::BENEFITS OF USING BUILDSOFT IN

QUANTITY SURVEYING FIRMS IN MALAYSIA::

1.0 INTRODUCTION TO THE QS SOFTWARE

BQ software is a method of measurement that has been designed to
measure the quantity from the architects, engineers and/or mechanical
engineers drawings by using the computers which is consists of taking-off,
squaring, summarization of quantities, transferring quantities to the draft bills
of quantities, pricing and many more. his will reduce a lot of staff to do the
measurement, estimating, pricing the BQ and estimates, cost planning, cost
data, !ariation order, !aluation of payments and the like.

he following are the types of Q" software a!ailable in the market#-
a$

%aster Bill
b$

Buildsoft
c$

&ipac
d$

Quantity "ur!eyor %ethod 'Q"%$
e$

(esse)
f$

*ato

+or this assignment, we will only show the benefits of using the
,Buildsoft method.
2.1 Genera!

Buildsoft is an -ustralian company which is its head office located in
"ydney, -ustralia. Buildsoft was established in ./01 to de!elop and market
computer software for the building construction. 2t was staffed by an
enthusiastic team with many years of practice the building industry.
he purpose of introducing this software is to pro!ide the !ery best in
software at an affordable price. 2n the de!elopment always stri!e to include
customers ideas in order to produce powerful but user-friendly.
2n -ustralia, this product quickly became the industry standard and are
now e)ported to many countries in the world such as 3ew 4ealand, 5nited
6ingdom, 2reland, %alaysia, 2ndonesia, 7ong 6ong, "ingapore and the like.
his kind of software also has a select network of accredited o!erseas
distributors and appro)imately 8999 companies. Because of this, 5ni!ersities
and -+: colleges in -ustralia as well as selected 5ni!ersity of -sia and the
5nited 6ingdom are teaching these products as the accepted standard.
he system has a complete range of products from smaller systems
suitable for quantity sur!eying firms, contractors, builders, through to network
software for large commercial construction companies and sur!eyors. 3ow
Buildsoft has made it easier for the building industry to mo!e in local line
tendering and e-commerce methods of conducting business.
2n %alaysia, this Buildsoft software will be distributed by the local
company namely, %essrs. ;*6 "ales and "er!ice which is located at 8<1,
=alan =.<, aman %elawati, 8>.99 6uala ?umpur, %alaysia.







2.0 INTRODUCTION TO THE "BUILDSOFT# SYSTEM $CONT#D%


2.2 "B&'()*+,# -a./a0e) an( Fea,&re)

he packages a!ailable from the Buildsoft %ethod are as follows#-
a$

@lobal :stimating
b$

Affsider :stimating
c$

Buildsoft ake-Aff "ystem 'BA"$
d$

Bigitizer ake-Aff %odule
e$

Buildsoft :lectronic endering "ystem 'B:"$
f$

%aths %ate
g$

Bigitizer Boards
h$

"cale ?ink

<.<.. @lobal :stimating
@lobal :stimating is an estimating program that has been tailored for
commercial use in the building and construction industry. 2t produces Bills of
Quantities or detailed :stimates and *ost ;lans. Besigned primarily for use
by commercial building contractors and professional Quantity "ur!eyors it
includes features which allow it to be used in other industries where
estimating is required.
2nformation that is entered into the program can be re-sorted or
analyzed by the use of powerful grouping columns. +or e)ample, the estimate
can be summarized to produce totals by area, block, stage, cost centre,
accounting group, or any user defined set of codes.






<.<.. @lobal :stimating '*ontd$

he following are the features of global estimating system#-
a$ +our ?e!el :stimating
b$ Bill of Quantities ;roduction
c$ *ost ;lanning
d$ ;roCect -nalysis
e$ Bigitizer
f$ ;ricebook
g$ ake-Aff "chedules
h$ =ob "cheduling
C$ "ubcontractors *omparison
k$ ;rint ;re!iew
l$ :)porting/2mporting *apabilities
m$ Dariations
n$ "pelling *hecking
p$ "earching +unctions
q$ ables
r$ 3etworking system
s$ @raphical reports
t$ ;rogress claims/!aluation systems














<.<.< Affsider :stimating "ystem
Affsider is a well known -ustralian term which dictionaries define as a
partner or assistant. But Affsider as it is used in the building industry often
suggests a more crucial relationship, much like a !ery reliable and competent
mate. (e think that the user will come to regard your Affsider computer
program in this way.
Affsider is a program designed for builders and subcontractors working
in the housing industry. 2t is also designed for people with little or no
e)perience in using personal computers. Bespite this, the program is !ery
powerful and pro!ides comprehensi!e features which would not disappoint a
seasoned user.
he following are the features of Affsider :stimating "ystem#-
a$

