But now that information is easily digitized into the computer and interfaced with other sophisticated hardware, such as the stylus (mounted on a drafting board) which actually "reads" blueprints (calculates quantities). The information shared between the stylus and The Edge software on the computer’s hard drive results in cost, labor and material calculations, the latter which are accurate to within hundredths of an inch.

"We have a lot more flexibility now because of this technology."

       Brian Conn, Estimator/Project Manager
       The Corcoran Company

"The level of accuracy of this system is amazing," says Conn.  "And we have a lot more flexibility now with this technology." 

Using the stylus to redraw the plans, the software immediately recalculates the numbers based upon the alterations. The addition or elimination of walls, for instance, is literally a matter of drawing or erasing a few lines. The new data is entered into the system automatically.

The skill of The Corcoran Company estimators, enhanced by such technical advances, helps keep change order requests to a minimum.

The skill of The Corcoran Company estimators, enhanced by such technical advances as The Edge software, helps keep change order requests to a minimum.  By doing their homework accurately in the estimating process, the chances for surprises later on are dramatically reduced.  Additional benefits to the software include the ability to minimize material waste. "This software can tell us whether we should buy nine-foot or eight-foot eight-inch sheets of drywall for a specific wall," says Conn.

The automated calculations also help with labor schedules, a critical aspect to they drywall industry where the quality of work weighs heavily upon the workmanship.

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