Outsourcing the estimation of your façade projects to Facade Metrics can offer huge benefits however, lets address the elephant in the room. There are several key concerns that companies should keep in mind to ensure the process runs smoothly. Here are our top five and how we deal with them.
1. Accuracy and Quality Control
Concern: One of the biggest risks is that outsourced estimators may not be as familiar with the specifics of a project or the company’s standards.
Mitigation: Facade Metrics work collaboratively with our clients from the outset to ensure we have a deep understanding of the façade systems you use, materials, and labour rates. Establish clear quality control processes and review estimates thoroughly before final approval, providing a comprehensive handover pack.
2. Communication and Collaboration
Concern: Outsourcing often involves teams that are located remotely, possibly in different time zones or cultural contexts. Miscommunication or lack of effective collaboration between your in-house team and outsourced estimators can lead to discrepancies in project requirements.
Mitigation: Regular, clear communication protocols will be set up. Using collaborative tools like Microsoft OneDrive to share information and clear monitoring of your estimate’s progress which help bridge the gap between teams and build trust. If we need to contact suppliers our preference is to be issued with a company email, so that all correspondence is consistent.
3. Confidentiality and Intellectual Property (IP)
Concern: Outsourcing estimating involves sharing sensitive project information, including client data, design documents, and proprietary knowledge. There is a risk of this information being exposed or misused by the external party.
Mitigation: Facade metrics have no problem signing of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) and establish clear data security protocols. To ensure that we deal with your information sensitively and confidentially.
4. Turnaround Time and Availability
Concern: Estimation is often time-sensitive, especially when responding to bids or proposals. Outsourced firms may have multiple clients, leading to delays in receiving estimates or not meeting tight deadlines.
Mitigation: Facade Metrics set clear deadlines and service-level agreements (SLAs) upfront. We will be as flexible as we can and feel that honesty is the best policy when giving timescales of deadlines. Regular meetings to discuss upcoming workload can allow Facade metrics to pencil in resources ahead of time so as not to disappoint.
5. Loss of Control Over the Estimation Process
Concern: Outsourcing may lead to a feeling of losing control over key project decisions, such as cost drivers or material choices, as these decisions are being made by an external team rather than your own.
Mitigation: Facade Metrics are your business partner, we work with you to establish clear oversight and management of the processes. The client still maintains full control over the process and material/labour rates, we insist on regular check-ins to review the estimates at different milestones and a final signoff/handover meeting when the estimate of take-off is completed.