> "ystem *omparison
b$

E ?e!el :stimating
c$

%aterial ake-Aff
d$

raining
e$

;ricebook
f$

"cheduling
g$

Ardering %odule
h$

Ardering %odule










<.<.> Bigitizer ake-Aff
he Bigitizer module is an add-on module for the Affsider ?2: and
Affsider :"2%-23@ systems.
he Bigitizer module is a!ailable from many screens in the program,
but will be used most from the rade Breakup and *alculation "heet screens.
"elect the Bigitizer icon and the software switches control, allowing
user to trace o!er the plan with a digitizer pen and automatically work out a
quantity.
2f the Bigitizer is called from the calculation sheet, the system can also
return lengths of each line which becomes useful when checking quantities at
a later date 'metric mode only$.

<.<.E Buildsoft :lectronic endering "ystem
-s a result of co-operation between Buildsoft and a committee of
twel!e of our @lobal users, a new module for the @lobal :stimating "ystem
called B:" has resulted.
+or the first time, B:" allows user to quickly break up a BAQ into
trade packages to send to selected subbies/suppliers !ia email, fa) or surface
mail for quoting.
B:" are an additional module to the @lobal :stimating "ystem and
free to all @lobal users. B:" will sa!e user time and money, and user will no
longer ha!e to send the bill out to a third party, thus pro!iding a le!el of in-
house con!enience not pre!iously a!ailable.




<.<.8

%aths %ate
%aths %ate is a handy and useful tool which helps you calculate lots of
results that you may ha!e forgotten how to. 2t will sa!e you from ha!ing to
look up those old formulas and con!ersion factors.
he features of the %aths %ate are as follows#-
a$ @eometric &esults
b$ +inancial &esults
c$ %etric *on!ersions
d$ Building +unctions
e$ "creenshots
<.<.1 Bigitizer Boards
he Bigitizer Boards are consists of *alcomp Brawing board, @*A
&oll5p 22 and "uper ? 222.

<.<.F "cale ?ink >.9
"cale-?ink is a take-off tool for entering scaled, linear measurements
from our prints, maps or plans into your Buildsoft software. =ust roll the scaler
wheel along our plan, and then click to instantly transfer the measurement into
our computer. "cale-?ink includes the ;lan(heel ;* "caler, &eady *onnect
software, protecti!e case and a one year warranty.
his take-off tool is used as an alternati!e to the %A module a!ailable
in Affsider ;lus and not actually in conCunction with it. he option to transfer
results from scale) pen to Buildsoft is a!ailable in all our estimating software
packages.



<.<.F "cale ?ink >.9 '*ontd$
he features of the scale link >.9 are as follows#-
a$

8< common scale factors in easy menu format
b$

%easures in metric
c$

wo user-defined scale factors for odd-scale prints
d$

-uto-scale works with reduced or enlarged prints or unknown scale
factor
e$

"caler may be disconnected and used by itself
f$

"caler adds in forwards, subtracts in re!erse
he following are the benefits of using Quantity "ur!eying software in
%alaysia#-
a$ :stimating ;urposes
he purpose of using Q" software is as to assist us in
preparation of estimates such as preliminary estimates,
appro)imate estimate, cost plans and the like. (e can do the
estimate by using the computer includes the taking-off, squaring,
summarized quantity, pricing and many more. "o, we are not
necessary to employ more staff to do it.

b$ ;reparation of bills of quantities
Buildsoft can be used for preparation of bills of quantities,
squaring, summarized quantity, standard description in the
library and finally we will get the draft bills of quantities. he
sequence of element, trade and items will be done by the
computer.

c$ ;reparation of proCect analysis
-ll the data from the different types of proCect can be sa!e in the
computer as a cost data for other future proCects. "o, we can
update our estimates by using the latest cost data in the
computer. +inally, our estimates and all rele!ant data are
updated and latest without any uncertainty rates and/or amount.








