In 1995, we were getting requests to estimate diverse types of projects—including infrastructure, utilities, process and building construction. We needed a high-quality estimating solution, flexible enough for our immediate customer demands and for our future growth. After much research and interviews, we settled on a WinEst, a new entry into the construction software industry. After meeting with Ammon Cookson of Solid Solutions International, we were offered the software at a discount, with direct access to the WinEst programmers.
Challenges
Trials & Promotion of a New Software
As we used the software ourselves—and as the relationships blossomed with both Solid Solutions and WinEstimator, we were recruited to participate in software demonstrations throughout the Eastern US—some of which were large, interactive settings:
2 Year Training Participation
High Marks from the Participants, including our delivery style
Traveled throughout the Midwest and Southeast to provide our services on behalf of our clients
Features
Solutions Provided to Many Different Companies Across the Eastern US
February 19-26, 1996 in Akron, Ohio
City of Akron, Bureau of Engineering
24 Students
April 26-30, 1996 in Atlanta, Georgia
Catapult Software Training Centers
15 Students
Some of the participants included:
Forsythe Technical Community College
The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)
Ashland Chemical
Results
Benefits of True Collaboration
Working with Solid Solutions helped us to expand the market for this Dayton, Ohio-based company. By using the software ourselves—and helping others train, purchase and implement WinEst, we became trusted advisors and helped WinEst improve their software solution through upgrades and newer releases. As a result, we also fully developed our own estimating process at MCR and became expert estimators.
