jennifer Johnson: Estimating is a complicated process. We know from our customers that just setting up projects takes a lot of time and involves repetitive tasks that must be performed for every project. This includes tasks that occur even before takeoffs are performed – such as naming documents, setting scales, and linking documents. Our customers can look for enhancements in those areas coming soon. At the end of the day, it’s about empowering contractors and estimators to save valuable time and money. I am excited to share more about what we can do together.
Want to learn more? Join us at ASPE Summit 2024 and visit us at Booth #3 in the Exhibit Hall for a demonstration on AI-assisted takeoff, or explore our takeoff and estimating solutions on our website.
