Construction Dive Webinar: How to Make the Bid Leveling Process Easier

Introduction

This tutorial focuses on enhancing the bid leveling process in construction using modern technology, particularly through the use of bid leveling software like DESTINI Bid Day. The insights presented are based on a webinar featuring industry experts who shared their experiences and strategies for overcoming common challenges in the bid day process.

Step 1: Identify Current Challenges

Understanding the traditional pitfalls of the bid leveling process is essential for improvement. Key issues include:

• Difficulty in preparing ahead of time.
• Challenges in viewing and comparing bids effectively.
• Complications when team members fall behind.
• Time lost managing spreadsheets.
• Lack of collaborative tools leading to inefficiencies.

Practical Advice:

• Conduct a team meeting to discuss specific challenges faced during past bid days.
• Document these challenges to create a clear picture of what needs improvement.

Step 2: Embrace Technology

Transitioning from outdated methods like Excel to more collaborative software can significantly streamline the bid leveling process. DESTINI Bid Day offers several advantages:

• Real-time collaboration allowing multiple users to work on the same file simultaneously.
• Centralized storage of historical bid data for easy access.
• Automated calculations reducing manual errors.

Practical Advice:

• Research and evaluate various bid leveling software options to find one that suits your team's needs.
• Schedule a demo with software providers to see the tools in action.

Step 3: Implement Collaborative Practices

Once you have chosen a bid leveling software, focus on establishing collaborative practices:

• Train your team on how to use the new software effectively.
• Encourage open communication during the bid day process using tools like Slack or Microsoft Teams.

Practical Advice:

• Set up a trial period where your team can use the software for a smaller project before fully implementing it on larger bids.
• Designate team members as champions of the new software to assist others during the transition.

Step 4: Establish a Standardized Approach

Creating a standardized process for bid leveling will help reduce confusion and errors:

• Develop templates within the software that can be used for different types of bids.
• Set clear roles and responsibilities for each team member during the bid day process.

Practical Advice:

• Hold a workshop to create the templates and ensure that all team members understand how to use them.
• Regularly update these templates based on feedback and new learnings.

Step 5: Monitor and Adjust

After implementing your new processes, it's crucial to monitor their effectiveness and make adjustments as needed:

• Gather feedback from the team after each bid day to identify what worked and what didn’t.
• Make data-driven decisions to refine your processes continuously.

Practical Advice:

• Schedule regular check-ins to discuss the bid leveling process and implement improvements.
• Use performance metrics to assess how the new software and processes are impacting efficiency and accuracy.

Conclusion

Enhancing the bid leveling process is achievable through the adoption of technology and collaborative practices. By identifying challenges, embracing software solutions, and establishing standardized approaches, construction teams can significantly improve efficiency and reduce risks on bid day. Moving forward, consider implementing these strategies and continuously seek feedback to refine your processes for even greater success.