269 East Grand takeoff

On Screen Takeoff was used to get the takeoffs for 269 East Grand.

Using the estimating template and usual a 'manual' back check, I was able to identify a few mistakes that were made using OST.  Some were simply human errors when copying and pasting - a few items were not copied.  There was also some rounding 'errors' where the template rounded up while OST was a bit more accurate.  Also where using the 'manual' method, general larger sizes were used to calculate footages, while again OST was a bit more accurate.
There was a bit of a learning curve in understanding what was taken off and how it was labeled and how it corresponded to the estimating template, for example, anchors should have been embeds. 

Despite these few differences, understanding how the takeoff was done and what numbers were used in the template, the data came to be quite close.  When rounding onto the template - the rounded number came out to be the same using either the OST number or the number from the template.  This was reassuring knowing that the data can be trusted a bit more.

Video Tutorials posted

Two more video tutorials were created today.  They are demonstrating the first things that have to get done before you can even start using On Screen Takeoff.  The first is, creating your PDF that you will be working from.  The second is, to get that PDF imported into On Screen Takeoff.

These first two steps are truly what needs to be done first, in order to get started in On Screen Takeoff. 

Videos are here:

EXTRACTING PDFS
IMPORTING PDF

Video tutorials are on the way

I have had a few technical difficulties and trials that I had to get through, but I'm happy to say it is now worked out.  I have the software now that will allow me to record me screen, edit my video, and add voice narration afterwards.  I also now have a microphone that picks up the sound clearly and at the appropriate volume.
Needless to say, my first video tutorial for On Screen Takeoff is now published on You Tube.  It has been added to the OST playlist on the Walt Wolf You Tube channel.  Here's a direct link to this first video, if you're curious.  FIRST OST VIDEO TUTORIAL
I've added a link to the video on the How To Takeoff page on this blog and the playlist is now linked on the Videos page of this blog.

At this beginning stage, I will send emails to the team to let them know when new videos are uploaded.  Eventually I hope the team is checking back frequently or subscribed to the You Tube channel, so the email from me will not be needed.  Until then, I will let the team know and request for feedback to ensure the quality and content of the tutorials meet the needs of everyone.

Thank you all for your patience as I now begin to roll out these videos.

Ezlie

OST You Tube Playlist

Click HERE to access the W&W You Tube playlist.  This playlist will be the host of all W&W video tutorials made for On Screen Takeoff.  Videos will be added frequently - especially at this beginning stage, so check back often.

OST on training computer

Today, with the help of James B., I was able to get OST on the main training computer in the annex.  This will now allow training videos to be made using Camtasia. 
Also, OST can now be used in kick off meetings that almost always occur in the training room.  Takeoffs can be viewed on screen to be visible for all during the meeting - which can be a useful tool.

Welcome to On Screen Takeoff!



On Screen Takeoff is an easy to learn construction estimating and takeoff software program, that has been welcomed into the constantly improving atmosphere of Walters and Wolf. 

This new software has many features and tools that can be utilized to make consistent and accurate takeoffs and budgets.  Like any new tool, there is a learning curve.  As a team we plan to learn together.  This blog intends to be your one stop to get tutorials, tips, and information on Walters and Wolf's standard setup and processes with this software.

 

Feel free to browse through the pages of the blog to find what you are looking for.  This site will be developing, so check back often to see the latest updates.