1.0 BENEFITS OF USING BUILDSOFT IN QUANTITY SURVEYING
FIRMS IN MALAYSIA $C*n,#(%

d$ Bigitizing
(e can sa!e the drawings in the computer if we use buildsoft
system. +rom the drawings and related details that we ha!e
safe, we can do the taking-off directly from that details and
finally we will get the quantity. he detail drawings can be sent
by the designers !ia e-mail to our computers in a few seconds
and not necessarily to be forwarded by courier or post. he
system for this type of measurement is called ,digitizer. he
method is by placing a digitizer pen to trace o!er the rele!ant
part of the plan and it will work out the required quantity. he
result from the digitizer module can be adopt to count, length
'liner meter/feet$, flat area, !ertical area, !ertical area without
opening, and etc. -ny deduction can be generated in that
system so the net quantity can be obtained.

e$ ime "peed
he speed of using buildsoft system is much acceptable when
we compared to other types of measurement method such as
traditional or manual method. (e can reduce time for squaring,
total-up figures, transferring quantity and whatsoe!er. 2f we use
manual system, we need a lot of staff to do the squaring,
checking errors, transfer quantity, proof reading and the like.
(hen we use the software package in Quantity "ur!eying work,
we can increase the speed of the task gi!en. he software can
manage e!erything from measurement to the completion the bill.




1.0 BENEFITS OF USING BUILDSOFT IN QUANTITY SURVEYING
FIRMS IN MALAYSIA $C*n,#(%

f$ 2nternet -ccessible
By using the buildsoft system, we can tender the proCect in kind
of e-tendering system. he contractor can price their tender in
their own computer and send it !ia e-mail to Q" office. "o, the
respecti!e Q" can do the tender assessment or !aluation in a
few hours, then the tender can be awarded early. 3o
arithmetical errors checking need to be done.

g$ &educe wastage of paper
(ith the usage of the on-line tendering system there is no
required of photocopying, mailing, fa)ing, and addressing
quotes to contractor, sub-contractor and suppliers. Quotes that
ha!e been returned back is already typed, in addition there is no
required of retyping, trying to translate handwritten scribble. he
system allows comparison between the !arious quotes in a like
section, and also to make final selections when the Cob has
closed.
(hen a Quantity "ur!eyor does the measurement, normally
they need a lot of paper for taking off sheets. (hen the
measurement are completed we are notices that we are use a
lot of taking off sheet for the one proCect and use lot of space to
keep them. By using the software the cost of paper can be
reduced, because we do the work through the monitor, so we do
the printing for final product only.
h$ "horter tendering period
-ll the superseded drawing and document e!en that required addendum
during the tendering process can be quickly updated. hus, any
addendum can be informed to the contractor, sub-contractor and
suppliers in a no time. his will reduce a lot of error especially in
tendering when the addendum is not taken into consideration by the
tenderers whereas it is a !alid document prior to the contract
implementation. "o, the tendering period is not necessarily to be
e)tended for addendum.

C$ ?ow ?abour *ost
he question isG why we use a lot of workers when one person can do it.
By using the software the company can reduce the cost of labour, whyH
By using the software the Cob came easy, so the person can handle the
Cob by it self, then the company no need to hire so many workers. +or
e)ample, compare to the manual system we need at lease < or > workers
for one Cob, one for measurement, one for preparing the bill and another
one for squaring. But by using the software all this kind of work can be
done by one person, because the software is add on that such kind of
Cob.









1.0 BENEFITS OF USING BUILDSOFT IN QUANTITY SURVEYING
FIRMS IN MALAYSIA $C*n,#(%

k$ *entralized "torage of Bata
-ll the storage data is well manage by the software, e!erything in
sequences, so it easy to refer, low risk of losing data. 2t also can be a
library for the workers who need the information, where e!erybody can
enter the sources with the password. But for the manual system we need
search the data through the paper, and it not well manage, because who
handle the Cob, that person keep the data. "o, when other person needs
the data, he must refer the person who handles that Cob.

l$ &educe space for storage
2t is most practically if we are using this software, it can reduce space for
filing storage compared to con!entional method which is in!ol!es a lot of
papers, files, racks and the like. 3o more taking-off sheets or hard copy working
list scatter in the office. -ll files can be sa!ed in the computer together with the
back-up file.
m$ ;ricing of BQ
he price book allows the user to price bills of quantities by selecting the
information of prices that kept in it. Aption can be made for one item
because it can ha!e rates from multiple suppliers. he search functions will
allow the user to locate items anywhere within the price book for make a
comparison between the prices of the items. his can make the user get a
comfortable price for such items and assured with it.

n$ 7igh initial cost
(hen we compared to the con!entional method, the initial cost for
installation of Buildsoft software will be high which not less than &%
<8,899.99 per 8 users.
DISADVANTAGES OF USING BUILDSOFT IN QUANTITY SURVEYING
FIRMS IN MALAYSIA

a$ ;ermanently deleted
he Cob file that had been created in Buildsoft will be
permanently deleted when we do the amendment on the
e)isting data. 2ts mean the amendment that had been done
cannot be called back. "o the user must be carefully in doing
the amendment.

