Trimble Introduces New Data Preparation and Takeoff Modules for Trimble Business Center - Heavy Construction Edition Software

Office Software Platform Streamlines Construction Data Activities from Initial Takeoff through Project Completion

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Apr 19, 2010, 06:32 ET

MUNICH, April 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Trimble (Nasdaq: TRMB) introduced today Trimble® Business Center-Heavy Construction Edition (HCE) version 2.0 with new Data Preparation and Takeoff Modules. This latest software version offers specialized tools for professionals involved in quantities takeoff, bid preparation and estimation; data preparation; and transfer of data to and from field crews and machine control systems. With Trimble Business Center office software, contractors can now use the same design data throughout the entire lifecycle of a construction project, saving time and cost over using multiple software packages. Plus, with more accurate volume and material costs calculated upfront, contractors can feel more confident of their bid accuracy and potentially win more business.

The announcement was made today at Bauma 2010, the world's largest construction equipment exposition.

Using Trimble Business Center - HCE, there is no interruption of the data workflow. Contractors can complete the initial estimation, data prep, and planning phases of the project faster and proceed quicker to the actual construction site work where they make money. Trimble Business Center – HCE version 2.0 automates the tasks associated with estimation and takeoff, while improving estimation accuracy and eliminating manual calculation errors.

Software Designed for the Realities of Construction

Trimble Business Center-HCE was designed specifically for heavy construction applications and incorporates the required geodetic parameters to successfully implement GNSS-based machine control and site positioning systems. The software uses real world construction objects such as surfaces, subgrades, materials and site improvements with associated material costs and attributes. This functionality is especially useful for estimating material expansion and compaction or computing loose haulage volumes and material shrinkage due to compaction.

Trimble Business Center - HCE also benefits from a tight integration with construction site positioning, surveying and machine control systems from Trimble. The workflows and databases are designed specifically for contractors and engineers — making it more intuitive and delivering more intelligent data for construction operations than traditional CAD-based products.

New Data Preparation Module - Automating the Tedious and Repetitive Tasks of Data Prep

The new Data Preparation Module for site and road modeling facilitates the creation of design models from imported digital data, CAD files, manually entered information or digitized plans. The same highly accurate design models created in the early project phases can then serve as the basis for work-in-progress volume calculations, stakeout activities, and later earthworks.

Takeoff Module

Fast and accurate estimation and takeoff can give contractors the competitive edge in today's tough construction market, potentially helping them win more bids and make more money.

The new Takeoff Module addresses mass earthworks, topsoil handling, existing in-ground site improvement demolition, and proposed site improvement construction. The Takeoff Module computes volumes, areas, lengths, and material counts, allowing contractors to accurately quantify site improvements and needed materials. It also considers material procurement and installation costs in arriving at the total bid unit cost and can often eliminate overage costs that result from miscalculation during the estimation process.

Detailed takeoff reports can be printed, saved as a PDF file, or exported to Microsoft Excel for incorporation into the overall bid package. Estimators can determine bank cut/fill and hauling bulkage volumes, considering subsurface strata and their individual properties, and compute similar volumes for topsoil stripping and replacement. Areas, volumes, and weights for asphalt, concrete, base, and other materials can be calculated.

The Trimble Business Center – Heavy Construction Edition core product remains mass distributable at no charge. Contractors can download the software and use it on as many computers as needed. Add-on functionality such as the new Data Preparation and Takeoff Modules require a seat license.

Trimble Business Center – HCE version 2.0 is expected to be available in the second quarter of 2010 through Trimble's worldwide Heavy and Highway Construction Distribution Channel.

About Trimble's Heavy and Highway Division

Trimble's Heavy and Highway Division is a leading innovator of productivity solutions for the heavy and highway contractor. Trimble's solutions leverage a variety of technologies, including Global Positioning System (GPS), construction lasers, total stations, wireless data communications, the Internet, and application software. As part of the Trimble Connected Site™ strategy, these solutions provide a high-level of process and workflow integration from the design phase through to the finished project — delivering significant improvements in productivity throughout the construction lifecycle.

About Trimble

Trimble applies technology to make field and mobile workers in businesses and government significantly more productive. Solutions are focused on applications requiring position or location — including surveying, construction, agriculture, fleet and asset management, public safety and mapping. In addition to utilizing positioning technologies, such as GPS, lasers and optics, Trimble solutions may include software content specific to the needs of the user. Wireless technologies are utilized to deliver the solution to the user and to ensure a tight coupling of the field and the back office. Founded in 1978, Trimble is headquartered in Sunnyvale, Calif.

For more information, visit: www.trimble.com.

GTRMB

SOURCE Trimble