Technology: A boon in a civil work tender process Construction and Real Estate

Historically, invitations to tender, specifications, bills of quantities and other contract-related documents have been initiated and exchanged in paper form. Whereas today we sit in a highly automated/computerized world where collaborative and comprehensive software tools can not only support the complete process of tendering but also aid us in taking communication further virtually. This can be done with almost no manual interventions i.e. electronically. Documents in the current high technology-driven environment get exchanged on websites, by email and on portable data storage devices, such as DVDs, CD-ROMs and memory cards.

The initial comprehensive software tools were intricate in the early 1970s which supported tendering procedures. Commencing with the punch card systems, the development of more such helpful tools led to new forms of data exchange. Since then, with the massive possibilities and reach provided by the internet, perceptual barriers have also been broken down. Computers can exchange tender information anywhere worldwide in real-time and digital signatures can ensure that they are binding authentically. 

These civil work tendering software tools support this process from the very beginning i.e. the preparation of the bill of quantities. A tender document can be generated with the help of the stored database. It will collaborate information from a building model on one side with predefined specifications on the other side. Quantities can be hence calculated and tender documents can be generated with ease digitally. 

It also allows scope for tender flexibility. While the construction process is on old measurements can be altered or new measurements can be filed and included. These smart digital systems additionally, update the volume and item list automatically, releasing you from the stressful job of manual recalculations. 

The biggest advantage of this Digitally transferring the bill of quantities in a civil work tender structure not only saves time but also resources like money and manpower. On the basis of this fully automated information, the tenderer is able to calculate a price. Their tender is passed backed to the client, again digitally, and all the tender documents received can be compared electronically. As a result, a schedule of prices can be created by the client’s software allowing bids to be evaluated against a range of criteria. Before the contract is awarded, modifications resulting from tender negotiations or changes in conditions, contingency items, cancelled items or price changes can all be included in the final contract documents.

The main types of software used for the tendering process are listed below:

Preparation of specifications and bills of quantities:

Software tools for the preparation of specifications and bills of quantities automatically relate measurement data to the corresponding specification texts according to a given item structure. The specifications are based on technical norms and can usually be inserted as standard text blocks.

Costing and accounting:

Software tools for costing and accounting support cost estimation and analysis. These applications are not only used by tenderers but also by clients. Tenderers use these estimations to evaluate tender proposals shared and clients use it as a bench march to understand estimated project costs. Costs can be estimated and controlled on the basis of data from the bill of quantities.

Comparative analysis of unit prices:

When you want to compare various tender applications, comparative analysis of unit price software tools are widely utilized to choose between several tenderers. Predefined evaluation criteria highlight differences between tenders and support the decision-making process.

Web-based e-tendering:

Web-based e-tendering supports the tendering process in various ways. Renowned tender aggregators online publish tenders from various online platforms and print media, making lucrative live tenders documents available to you. Just not that, post which you can submit your tender application with the respective required documents all electronically, making the process more transparent and robust. Know more about the E-tendering procedure in India and how to apply for tenders online.