b$ yping errors

his software has not created to check or identify the typing
errors like numbers or figure that already type in. (e ha!e to
use human skill to check the errors. +or an e)ampleG we want to
put 1.01m length but we was type in 1.10m in the computer. "o
the figure will be wrong because its human errors. his method
of BQ preparation will need e)tra time to key-in the figure into
the computer to a!oid the mistakes or errors.

c$ Dirus -ttack
Dirus attack is common problem to all the computer users
especially using internet. he user should ha!e licensed anti-
!irus software so that the !irus definition can be updated daily.
he software can detect the !irus attack and quarantined or
killed the !irus and also protect the computer and system. he
problem is when no anti-!irus was installed, the !irus can attack
the computer system and also all the content of the computer. 2f
this happen, the data may be lost and may be can not be
reco!ered by any means.
d$ 7igh 5tility Bills
7igh utility bill is really a subCecti!e matter. (ith the usage of
the system, it required electricity, internet connection and not to
forget the initial cost of installation of the software. 2n the other
hand, it reduce the manpower consumption at the o!erall
process such as taking-off, photocopying, mailing, fa)ing and
etc. as been elaborate at the benefit of the system.
8.. *ost *omparison

he following are cost comparison for installation between Buildsoft
software and others software like &ipac, (esse) and Q"%. +or easier the
comparison cost comparison for each software Cust co!er for 8 users only.

.. B52?B"A+ "A+(-&:

Ane %ain 5ser I &% .9,999.99

J

E users ) &%>,999.99 I &% .<,999.99

J

3etworking I &% >,999.99
---------------------
RM 223200.00
IIIIIIIIIIII

<. &2;-* "A+(-&:

Ane %ain 5ser I &% <9,999.99

J

E users ) &%>,999.99 I &% .<,999.99
----------------------
RM 223200.00
IIIIIIIIIIIII
>.(:"":K"A+(-&:
Ane %ain 5serI &%<8,999.99
J
E users )&%>,999.99I &%.<,999.99
----------------------
RM143000.00
IIIIIIIIIIIII
E.Q"%"A+(-&:
Ane %ain 5serI &%..,999.99
J
E users )&%>,999.99I &%.<,999.99
----------------------
RM213000.00
IIIIIIIIIIIII
C*56ar')*n 7e,8een B&'()*+, an( C*n9en,'*na Me,:*(

2n terms of the system, by using the Buildsoft software we can upgrade
the quality of Bills of Quantities. (e are also need not necessary to create
new form to type in data because of e!erything is ready in forms and we Cust
type the data directly.
2n terms of cost, the number of staff that is necessary to do the
measurement is low when we compared with con!entional method. +or
e)ampleG we ha!e one block of ten storey building to be measured. By using
the Buildsoft system, we only need one staff for key in the data from the
drawings. But when we use con!entional method, we need to employ one or
many other staff for taking-off, one staff for squaring, one or more staff for
key-in the bills of quantities and one more staff for proof reading. -s an
e)ample, the following are the cost comparison between these two systems#-


3o.

ask

"alary
'%onthly$
'&%$
Buildsoft %ethod *on!entional
%ethod
3o.of
"taff
*ost
'&%$
3o.of
"taff
*ost
'&%$

..

aking-off

.,899.99

<

>,999.99

>

E,899.99


<.

"quaring

.,<99.99

-

-

.

.,<99.99


>.

6ey-in
data/BQ

.,<99.99

-

-

.

.,<99.99


E.

;roof reading

.,999.99

-

-

.

.,999.99


TOTAL
COST


13000.00

43;00.00
<.0

CONCLUSION

-s a conclusion, we would like to highlight that the Buildsoft system is
most practical to be used in Quantity "ur!eying firms because of the following
reasons#-
.$

:asy to use and understand
<$

*heaper than other types of Q" softwares such as (esse)
>$

%ost popular than other types of software ' please refer to the
list of Q" firm that using this software in the -ppendi) ,-$
E$

%ultipurpose use such as estimating, preparation of bills of
quantities, cost data storage, e-tendering, networking and many
more
8$

&educe number of staff when we compared to traditional
method
.$

(eb "ite # http#//www.buildsoft.com.au
<$

Buildsoft pamphlet # Buildsoft ;ty ?td.
>$

Buildsoft 5ser @uide L @lobal :stiamating Dolume . M <