Overhauling estimating workflows might seem daunting, yet for Rogers Group, implementing HeavyBid and HeavyBid Pre-Construction did the trick.
The Issue
Running into some serious roadblocks with their estimating process, Rogers Group faced a common dilemma: project information was all over the place, systems weren’t talking to each other, and much of the work relied on manual entry. Bid schedules were tracked via scattered Excel files, contacts were inconsistently stored, and performance insights were often based on gut instinct rather than solid data.
The Solution
To turn things around, Rogers Group rolled out HeavyBid along with HeavyBid Pre-Construction. This move brought everything into one centralized workflow, enabling live updates to bid schedules, streamlined contact management, and real-time KPI tracking. The seamless integration between HeavyBid and Pre-Construction cut out repetitive data entry and gave everyone, from office staff to teams in the field, access to the latest info—instantly.
The Outcome
With the new system in place, Rogers Group became far more efficient, reducing errors in the pre-construction phase. Estimators could tap into historical data, work more closely with vendors, and prepare bids with greater accuracy. What used to be a reactive process is now strategic from the get-go, having implemented a smarter, streamlined approach.
“Since making the switch to HeavyBid and adding Pre-Con, the process is so simple and user-friendly.”
– Robert Burrill, Estimator III, Rogers Group
Rogers Group’s Estimating Journey
As the largest privately-owned aggregate producer in the United States, Rogers Group felt a need to modernize and streamline its pre-construction estimating process. With over 85 quarries, 55 asphalt plants, and more than 3,000 employees, this was no doubt a construction company that required a more cohesive and efficient workflow to keep up with its rapidly growing operations.
Before implementing HeavyBid Pre-Construction, the Rogers Group estimating team faced a number of challenges:
- Project information was scattered across Excel workbooks, email threads, and network drives.
- Contact data was inconsistent and hard to access.
- Bid dates and schedules were not updated in real-time.
- Key performance indicators (KPIs) were difficult to track, leading to reliance on gut instinct.
“Prior to Pre-Con, we would have the estimating team bid schedule saved in an Excel workbook,” says Robert Burrill, Estimator for Rogers Group. “Maybe the bid schedule was being emailed out to the estimating team and maybe other stakeholders.”
This fragmentation often caused frustration and duplicated efforts, along with increasing the risk of errors.
A Seamless Workflow with HeavyBid and Pre-Construction
With the adoption of HeavyBid Pre-Construction, Rogers Group centralized its entire estimating process. Since the tool integrates directly with HeavyBid, it allows teams to streamline workflows, from tracking project opportunities to submitting accurate bids. Bid schedules can now be adjusted and shared in real-time, giving all stakeholders instant access to the latest information.
“One of the really cool things I like are bid schedules are live,” Burrill states. “Those adjustments take place immediately. And so folks who are looking to get the up-to-date information can log on and see that right away.”
Previously, contacts were all over the place via a combination of Outlook, spreadsheets, or various CRMs. Now, the Pre-Construction contact management tool ties project contacts directly to estimates.
“We just recently pushed everything over here,” Burrill notes. “I started the process, I went out to lunch, came back, and it was all on here. This makes it easier for teams to quote the right vendors and track interactions without relying on informal or inconsistent data sources.”
By syncing estimates and centralizing their data, Rogers Group eliminated redundant data entry, increased accuracy, and made better-informed decisions using real-time insights. Similarly, instead of relying on anecdotal knowledge, estimators can now view and analyze historical estimate performance to guide new bids.
Pro Tips from Rogers Group Estimator Robert Burrill
Looking for a quick cheat sheet? As a true “super user” of HCSS HeavyBid and Pre-Construction, Robert Burrill has a few tips for what makes the software so beneficial to the estimating process.
Centralize Your Data: “You’re putting the information into one location. You’re not having to put information in this Excel workbook for this case and this one for that.”
Use Quick Price Sheet: “The quick price sheet tool is really helpful—gives you a rough idea on where this one’s going to land.”
Estimate Insights: Create custom KPIs, filter data by client, region, or job type, and exclude irrelevant or sandbox estimates from performance reports. “Get those set up in HeavyBid and push them out. [They’re] ready to go every single time.”
Leverage Contact Management: “Perfect example of garbage in, garbage out. Recommend getting as much information in here as you can.”
Calendar Integration: Scheduling is now connected directly with Outlook, making it easier to manage bid dates, reviews, and meetings from anywhere. “Whether I’m traveling or I’m out in the field, I have all that information accessible on my phone, on Outlook, on Microsoft Teams.”
By bringing in HeavyBid and HeavyBid Pre-Construction, Rogers Group has completely transformed its approach to estimating. With everything in one place—including live schedules, historical data, and real-time updates—their team isn’t just working faster; they’re working smarter. This results in less frustration and a serious edge in the competitive world of heavy civil construction.
Ready for Similar Results?
If you’re an HCSS customer, HeavyBid Pre-Construction is already included in your HeavyBid subscription. Turn on Pre-Con today to streamline your estimating workflows like Rogers Group.
